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.”
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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.
Of Course!
Absolutely they should air it…Merlin has become a Saturday night tradition for my family. It really stinks there are only 13 episodes per season and the WAIT until the next season starts is a bit ridiculous. We can’t wait for Season 3!!!
I completely agree with you. I have been able to see all of the first 2 seasons and can’t wait to see more. It is good entertainment, humor, and feeling.
I loved the show, and I’d love to see the second season on NBC. Pleeeease let them show it!
I watch the show in the States. I wasn’t sure about the changes to the mythical character and the storyline, but I got used to it. I’d like to see NBC pick it up again. But the day & time slot for the show should change target an audience that will increase its ratings–like Saturday’s
NBC should definitely pick Merlin up again this summer! It’s a fantastic show! I’ve been watching all of Season 2 online out of necessity, but I’d love to see it on a real TV! As others have mentioned, they should give it a better time slot. They spend so much money creating new content during the summer and it’s usually pretty crappy – they should show Merlin, which is QUALITY programming instead! And I’m waiting for the series DVDs here in the US. I’m tempted to buy them off of Amazon.co.uk and just watch them on my laptop – that’s… Read more »
I watched the first season of Merlin on NBC and fell in love with it. I would be so happy if NBC decided to air the second and third season. When I heard the second season was playing in the UK but not the US I ended up watching the episodes online. However, I would rather prefer to watch the series on television. Either way, I’m buying the seasons on DVD. Absolutely LOVE Merlin!
If NBC doesn’t pick it up they should just switch it over to SyFy. They’re both owned by Universal so it shouldn’t be a problem. It probably should have aired there in the US to begin with.
I sent NBC a comment over a month ago – letting them know that they lost me as a viewer when they took Merlin off. They have so much sports on that channel it’s insane. Nothing of quality anymore – and I agree with everything all the people above have said. What more can you say?
I’l go nuts if the theird season dosnt air. I would buy the seasons on DVD regardless of its aired or not. Its an fantastic show.
My biggest thanks to the creators of Merlin!!
So, why doesn’t BBC One air Merlin season 2 on BBC America? Does NBC have first rights to it?
i love this show-i watched the first two seasons online in a week! and finals week at that!! i would just cry if it didn’t keep going and didn’t air in the US!! please!!!
If NBC decides not to show Merlin, I’ll just buy the DVD and turn off NBC altogether!!
Series 2 has been outstanding. It will be a real loss to American television if this show is not picked up for broadcast here. While the ratings were “low” last summer, I would contend that ANY summer show struggles and that NBC did very little advertising . Further, they adjusted the schedule sufficiently to cause issues. A winter show would suit this program (and it’s audience) far better than Summer as the younger target audience is still outside. Still, the series deserves an airing, perhaps start in late May and keep the day/time consistent. Advertise and put the books in… Read more »
i absolutely love this show. please, please, please give us more! 😀