As Merlin wraps up its second season on the air in the UK, the cast and crew have received some good news. They’ll be going back to work for a third round of episodes.
Merlin tells the story of the legendary wizard’s early adulthood, living in the court of King Uther, Arthur’s father. The series features Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius, and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon.
In the UK, the ratings were strong enough for BBC One to renew Merlin for a second season back in December 2008. Season two began airing in September 2009 and will finish on December 19th. While viewership has dropped a bit, the ratings are high enough for BBC One to greenlight a third season.
In a statement, Controller Drama Commissioning Ben Stephenson said, “With its mix of magic, adventure and humour, Merlin is perfect Saturday-evening family television, and we are thrilled that Shine Television will be creating a new series for BBC One. I’m looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three.”
 Loading ... |
Johnny Capps, Executive Producer of Shine Television (which produces the show), added, “Merlin is ready to burst back onto BBC One with more action, romance and, of course, magic to delight fans of all ages. After the thrilling finale of the current series audiences will be left wondering what happens next — and with so many of Merlin and Arthur’s adventures yet to unfold, we can’t wait to continue the story.”
Unfortunately, it’s still up in the air as to when or if the second or third season of Merlin will be shown in the US. An NBC network spokesperson tells us that the network has yet to make a decision on whether they will air another season. The ratings for season one weren’t very strong so, realistically, the chances don’t look all that good.
If NBC decides to air season two of Merlin, the series probably won’t come back until next summer, at the earliest.
If NBC doesn’t want it, the series could be picked up by another outlet. Or, at the very least, fans will eventually be able to purchase season DVDs. The first season has already been released in the UK and will no doubt be released in the US.
What do you think? Would you like to see NBC air the second and third seasons of Merlin? Would you buy them on DVD?
Image courtesy BBC One.
PLEASE, NBC, bring Merlin back. We LOVED the first season…had to wait forever for season 2, but SyFy aired it (Thank you SyFy!!!). So many crime shows on, which seems to be all the networks air, but Merlin is such a delight and a fantasy we can thoroughly enjoy and escape into. We love Merlin! Please bring it back!
Please continue showing Merlin — it is one of the few TV series I enjoy and I love programs and movies with fantasy and magic.
I simply love the Merlin series! Start showing it earlier in the US! Please Keep it playing on SyFy!
(Imagine Greater)
I absolutly love the series♥ Can’t wait to see the third season on US television…….:)
Merlin is an compelling series…i love turning the channel and watching it..my eyes dont ever leave the screen….i wonder when he will reveal his secret…overall i just cant wait to see the next season…please i begg u to bring it back
My whole family LOVES this series. We always watch it together; it is a wonderful show. We would be disapointed if the third season did not air in the US, but we would continuing loving the show and just have to wait to buy the DVD.
Merlin is a great show!! It has many fans in the US and we would like to see the third seaon!
I love Merlin!! Watch it faithfully with friends and family. The season finale had an end note that said Merlin would be back!! We are all counting the days. What a fun and enjoyable show . We need to learn more about what happens to the Dragon. This show has many loyal fans. SYFI rules!!
I love Merlin. It is a great escape into magic and secret identities, intrigue, adventure, laughter, close friendship and family. I saw Colin Morgan on a Doctor Who episode and love him as Merlin. Ofcourse, big fan of Anthony Head. As an American, I love a show with all the British accents. I hope SyFy continues airing it; who cares about NBC.
we’ll be buying all seasons on dvd at some point…hopefully they air them as well
Who cares about NBC. I’ve been watching Merlin on SyFy. I’m happy there will be a Season 3, and I hope SyFy picks it up. I never heard of Colin Morgan, but I have grown to admire him for his portrayal of the young Merlin. He’s adorable and cleverly funny!
I’m verry excited and cannot wait to Merlin 3rd season. When it will be playin in Indonesia by the way?
I would love to see season three please don’t take forever this show is awesome.
I love this series, please air the third season!
Yes!! We want to see season three when it is available. Watched season one on hulu.com and season two on youtube.com (thanks Alexander!!), and now can’t wait for season three’s thrills! Bring it on!!