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{{Short description|British fantasy-adventure television series (2008–2012)}}
{{For|the 1998 mini-series|Merlin (film)}}
{{For|the 1998 miniseries|Merlin (miniseries)}}
{{Article issues|cleanup=March 2009|prose=March 2009|refimprove=March 2009|tooshort=March 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}

{{Infobox Television
{{Infobox television
| show_name = Merlin
| image = Merlin - Screen Capture.jpg
| image = [[Image:Merlintitlesequence.jpg|250px]]
| genre = [[Medieval fantasy]]<br />[[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]
| caption = Title sequence to ''Merlin''
| company = [[Shine TV]]
| creator = Julian Jones<br />Jake Michie<br />[[Johnny Capps]]<br />Julian Murphy
| show_name_2 =
| genre = Drama/Fantasy
| starring = {{Plainlist|
*[[Colin Morgan]]
| company = [[Shine Limited|Shine Television]]
*[[Angel Coulby]]
| director =
*[[Bradley James]]
| creator = Julian Jones<br />Jake Michie<br />Johnny Capps<br />Julian Murphy
*[[Katie McGrath]]
| developer =
*[[Anthony Head]]
| starring = [[Colin Morgan]]<br />[[Angel Coulby]]<br />[[Bradley James (actor)|Bradley James]]<br />[[Katie McGrath]]<br />[[John Hurt]]<br />with [[Anthony Head]]<br />and [[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]]
*[[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]]
| narrated =
*[[John Hurt]]
| theme_music_composer =
*[[Nathaniel Parker]]
| opentheme =
}}
| endtheme =
| composer =Rob Lane
| composer = Rob Lane<br />Rohan Stevenson
| theme_music_composer = Rob Lane
| country =United Kingdom
| opentheme = "Merlin's Arrival at Camelot"
| endtheme = "The Call of Destiny"
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| language = English
| num_series = 1
| num_series = 5
| num_episodes = 13
| num_episodes = 65
| list_episodes = List of Merlin episodes
| list_episodes = List of Merlin episodes
| producer = Sara Hamill
| executive_producer = [[Julie Gardner]] <br /> Bethan Jones<ref name="bbcjuly">{{cite press release | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/07_july/23/merlin.shtml | title = Merlin's Secrets Revealed | publisher = [[BBC]] Press Office | date = 2008-07-23 | accessdate = 2008-07-23}}</ref>
| executive_producer = [[Julie Gardner]]<br />Bethan Jones<ref name="bbcjuly">{{Cite press release |title=Merlin's secrets revealed |date=23 July 2008 |publisher=BBC Press Office |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/07_july/23/merlin.shtml |access-date=23 July 2008 }}</ref>
| writers = Julian Jones
| location = {{hlist|Wales|[[Kent]]|France}}
| supervising_producer =
| asst_producer =
| runtime = 45–50 minutes
| network = [[BBC One]]<br />[[BBC One HD]] (Series 4 – Series 5)
| co-producer =
| editor =
| first_aired = {{Start date|2008|9|20|df=yes}}
| story_editor = Polly Buckle
| last_aired = {{End date|2012|12|24|df=yes}}
| related = ''[[List of Merlin episodes#Secrets and Magic|Merlin: Secrets and Magic]]''
| location = Wales, France
| cinematography =
| camera =
| runtime = 45 minutes
| network = [[BBC One]]
| picture_format = [[576i]] ([[PAL]])
| audio_format =
| first_aired =20 September 2008
| last_aired =present
| website =http://www.bbc.co.uk/merlin/
}}
}}
'''''Merlin''''' is a British television drama series that began in 2008. It is loosely based on the [[Arthurian legends]] of the mythical wizard [[Merlin]] and his relationship with [[King Arthur|Prince Arthur]], but differs significantly from traditional versions of the myth. Produced by independent production company [[Shine Limited]] for [[BBC One]], the programme was designed to run in the same Saturday evening family drama slot as other UK series such as ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and ''[[Robin Hood (2006 TV series)|Robin Hood]]''. The BBC has recommissioned the series for a second run.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/merlin/faq/show Merlin Renewed]</ref>
==Production==
The idea for the program was conceived by Shine producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps, who had previously worked together on ''[[Hex (TV series)|Hex]]'', a fantasy series produced by Shine for [[Sky One]].<ref name="guard290808">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/aug/29/bbc.television|title=Merlin: BBC cues up TV and cinema ads|first=Mark|last=Sweeney|work=[[guardian.co.uk]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|date=2008-08-29|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> The [[BBC]] had been keen on showing a drama based on the character of Merlin for some time; a little over a year before the Shine series was initiated, writer and producer [[Chris Chibnall]] had been developing a project aimed at a BBC One Sunday night slot, but this was ultimately not commissioned.<ref name="guard071206">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/dec/07/broadcasting.bbc|title=BBC1 seeks magic touch for Merlin drama|first=Jason|last=Deans|work=[[guardian.co.uk]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|date=2006-12-07|accessdate=2008-08-30}}</ref> The Shine version of the project was put into development in late 2006, commissioned by Controller of BBC One [[Peter Fincham]] and BBC Head of Fiction [[Jane Tranter]], with Fincham keen on having more series on his channel which embodied "three generation TV&nbsp;– that's TV you can watch with your grandparents and children. There's not enough of that about."<ref name="guard071206"/>


'''''Merlin''''' (also known as '''''The Adventures of Merlin''''') is a British [[fantasy]]-[[Adventure film|adventure]] [[drama (film and television)|drama]] television programme, loosely based on the [[Arthurian legends]] regarding the close relations of [[Merlin]] and [[King Arthur]]. Created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, [[Johnny Capps]] and Julian Murphy for the [[BBC]], it was broadcast for five series on [[BBC One]] between 20 September 2008 and 24 December 2012. The programme starred [[Colin Morgan]], [[Bradley James]], [[Katie McGrath]], [[Angel Coulby]], [[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]], [[Anthony Head]], and [[John Hurt]].
''Merlin'' was also influenced by US show ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'', about the early years of [[Superman]], according to Shine producers, Julian Murphy and Johnny Caps, who said that ''Smallville'' helped provide the idea that Merlin would see a "Camelot that existed before its golden age". Caps said: <blockquote>"Just as in ''Smallville'' we wanted to subvert expectations. Camelot is a land where magic is banned [and] Merlin ... is a young boy who works as Arthur's manservant and has to hide his abilities." <ref name="guard290808" /></blockquote>


The programme is a reimagining of the legend, in which young warlock Merlin is sent to the kingdom of [[Camelot]] by his mother because of his "special gift". After saving Prince Arthur's life in the first episode, he becomes Arthur's manservant. Merlin soon learns that the reason for his gift is to protect Arthur, but Merlin must hide his powers because magic was banned in Camelot by Arthur's father, [[King Uther Pendragon]], and those caught practising it are executed. Over the years and after several adventures together, Merlin and Arthur become trusted friends and companions, with the former doing his best to influence the latter into becoming the king he is destined to be.
This influence was apparent throughout the first season as the storyline forced Merlin to hide his abilities and make excuses for the supernatural acts he was responsible for, just as Clark Kent was made to for the first 3-5 seasons of Smallville. Critics have pointed to this repetitive and awkward plot device as a weakness of both series.


''Merlin'' was nominated for several awards, winning the 2011 [[British Academy Television Awards|British Academy Television Award]] for best visual effects. Broadcasting rights were sold to over 180 countries.
The series went into production in March 2008,<ref name="pressoff">{{cite press release | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/17/merlin.shtml | title = Richard Wilson and Anthony Head lead cast in Merlin, a fantasy drama for BBC One | publisher = [[BBC]] Press Office | date = 2008-03-17 | accessdate = 2008-04-04}}</ref> with filming taking place in Wales and France (at the [[Château de Pierrefonds]]).<ref name="guard290808"/> The series was produced by Shine in association with [[BBC Wales]], whose Head of Drama [[Julie Gardner]] served as executive producer for the BBC.<ref name="guard290808"/> Gardner had extensive experience of working on the BBC's ''Doctor Who'', and said that show's chief writer [[Russell T Davies]] had been an important influence on the tone and style of ''Merlin''.<ref name="guard290808"/> [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] special effects for the series were provided by [[The Mill (post-production)|The Mill]], which had also worked on ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and its spin-offs.<ref name="bbcjuly"/> Consisting of an initial series of 13 episodes, ''Merlin'' began transmission in the UK on 20 September 2008. In advance of this, a special trailer was prepared for release on television, in cinemas and online.<ref name="guard290808"/>


== Series overview ==
On 13 December 2008, the BBC announced that it had re-commissioned ''Merlin'' for a second series, which was to begin filming in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/12_december/13/merlin.shtml|title=Hit fantasy Merlin is recommissioned for BBC One|publisher=[[bbc.co.uk]]|date=2008-12-13|accessdate=2008-12-15}}</ref>
[[Merlin]] ([[Colin Morgan]]) is a young, powerful warlock who arrives in the kingdom of [[Camelot]] after his mother arranges for him to stay with the court physician, Gaius ([[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]]). He discovers that the king, [[Uther Pendragon (Merlin character)|Uther Pendragon]] ([[Anthony Head]]), outlawed magic twenty years earlier in an event known as the Great Purge and imprisoned the last dragon, Kilgharrah (voice of [[John Hurt]]), in the caves beneath the castle. After hearing a mysterious voice inside his head, Merlin makes his way to the cavern beneath the keep to find that he was hearing the dragon's voice. The Great Dragon tells Merlin that he has an important destiny: to protect Uther's only son, Prince Arthur ([[Bradley James]]), who will return magic to Camelot and unite the land of [[Albion]].


When Merlin meets Arthur, Merlin considers him to be an arrogant bully, and Arthur, likewise, is less than impressed with Merlin. After saving the prince's life, Merlin is appointed as his personal manservant. The two experience many adventures, over the course of which they come to respect and trust one another. But when Uther's actions eventually cause his ward, Morgana ([[Katie McGrath]]), to turn against Camelot and pursue a path of evil, Merlin and Arthur must join forces with friends, old and new, to protect their home and secure their destinies.
==Cast and crew==

== Cast ==
{{Main|List of Merlin characters}}
{{Main|List of Merlin characters}}
[[File:Merlin Full Characters.jpg|thumb|right|240px|From left to right: [[List of Merlin characters#Guinevere ("Gwen")|Guinevere]], [[List of Merlin characters#Gaius|Gaius]], [[List of Merlin characters#Lady Morgana|Morgana]], [[Merlin (Merlin character)|Merlin]], [[Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)|Arthur]], [[Uther Pendragon (Merlin)|Uther]] and the [[The Great Dragon (Merlin)|Great Dragon]] in the background]]
* '''[[Colin Morgan]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Merlin|Merlin]]''': The series protagonist is a young, remarkably talented sorcerer who attempts to keep his powers secret and will one day become the greatest wizard in the world. He is also Arthur's friend, despite the initial animosity between the two.
* [[Colin Morgan]] as [[Merlin (Merlin character)|Merlin]], Arthur's servant and Gaius' ward, who secretly develops his magical gifts under the gaze of kings Uther and Arthur, both of whom despise the art. Only Gaius and Lancelot are aware of his magic. Merlin also has an alter-ego, "Dragoon the Great" (conjured when Merlin performs an aging spell upon himself), who is considered a criminal by Uther and Arthur, and inspires profound fear in Morgana who recognises him as Emrys, her prophetic nemesis. Despite keeping his capabilities under wraps for years, by the end of the show, more people become aware of Merlin's powers, including Mordred, Agravaine, Morgana, Gwen, and Arthur.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Colin Morgan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/merlin5/colin-morgan/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Bradley James (actor)|Bradley James]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Arthur Pendragon|Prince Arthur]]''': the headstrong, arrogant and reckless but kind and benevolent son of King Uther, and future King of Camelot. Merlin must protect him from harm. Arthur becomes friends with Merlin, and the pair have saved one another's lives on numerous occasions.
* [[Bradley James]] as [[Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)|Arthur Pendragon]], the Prince and later King of Camelot, and the commander of the kingdom's knights. Despite being charged with carrying out his father's harsh edicts, Arthur is portrayed as a far more compassionate man, who defends the falsely accused before the king, and occasionally defies him. Arthur welcomes commoners Lancelot, Gwaine, Elyan, Mordred, and Percival as knights, and falls in love with Gwen, a serving girl, whom he later marries and makes Queen. He comes to regard his servant Merlin as a close friend and confidant, never realising how many times Merlin has had to save his life using magic. Arthur initially promises to lift Uther's ban on magic when he becomes king, but changes his mind when he thinks magic killed his father. Arthur is prophesied as "The Once and Future King", which means, even though he is killed in the final episode, Arthur Pendragon will rise again.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Bradley James |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/merlin5/bradley-james/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Gaius|Gaius]]''': Camelot's court physician and one of the few who know Merlin's secret. Gaius used to be a sorcerer himself, and is something of an alchemist and magical scholar. He has a dry sense of humour and sees Merlin as the son he never had.
* [[Angel Coulby]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Guinevere ("Gwen")|Guinevere]] ("Gwen"), Morgana's servant who later becomes Queen of Camelot. Her relationship with Arthur at first causes conflict within the kingdom, as Uther considers her unworthy due to her low status and forbids Arthur to court her, even accusing her of witchcraft when Arthur's affections for her do not diminish. However, Gwen proves popular among the common people, and strives to make Arthur and his advisers approachable to them. Gwen is brave and selfless, always doing what's right for Arthur and Camelot.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Angel Coulby |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/merlin5/angel-coulby/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Anthony Head]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Uther Pendragon|Uther Pendragon]]''': Arthur's father and current king of Camelot. Uther is depicted as a ruthless and sometimes cruel man, but he cares deeply about his subjects and friends. However, he is frequently blinded by his hatred for all forms of magic.
* [[Katie McGrath]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Morgana Pendragon|Morgana Pendragon]], Uther's ward who is later revealed to be his daughter. Initially a kind and empathetic young woman, Morgana comes to despise Uther for his prejudice against magic and when she realizes he would never accept her if he knew of her magical powers, she begins covertly plotting against him. She becomes the show's primary villain by the third series, coveting Arthur's throne.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Interview with Katie McGrath |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/merlin5/katie-mcgrath/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
* '''[[Angel Coulby]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Guinevere|Guinevere (Gwen)]]''': Morgana's humble maid servant, and her friend. She has an open, friendly personality but is occasionally antagonistic with Arthur.
* [[Anthony Head]] as [[Uther Pendragon (Merlin)|Uther Pendragon]] (series 1-4; guest series 5), Camelot's stubborn king, who shows Arthur repeated tough love and ruthlessly enforces the kingdom's strict ban on sorcery. Although meaning well, Uther earns himself many enemies in his brutal fight against magic, and Morgana's ultimate betrayal leaves him a broken man.
* '''[[Katie McGrath]]''' as ''' [[List of Merlin characters#Morgana|Morgana]]''': King Uther's ward and the daughter of his late best friend. Morgana is best friends with Gwen despite their class differences and is also secretly a "seer" - a person who has prophetic powers.
* '''[[John Hurt]]''' as the voice of the ''' [[List of Merlin characters#Great Dragon|The Great Dragon]]''': Merlin often visits the Dragon when in a predicament, because the Dragon claims he knows Merlin's destiny. The Dragon is also one of the few who know Merlin's secret. The Dragon appears omniscient at times, and his motivations are unknown beyond his desire to be released from the dungeons of Camelot.
* [[Richard Wilson (Scottish actor)|Richard Wilson]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Gaius|Gaius]], the court physician and Merlin's surrogate father and mentor. Once a sorcerer himself, Gaius abandoned the practice but occasionally practises it when Merlin needs help. A wise man with a long memory, Gaius is one of Uther's closest advisers, and always among the first to realise what is really happening when magic threatens the kingdom.
* '''[[Michelle Ryan]]''' as '''[[List of Merlin characters#Nimueh|Nimueh]]''': The main antagonist of the first series, Nimueh is here portrayed as a beautiful, powerful, but amoral sorceress, bent on overthrowing Uther and Arthur and restoring magic to Camelot.
* [[Nathaniel Parker]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Agravaine de Bois|Agravaine de Bois]] (series 4), Arthur's uncle who steps in, reputedly as a trusted adviser to Arthur, but is later identified as a traitor. Merlin and Gaius learn quickly that Agravaine's loyalty is to Morgana.
* [[John Hurt]] as the voice of [[The Great Dragon (Merlin)|the Great Dragon]], also known as Kilgharrah, the last of his kind after Uther destroys all of his kin and makes an example of him by imprisoning him in a vast cave beneath the castle. The Great Dragon gives Merlin advice and forges the sword of [[Excalibur]] in his breath for Arthur, but persistently demands his freedom in return. Merlin eventually releases him, unwittingly unleashing a full-on assault on Camelot by the dragon, seeking revenge for his murdered kin. However, Merlin learns from his father that he is descended from a long line of dragonlords, and is able to use that power to control the Great Dragon. Subsequently, Merlin and the dragon become close friends with the dragon often helping Merlin when needed.


===Guest appearances===
== Episodes ==
{{main|List of Merlin episodes}}
* [[Eve Myles]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Mary Collins|Mary Collins]] / [[List of Merlin characters#Lady Helen|Lady Helen]] ("[[The Dragon's Call]]")
{{:List of Merlin episodes}}
* Caroline Faber as [[List of Merlin characters#Hunith|Hunith]] ("[[The Dragon's Call]]", "[[The Moment of Truth (Merlin)|The Moment of Truth]]" and "[[Le Morte d'Arthur (Merlin)|Le Morte d'Arthur]]")
* [[Will Mellor]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Valiant|Valiant]] ("[[Valiant (Merlin)|Valiant]]")
* [[Santiago Cabrera]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Lancelot|Lancelot]] ("[[Lancelot (Merlin)|Lancelot]]" and a Series Two Episode)
* [[Asa Butterfield]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Mordred|Mordred]] ("[[The Beginning of the End (Merlin)|The Beginning of the End]]")
* [[Julian Rhind-Tutt]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Edwin Muirden|Edwin Muirden]] ("[[A Remedy to Cure All Ills]]")
* Kyle Redmond-Jones as [[List of Merlin characters#Sir Owain|Sir Owain]] ("[[Excalibur (Merlin)|Excalibur]]")
* [[Alexander Siddig]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Kanan|Kanan]] ("[[The Moment of Truth (Merlin)|The Moment of Truth]]")
* [[Joe Dempsie]] as [[List of Merlin characters#William|William]] ("[[The Moment of Truth (Merlin)|The Moment of Truth]]")
* [[Holliday Grainger]] as [[List of Merlin characters#Sophia|Sophia]] ("[[The Gates of Avalon]]")
* [[Mackenzie Crook]] as Cedric (Series Two)
* [[Sarah Parish]] as Lady Catrina (Series Two)
* [[Adrian Lester]] as Myror (Series Two)
* [[Charles Dance]] as Aredian (Series Two)<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/merlin/faq/show</ref>


== Production ==
Directors working on the first series include [[James Hawes]], Ed Fraiman, Jeremy Webb, David Moore, and Stuart Orme.
[[File:Château de Pierrefonds vu depuis le Parc.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The [[Château de Pierrefonds]] in northern France was used for filming Camelot scenes]]
The programme was conceived by Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps.<ref name="guard290808">{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=Mark |date=29 August 2008 |title=Merlin: BBC cues up TV and cinema ads |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/aug/29/bbc.television |access-date=30 August 2008 |website=The Guardian |location=UK}}</ref> The BBC had been keen on showing a drama based on the character of Merlin for some time. A year before the Shine series was initiated, writer and producer [[Chris Chibnall]] had been developing a project aimed at a BBC One Sunday night slot, but this was ultimately not commissioned.<ref name="guard071206">{{Cite web |last=Deans |first=Jason |date=7 December 2006 |title=BBC 1 seeks magic touch for Merlin drama |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/dec/07/broadcasting.bbc |access-date=30 August 2008 |website=The Guardian |location=UK}}</ref> The Shine version of the project was put into development in late 2006, commissioned by Controller of BBC One [[Peter Fincham]] and BBC Head of Fiction [[Jane Tranter]], with Fincham keen on having more series on his channel which embodied "three generation TV – that's TV you can watch with your grandparents and children. There's not enough of that about."<ref name="guard071206" />


The series went into production in March 2008,<ref name="pressoff">{{Cite press release |title=Richard Wilson and Anthony Head lead cast in Merlin, a fantasy drama for BBC One |date=17 March 2008 |publisher=BBC Press Office |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2008/03_march/17/merlin.shtml |access-date=4 April 2008 }}</ref> with filming in Wales and France (at the [[Château de Pierrefonds]]).<ref name="guard290808" /> Two Kent locations were also used: The Barons Hall and Garden Tower at [[Penshurst Place]], and [[Chislehurst Caves]] for the first series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kent Film Office |title=Kent Film Office Merlin Film Focus |date=4 February 2008 |url=http://kentfilmoffice.co.uk/2008/02/merlin-2008/ |access-date=4 June 2014}}</ref> The series was produced by Shine in association with BBC Wales, whose Head of Drama [[Julie Gardner]] was executive producer for the BBC.<ref name="guard290808" /> ''[[Doctor Who]]''{{'s}} chief writer [[Russell T Davies]] had been an important influence on the tone and style of ''Merlin''.<ref name="guard290808" /> [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] special effects for the series were provided by [[The Mill (post-production)|The Mill]].<ref name="bbcjuly" /> The [[Old English]] for spells was written by university scholar and medievalist Dr. Mark Faulkner,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin's magic words were actually Mark's |url=http://www.anglosaxonmonk.com/blog/merlins-magic-words-were-actually-marks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064543/http://www.anglosaxonmonk.com/blog/merlins-magic-words-were-actually-marks |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=11 January 2016 |website=The Anglo-Saxon Monk}}</ref> and later by the script editing team.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title="The Making of Merlin" from Merlin: The Complete Second Series |date=8 February 2010 |type=DVD |publisher=2entertain |place=United Kingdom |people=Alice Troughton, Dave Moore, Jeremy Webb, Metin Hüseyin}}</ref> An initial series of 13 episodes, ''Merlin'' began broadcasting in the UK on 20 September 2008. A trailer was prepared in advance for television, cinemas, and online.<ref name="guard290808" />
==Plot==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2009}}


US broadcaster NBC began airing ''Merlin'' on 21 June 2009 but after a decline in viewers, it was moved to cable network Syfy where series 2 began on 2 April 2010. On 19 September 2009, series 2 began airing on BBC One.<ref name="Merlin Returns!">{{Cite web |title=Network TV BBC Week 38: Saturday 19 September 2009 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2009/wk38/sat.shtml#sat_merlin |access-date=9 September 2009 |publisher=BBC Press Office}}</ref> On 5 September 2010, [[BFI Southbank]] in London previewed Episodes 1 and 2 of series 3 for its September Film Funday programme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2010 |title=Film Funday TV Preview: Merlin |url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/film_programme/regular_strands/film_funday/film_funday_tv_preview_merlin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830032022/http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/film_programme/regular_strands/film_funday/film_funday_tv_preview_merlin |archive-date=30 August 2010 |publisher=BFI Southbank}}</ref> A ten-episode fourth series was confirmed on 2 October 2010, though it was rumoured to air in early 2012, later than its usual slot in autumn, so that it would not clash with ''[[Doctor Who]]'' which would possibly air during the same period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2010 |title='Merlin' renewed for fourth series – Merlin News – TV |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s53/merlin/news/a283945/merlin-renewed-for-fourth-series.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231123535/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s53/merlin/news/a283945/merlin-renewed-for-fourth-series.html |archive-date=31 December 2010 |access-date=16 May 2012 |website=Digital Spy}}</ref> In March 2011, this was revised, and the fourth series was extended to the standard 13 episodes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2011 |title=Colin Morgan ('Merlin') interview |url=http://www.cultbox.co.uk/interviews/exclusives/796-colin-morgan-merlin-interview |access-date=16 May 2012 |publisher=Cultbox.co.uk}}</ref> The fourth series was broadcast in the United States on the Syfy Channel "in early 2012."<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 July 2011 |title=Merlin series four on Syfy |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/merlin-season-series-four-20327/ |access-date=16 May 2012 |publisher=Tvseriesfinale.com}}</ref> In UK, the fourth series premiered on 1 October 2011.
Merlin arrives at the city of [[Camelot]], where the king, [[Uther Pendragon]], has outlawed magic and imprisoned the last dragon. Merlin, who was born with extraordinary magical powers, is taken as the apprentice of Gaius. Merlin later discovers, after being informed by the last dragon, who is held as a prisoner deep under the city, that he has an important destiny in protecting Uther's arrogant son, Arthur, so that he may grow up to found a great kingdom.


Capps and Murphy confirmed on 24 July that BBC had commissioned a fifth series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keisya Prasetyawan |date=28 July 2011 |title=Merlin renewed for fifth series by BBC |url=http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1668:merlin-renewed-for-fifth-season-by-bbc&catid=2:cult-sci-fi&Itemid=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314211028/http://www.atvtoday.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1668:merlin-renewed-for-fifth-season-by-bbc&catid=2:cult-sci-fi&Itemid=5 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |access-date=2 August 2011 |publisher=Atvtoday.co.uk}}</ref> Filming for the fifth series began March 2012 in [[Pierrefonds, Oise|Pierrefonds, France]] and near [[Cardiff]], Wales. 13 episodes were ordered.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2011 |title=Merlin commissioned for fifth series &#124; TV: Latest News &#124; STV Entertainment |url=http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/263726-merlin-commissioned-for-fifth-series/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027072224/http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/263726-merlin-commissioned-for-fifth-series/ |archive-date=27 October 2011 |access-date=2 August 2011 |publisher=Entertainment.stv.tv}}</ref> Series 5 started broadcasting on 6 October 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC One Merlin, series 5 – Episode guide |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wk9q7/episodes/guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902174049/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wk9q7/episodes/guide |archive-date=2 September 2012 |access-date=29 September 2012}}</ref> On 26 November 2012, it was announced that series 5 of Merlin would be the last, with a two-part special concluding the series over Christmas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2012 |title=Merlin to cast final spell as creators reveal that current series will be the last |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/merlin-final.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126203933/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/merlin-final.html |archive-date=26 November 2012 |access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Merlin to end with a two-part special this Christmas |language=en |work=Telly Visions |publisher=[[WETA-TV|WETA]] |url=https://blogs.weta.org/tellyvisions/2012/11/26/merlin-end-two-part-special-christmas |access-date=6 September 2017}}</ref>
The era in which the series is set is ambiguous; traditionally the Arthurian legends are set in the [[dark ages]], and the idea of King Uther reigning over a small kingdom (which is present in both traditional legend and the television series) sets it before the union of England in [[927]]. Despite this, the castle interiors are [[15th century]],{{Fact|date=July 2009}} making the series' setting inconsistent with English history. Britain is never mentioned, although the dragon has used the name [[Albion]], which is the oldest known name for [[Great Britain]].


In a later interview, the co-creators said that while there had not been serious consideration of a sixth series, there had been "advanced talks" about a trilogy of Merlin movies set within the show's original timeline that did not end up being realized, but that they remained creatively interested in the legend.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin co-creator: 'We talk a lot about exploring the legend again' {{!}} Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/merlin-anniversary-rt-rewind/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.radiotimes.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Two of the show's original scripts were published on a BBC website aimed at scriptwriters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/scripts/tv-drama/merlin |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>
The television series deviates significantly from more traditional versions of the legend, such as those written by [[Geoffrey of Monmouth]], [[T.H. White]], and [[Thomas Malory]]. For instance, in the original myth, it is Arthur who builds [[Camelot]], whereas in this series it pre-dates Arthur's father Uther. Another key difference is that in the television series, Arthur and Merlin are of approximately the same age, whereas in traditional myth, Merlin is much older, and acts as Arthur's tutor. This kind of relationship is played out between Gaius and Merlin. Morgana, normally shown as an evil sorceress, is here a kind and caring woman, albeit one with a secret. [[Excalibur]] is an ordinary sword that becomes enchanted by the Great Dragon.


== Broadcast ==
Other characters from Arthurian legend have appeared. [[Lancelot]] was portrayed as a commoner who longed to become a knight. [[Mordred]] has been shown as a young [[Druid]] boy who formed a bond with Morgana (in some legends Mordred's mother) and who was prophesied by the Great Dragon to be the cause of death of Arthur (in the legend this occurred at the [[Battle of Camlann]]). Mordred and the Great Dragon referred to Merlin by his Druidic name, Emrys (the Welsh form of Ambrosius; [[Ambrosius Aurelianus]] was a historical figure whom Geoffrey of Monmouth partially merged with Merlin{{Fact|date=June 2009}}). Geoffrey of Monmouth himself has appeared as the court genealogist.
A documentary series called ''Merlin: Secrets and Magic'' explains how the series was created. Apart from the initial 50-minute special, which was broadcast directly after the series two premiere, all new 50-minute episodes were shown after each ''Merlin'' episode repeat on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Friday evening on BBC Three.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin Secrets and Magic – Next on – BBC Three |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mjrwk/broadcasts/2009/12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128150529/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mjrwk/broadcasts/2009/12 |archive-date=28 January 2018 |access-date=5 October 2019 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 2009 the BBC broadcast a special in which Morgan and James took a road trip through Wales looking for traces of sites related to Arthurian legend.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2009-11-24 |title=Arthur, Merlin, and a road trip |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/southwestwales/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_8375000/8375222.stm |access-date=2024-10-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Two - The Real Merlin and Arthur |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ny2zx |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> James said in an interview that while the road trip was fun, it was geographically limited due to being funded by [[BBC Wales]], even though many high profile sites related to Arthurian legend are outside Wales.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTqfv7fJCxA |title=Bradley James Media Blvd Interview - Wales Road Trip |date=2010-04-01 |last= |access-date=2024-10-30 |via=YouTube}}</ref>


In April 2008, United States broadcasting rights were purchased by NBC,<ref name="guardian">{{Cite news |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=3 April 2008 |title=NBC buys BBC family drama Merlin |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/apr/03/bbc.television |access-date=4 April 2008}}</ref> where it was shown on Sundays at 8 pm ([[Eastern Time Zone|EST]]), starting 21 June 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin |url=http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/Merlin/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417004715/http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/Merlin/ |archive-date=17 April 2009 |access-date=25 April 2009 |publisher=[[NBC]]}}</ref> This made it the first British drama in over 30 years to be shown on US network television, as opposed to PBS or cable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holmwood |first=Leigh |date=6 June 2009 |title=BBC drama Merlin to air on NBC |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/06/bbc-merlin-nbc-british-us-tv |access-date=13 June 2009 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> The programme moved to Syfy, a cable channel also owned by NBC, for the second series, which premiered on 2 April 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Dinoshark", "Merlin" among Syfy's latest acquisitions |url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8504 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911190540/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=8504 |archive-date=11 September 2012 |access-date=23 March 2010 |website=TheFutonCritic.com |department=Breaking News}}</ref> [[Syfy]] aired the third series in early 2011, after the conclusion of the initial broadcast on BBC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2010 |title=Syfy picks up series 3 of Merlin |url=https://www.tvguide.com/News/Exclusive-Syfy-Merlin-1021732.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709070013/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Exclusive-Syfy-Merlin-1021732.aspx |archive-date=9 July 2012 |access-date=16 May 2012 |website=TV Guide |series=Exclusive |department=Today's News: Our Take}}</ref> It was later announced the series would air after ''[[WWE SmackDown]]'' beginning 7 January 2011 at 10 pm (9 pm [[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2010 |title=Syfy sets Merlin series 3 premiere date |url=http://www.daemonstv.com/2010/12/09/syfy-sets-merlin-season-3-premiere-date/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129014528/http://www.daemonstv.com/2010/12/09/syfy-sets-merlin-season-3-premiere-date/ |archive-date=29 January 2011 |access-date=26 December 2010 |publisher=Daemonstv.com}}</ref> The distributor, FremantleMedia Enterprises, also sold broadcast rights to [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] in Canada, [[Network Ten]] in Australia and [[Prime (New Zealand)|Prime]] in New Zealand. It aired on [[Choice TV]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2008 |title=CTV secures Canadian broadcast rights to 'Merlin' |publisher=channelcanada.com |url=http://www.channelcanada.com/Article2510.html |url-status=dead |access-date=29 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100208034000/http://channelcanada.com/Article2510.html |archive-date=8 February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hurrell |first=Will |date=7 August 2008 |title=BBC's Merlin heading Down Under |work=[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast Now]] |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/08/bbcs_merlin_heading_down_under.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828003210/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/08/bbcs_merlin_heading_down_under.html |archive-date=28 August 2008}}</ref> The series was broadcast in 183 countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-10-25 |title=BBC conjures up more 'Merlin' |url=https://variety.com/2010/biz/news/bbc-conjures-up-more-merlin-1118026310/ |access-date=2023-06-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Broadcast==
{{Main|List of Merlin episodes}}


In the UK, the show has reaired on [[Sky Mix]] and [[Sky Sci-Fi]], in addition to being available on [[BBC iPlayer]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=What's on Sky Mix? |url=https://tv24.co.uk/channel/sky-mix/2024-02-02 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=TV24.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What's on Sky Sci-Fi HD? |url=https://tv24.co.uk/channel/sky-sci-fi-hd/2024-09-06 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=TV24.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00mjlxv/merlin |title=Merlin |language=en-GB |access-date=2024-10-30 |via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> The free streaming service [[Plex Inc.|Plex]] launched a ''Merlin'' channel in 2023 for U.S. viewers, in addition to a separate ''Merlin'' channel airing on Amazon Prime's [[Freevee]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=2023-07-05 |title=Plex Adds 3 New Free Live TV Channels |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/plex-adds-3-new-free-live-tv-channels/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |website=Cord Cutters News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-23 |title=Merlin - Watch Merlin Free Online - Plex |url=https://watch.plex.tv/live-tv/channel/merlin |access-date=2024-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123090633/https://watch.plex.tv/live-tv/channel/merlin |archive-date=23 November 2024 }}</ref><ref>https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/livetv</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solzman |first=Danielle |date=2022-12-15 |title=Prime Video, Amazon Freevee: Coming in January 2023 |url=https://solzyatthemovies.com/2022/12/15/prime-video-amazon-freevee-coming-in-january-2023/ |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Solzy at the Movies |language=en-us}}</ref> In the U.S., the show is also available on a variety of on-demand paid and free ad-supported streaming platforms, including [[Pluto TV]],<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://pluto.tv/on-demand/series/merlin |title=Pluto TV: Watch Free Movies, TV Shows & Live TV Online |language=en |access-date=2024-10-30 |via=pluto.tv}}</ref> [[Tubi]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin |url=https://tubitv.com/series/2166/merlin |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Tubi |language=en}}</ref> Amazon's [[Prime Video]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch Merlin {{!}} Prime Video |url=https://www.amazon.com/Merlin/dp/B07CJ2741V |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240604035816/https://www.amazon.com/Merlin/dp/B07CJ2741V |archive-date=2024-06-04 |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=www.amazon.com |language=en-us}}</ref> and [[Britbox]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-14 |title=Merlin S1 - Drama {{!}} BritBox |url=https://www.britbox.com/us/show/b00mjlxv |access-date=2024-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914084514/https://www.britbox.com/us/show/b00mjlxv |archive-date=14 September 2024 }}</ref>
In April 2008, American broadcast rights were purchased by [[NBC]],<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/apr/03/bbc.television|title=NBC buys BBC family drama Merlin|work=[[guardian.co.uk]]|publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]]|first=Leigh|last=Holmwood|date=2008-04-03|accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> where it is shown on Sundays at 20:00 (ET).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/Merlin/ |title=Merlin |publisher=[[NBC]] |accessdate=2009-04-25}}</ref> This makes it the first British drama in over thirty years to be shown on US network television, as opposed to [[PBS]] or cable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jun/06/bbc-merlin-nbc-british-us-tv|title=BBC drama Merlin to air on NBC|first=Leigh|last=Holmwood|work=[[Guardian.co.uk]]|date=June 6th 2009|accessdate=June 13th 2009}}</ref> The distributor, FremantleMedia Enterprises, also sold broadcast rights to [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] in Canada, [[Network Ten]] in Australia,<ref>{{cite news|last= | first=|title= CTV secures Canadian broadcast rights to 'Merlin'|url= http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/show/CTVShows/20081015/merlin_081015/20081015/|work= [[CTV News]]|date= 2008-10-15|accessdate= 2008-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last= Hurrell | first=Will|title= BBC's Merlin heading Down Under|url= http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/08/bbcs_merlin_heading_down_under.html|work= [[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast Now]]|date= 2008-08-07|accessdate= 2008-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wotnews.com.au/like/merlin_casts_a_spell_over_ten/2322094/ |title=Merlin casts spell over TEN}}</ref>, [[RTL Television|RTL]] in Germany, [[Canal+]] in France, [[M-Net]] in South Africa, and MICO in Japan.<ref name=othercount>{{cite news|last= Clarke | first=Steve|title= 'Merlin' heads into second series |url= http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997385.html?categoryid=19&cs=1|work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date= 2008-12-15|accessdate= 2008-12-15}}</ref> The series also airs in Italy,<ref name=othercount/> Malaysia, Norway, Portugal, and in Sweden, as on demand through the web.


== Home media ==
American and Canadian broadcasts generally coincided during the first season, with NBC and CTV occasionally showing two episodes back-to-back.
Series one and two were released on DVD in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Series three is available in the United Kingdom, and was released in Australia on 4 August 2011. Accompanying box sets are featurettes, video diaries, and commentaries.<ref name="box1">{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 1 – complete <nowiki>[DVD] [2008]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001NN413A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213312/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001NN413A/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="box2">{{Cite web |title=Merlin – complete series 2 box set <nowiki>[DVD] [2009]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002ZG7PKU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213331/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002ZG7PKU/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="box3">{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 3 – complete <nowiki>[DVD] [2010]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO1I/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016030924/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO1I/ |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=25 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Merlin Audio Commentary Transcripts |url=https://poetryincamelot.tumblr.com/merlin-audio-commentaries |access-date=2024-10-30 |work=Tumblr}}</ref> Behind the Magic, a two-part overview of making ''Merlin'' is included with the UK series one box set, while the documentary series, Secrets and Magic, is included with series two.<ref name=box1 /><ref name=box2 /> In Australia "The Complete Collection" boxset (23-Discs, Seasons 1–5) was released on 13 May 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adventures Of Merlin – Series 1–5 {{!}} Boxset, The |url=https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2295687/Adventures-Of-Merlin---Series-1-5--Boxset-The |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905213101/https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2295687/Adventures-Of-Merlin---Series-1-5--Boxset-The |archive-date=5 September 2019 |access-date=5 September 2019 |website=Sanity}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%;text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="col"| Series
! Country !! TV Network(s) !! Series Premiere !! Weekly Schedule (local time)
! colspan="6" scope="colgroup"| UK
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" scope="colgroup"| US<br />Complete Box Set
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" scope="colgroup"| Australia<br />Complete Box Set
|-
|-
! colspan="2" scope="colgroup"| Volume 1
|{{Flagicon|Italy}} Italy || [[Italia 1]] || 15 December 2008 || Tuesdays, 21:10
! colspan="2" scope="colgroup"| Volume 2
! colspan="2" scope="colgroup"| Complete Box Set
|-
|-
! scope="col"| Release date
|{{Flagicon|Malaysia}} Malaysia || [[Hallmark Channel]] || 1 March 2009 || Tuesdays, 21:00
! scope="col"| Discs
! scope="col"| Release date
! scope="col"| Discs
! scope="col"| Release date
! scope="col"| Discs
! scope="col"| Release date
! scope="col"| Discs
! scope="col"| Release date
! scope="col"| Discs
|-
|-
! [[Merlin (series 1)|1st]]
|{{Flagicon|Netherlands}} Netherlands || [[Nederland 3]] || 28 March 2009 || Saturdays, 19:20
| 24 November 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin vol. 1 <nowiki>[DVD] [2008]</nowiki> ... |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001F3QJL0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213348/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001F3QJL0/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk}}</ref>
| 3
| 9 February 2009<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin vol. 2 <nowiki>[DVD] [2008]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001M0MDKM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213441/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001M0MDKM/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref>
| 3
| 5 October 2009<ref name=box1 />
| 6
| 20 April 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin: The complete first series ... |website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LF347E |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629172239/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LF347E/ |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref>
| 6
| 30 July 2009{{efn|group=dvd|Re-released 4 August 2010.}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2010 |title=Adventures of Merlin, The – series 1 (4-disc set) (new packaging) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-1-4-disc-set-new-packaging/dp/814364 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703184951/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-1-4-disc-set-new-packaging/dp/814364 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=Ezydvd.com.au }}</ref>
| 4
|-
|-
! [[Merlin (series 2)|2nd]]
|{{Flagicon|Norway}} Norway || [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV2]] || 18 January 2009 || Sundays, 20:00
| 23 November 2009<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 2 vol. 1 <nowiki>[DVD] [2009]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002KSA4AQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213458/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002KSA4AQ/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref>
| 3
| 8 February 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 2 vol. 2 <nowiki>[DVD] [2009]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SZQCC0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213520/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002SZQCC0/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=17 July 2010}}</ref>
| 3
| 8 February 2010<ref name=box2 />
| 6
| 18 January 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin DVD news: Announcement for Merlin – The Complete 2nd Season {{!}} TVShowsOnDVD.com |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Merlin-Season-2/14621 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213010152/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Merlin-Season-2/14621 |archive-date=13 December 2017 |access-date=12 December 2017 |website=www.tvshowsondvd.com }}</ref>
| 6
| 22 July 2010{{efn|group=dvd|Re-released 6 January 2011.}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2011 |title=Adventures of Merlin, The – series 2 (4-disc set) (new packaging) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-2-4-disc-set-new-packaging/dp/817413 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703185002/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-2-4-disc-set-new-packaging/dp/817413 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=Ezydvd.com.au }}</ref>
| 4
|-
|-
! [[Merlin (series 3)|3rd]]
|{{Flagicon|Poland}} Poland || [[Polsat]] || 7 March 2009 || Saturdays, 17:15
| 15 November 2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 3 vol. 1 DVD |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO0O |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213532/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO0O/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=26 September 2010}}</ref>
| 3
| 24 January 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin – series 3 – volume 2 DVD |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213601/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0042SSO18/ |archive-date=28 June 2011 |access-date=26 September 2010}}</ref>
| 3
| 24 January 2011
| 5
| 17 January 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBCAmerica Shop – Merlin: series 3 – DVD |url=http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/merlin-season-3-16279.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020030314/http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/merlin-season-3-16279.html |archive-date=20 October 2011 |access-date=13 October 2011 |publisher=BBCAmericashop.com}}</ref>
| 5
| 2 August 2011<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 August 2011 |title=Adventures of Merlin, The – series 3 (5-disc set) |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-3-5-disc-set/dp/820130 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703185159/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-3-5-disc-set/dp/820130 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=Ezydvd.com.au }}</ref>
| 5
|-
|-
! [[Merlin (series 4)|4th]]
|{{Flagicon|Sweden}} Sweden || [[SVT1]] <br />[[SVT2]] (replays)|| 18 January 2009 <br />|| Sundays, 18:45 <br />Mondays, 22:30
| 28 November 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin serie 4 volume 1 BBC <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005JE2E8I |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214115921/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005JE2E8I |archive-date=14 December 2019 |access-date=16 May 2012 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 3
| 23 January 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin series 4 – volume 2 BBC <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005S0HNUM |access-date=16 May 2012 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 3
| 23 January 2012<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moves |first=Winning |title=Merlin – complete BBC series 4 <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005S0HNU2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016030924/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005S0HNU2 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=16 May 2012 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 5
| 15 January 2013
| 4
| 1 March 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adventures of Merlin, The: series 4 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-4/dp/6109753 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703185235/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/adventures-of-merlin-the-series-4/dp/6109753 |archive-date=3 July 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=Ezydvd.com.au }}</ref>
| 5
|-
|-
! [[Merlin (series 5)|5th]]
|{{Flagicon|United Kingdom}} United Kingdom || [[BBC One]] || 20 September 2008 || Saturdays, various times
| 26 November 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin series 5: volume 1 <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... | website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-5-1-DVD/dp/B0086O8SK6/ref=sr_1_112?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1347631833&sr=1-112 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016030926/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-5-1-DVD/dp/B0086O8SK6/ref=sr_1_112?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1347631833&sr=1-112 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=4 January 2013 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 3
| 21 January 2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2012 |title=Merlin: series 5, vol. 2 <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... |website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-5-2-BBC-DVD/dp/B0086O8SX8/ref=sr_1_3?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1351341023&sr=1-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016030926/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-5-2-BBC-DVD/dp/B0086O8SX8/ref=sr_1_3?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1351341023&sr=1-3 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=4 January 2013 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 3
| 21 January 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin complete BBC series 5 <nowiki>[DVD]</nowiki> ... | website=Amazon UK |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-Complete-BBC-5-DVD/dp/B0086O8TFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1351341023&sr=1-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016030925/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-Complete-BBC-5-DVD/dp/B0086O8TFA/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1351341023&sr=1-1 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |access-date=4 January 2013 |department=Film & TV}}</ref>
| 5
| 23 April 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin DVD news: Announcement for Merlin – the complete 5th series |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Merlin-Season-5/17998 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602014152/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Merlin-Season-5/17998 |archive-date=2 June 2013 |access-date=1 July 2013 |publisher=TVShowsOnDVD.com }}</ref>
| 4
| 13 February 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adventures of Merlin, The: series 5 |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/search?q=merlin+series+5&t=all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924091909/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/search?q=merlin+series+5&t=all |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=Ezydvd.com.au}}</ref>
| 5
|-
|-
! 1st–5th
|{{Flagicon|United States}} United States || [[NBC]] || 21 June 2009 || Sundays, 20:00
| {{sdash}}
|-
| {{sdash}}
|{{Flagicon|Canada}} Canada || [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] || 21 June 2009 || Sundays, 20:00
| {{sdash}}
|-
| {{sdash}}
|{{AUS}} || [[Network Ten|Channel Ten]] || 26 April 2009 || Sundays, 12:00 (replays), 18:30
| 28 October 2013<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merlin: The Complete Collection |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-Complete-Collection-Colin-Morgan/dp/B07GRVC34J/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417090356/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merlin-Complete-Collection-Colin-Morgan/dp/B07GRVC34J |archive-date=17 April 2021 |access-date=18 February 2021 |website=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon]]}}</ref>
|-
| 27
|{{Flagicon|Portugal}} Portugal || [[SIC Radical]] || 28 June 2009 || Sundays, 20:00
| 4 November 2014
|-
| 27
|{{Flagicon|Romania}} Romania || [[Pro TV]] || 13 June 2009 || Saturdays, 18:00
| {{dunno}}
|-
| {{dunno}}
|{{Flagicon|Spain}} Spain || [[Antena Neox]] <br />[[Antena 3]] (replays)|| 22 May 2009 <br /> 27 June 2009|| Fridays, 22:30<br />Saturdays, 21:30
|-
|{{Flagicon|Denmark}} Denmark || [[DR (broadcaster)|DR 1]] || 20 June 2009 || Saturdays, 20:00
|-
|{{Flagicon|Israel}} Israel || [[HOT Summer (channel)|HOT Summer]] || 10 July 2009 || Friday, 10:00<br />Saturdays, 10:00
|-
|{{Flagicon|Viet Nam}} Vietnam || [[Ho Chi Minh City Television|HTV7]] || 12 July 2009 || everyday, 17:00
|-
|{{Flagicon|Russia}}Russia || [[TV3 Russia]] || ||
|-
|{{Flagicon|Ukraine}}Ukraine || [[1+1]] || 6 June 2009 || Saturdays, 12:45
|-
|{{Flagicon|Turkey}} Turkey|| [[CNBC-e]] || 6 September 2009 || Sundays, 20:00
|}
|}
{{notelist|group=dvd}}


===Ratings===
== Soundtrack ==
A soundtrack for the first two series featuring music from selected episodes was released on the [[MovieScore Media]] record label.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsson, Mikael |date=29 October 2009 |title=MovieScore Media to release second 'Merlin' |url=http://moviescoremagazine.com/2009/10/moviescore-media-to-release-second-merlin/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106053226/http://moviescoremagazine.com/2009/10/moviescore-media-to-release-second-merlin/ |archive-date=6 November 2009 |website=MovieScore Magazine}}</ref> ''Merlin'' composer Robert Lane was nominated for Best Original Score for Television for the 10th annual Movie Music UK Awards (2008),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Broxton, Jonathan |title=The Tenth Annual Movie Music UK Awards 2008 |url=http://www.moviemusicuk.us/award08.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408024323/http://www.moviemusicuk.us/award08.htm |archive-date=8 April 2010 |publisher=moviemusicuk.us}}</ref> the 8th edition [[GoldSpirit Awards]] (2008),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Premios Gold Spirit – VIII edición (2008) Sala de Trofeos |url=http://www.bsospirit.com/goldspirits/goldawards.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923073923/http://bsospirit.com/goldspirits/goldawards.php |archive-date=23 September 2010 |publisher=bsospirit.com (Spanish language official site)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 July 2009 |title=Ubeda 2009 – Palmarès des Goldspirit Awards – Desplat vainqueur! |url=http://www.cinezik.org/infos/affinfo.php?titre0=20090718184823 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725173545/http://www.cinezik.org/infos/affinfo.php?titre0=20090718184823 |archive-date=25 July 2011 |access-date=12 August 2010 |publisher=cinezik.org (French language official site)}}</ref> and the 5th annual International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) Awards (2008).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2008 IFMCA Awards |date=4 January 2010 |url=http://filmmusiccritics.org/awards-archive/2008-ifmca-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180123033226/http://filmmusiccritics.org/awards-archive/2008-ifmca-awards/ |archive-date=23 January 2018 |access-date=6 February 2014 |publisher=filmmusiccritics.org}}</ref> In early October 2012 MovieScore Media released the soundtrack from the third and fourth series along with that from the start of the fifth series.
The [[The Dragon's Call|series première]] drew an overnight average of 6.65m (30%) viewers in the 19:00 slot (and a final consolidated figure of 7.15 million) despite being scheduled against popular ITV series ''[[The X Factor (UK series 5)|The X Factor]]''.<ref name=ratings-sept20>{{cite news | url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a130743/merlin-pulls-in-66-million.html | title = 'Merlin' pulls in 6.6 million | first = Neil | last = Wilkes | work = [[Digital Spy]] | date = 2008-09-21 | accessdate = 2008-09-21}}</ref> The series as a whole had an average of 6.32 million viewers,<ref>Exact figure: 6.32230769230769, calculated from [[BARB]] figures which can be found [http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?Requesttimeout=500&report=weeklyterrestrial here]</ref> which is fewer than ''[[Doctor Who]]'' attracted during its first series, and slightly more than those received by ''[[Robin Hood (2006 TV series)|Robin Hood]]''.<ref>''Doctor Who'': Series One averaged 7.95 million viewers, ''Robin Hood'' averaged 6.19 (Series 1) and 5.83 (Series 2), calculated from [[BARB]] figures which can be found [http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?Requesttimeout=500&report=weeklyterrestrial here]</ref> ''Merlin'' was the fifth most watched programme on [[BBC iPlayer]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite news| title =BBC releases list of 10 most viewed shows to mark iPlayer's first birthday | work =Sam Nichols | publisher =The Guardian | date =2008-12-12 | url =http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2008/dec/12/iplayer-bbc }}</ref> In Australia the show premiered on the Ten Network. The show became Ten's 3rd highest rated program for its first week with 1.406 million. Ratings had stabilized for its second and third airings with 1.306 and 1.372, respectively. In its fourth airing, the show rose to its highest viewership of 1.500 million and was the 10th most watched program of the week. Despite the ratings rise, the show was Ten's fourth most watched program behind ''[[MasterChef Australia]]'', ''[[Talkin' 'bout your Generation]]'', and ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]''. Ratings for the show have since stabilized.{{Fact|date=June 2009}}
{| class="wikitable"

===Weekly ratings===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Series !! Release Date !! Catalog Number
! #
! Episode
! UK Air Date
! Viewers (millions)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklyterrestrial&requesttimeout=500|date=|accessdate=|publisher=[[BARB]]|title=Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week)}}</ref>
! Audience share in timeslot
|-
|-
| Merlin series 1 || 4 November 2008<ref name="merlin1" /> || MMS08021<ref name="merlin1">{{Cite web |title=Rob Lane: MERLIN Original Television Soundtrack |url=http://www.moviescoremedia.com/merlin.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724113955/http://www.moviescoremedia.com/merlin.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 |publisher=MovieScore Media}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | '''1'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Dragon's Call]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 20 September 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''7.15'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''30.0%'''
|-
|-
| Merlin series 2 || 17 November 2009<ref name="merlin2" /> || MMS09027<ref name="merlin2">{{Cite web |title=Rob Lane & Rohan Stevenson: Merlin: series two original television soundtrack |url=http://www.moviescoremedia.com/merlin2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329233300/http://www.moviescoremedia.com/merlin2.html |archive-date=29 March 2010 |publisher=MovieScore Media}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | '''2'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[Valiant (Merlin)|Valiant]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 27 September 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''5.40'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''30.6%'''
|-
|-
| Merlin series 3 || 2 October 2012 (digital)<ref name="merlin3" /> / 23 October 2012 (CD)<ref name="merlin3" />|| MMS12010<ref name="merlin3">{{Cite web |title=Merlin: Series Three (Rob Lane, Rohan Stevenson & James Gosling) |url=http://moviescoremedia.com/merlin-series-three-rob-lane-rohan-stevenson-james-gosling/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221131239/http://moviescoremedia.com/merlin-series-three-rob-lane-rohan-stevenson-james-gosling/ |archive-date=21 February 2014 |access-date=6 February 2014 |publisher=MovieScore Media}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | '''3'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Mark of Nimueh]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 4 October 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.30'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''28.9%'''
|-
|-
| Merlin series 4 || 2 October 2012 (digital)<ref name="merlin4" /> / 23 October 2012 (CD)<ref name="merlin4" />|| MMS12011<ref name="merlin4">{{Cite web |title=Merlin: Series Four (Rob Lane, Rohan Stevenson, James Gosling & Michal Pavlicek) |url=http://moviescoremedia.com/merlin-series-four-rob-lane-rohan-stevenson-james-gosling-michal-pavlicek/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221131232/http://moviescoremedia.com/merlin-series-four-rob-lane-rohan-stevenson-james-gosling-michal-pavlicek/ |archive-date=21 February 2014 |access-date=6 February 2014 |publisher=MovieScore Media}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Poisoned Chalice]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 11 October 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.48'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''25.6%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[Lancelot (Merlin)|Lancelot]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 18 October 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''5.37'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''27.1%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''6'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[A Remedy to Cure All Ills]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 25 October 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.00'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''28.6%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''7'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Gates of Avalon]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 1 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.45'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''22.9%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''8'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Beginning of the End (Merlin)|The Beginning of the End]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 8 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.25'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''23.1%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''9'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[Excalibur (Merlin)|Excalibur]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 15 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.47'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''24.4%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''10'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Moment of Truth (Merlin)|The Moment of Truth]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 22 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''7.03'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''25.6%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''11'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[The Labyrinth of Gedref]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 29 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.71'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''23.0%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''12'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[To Kill the King]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 6 December 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.31'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''23.1%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''13'''
| style="text-align:center" | "[[Le Morte d'Arthur (Merlin)|Le Morte d'Arthur]]"
| style="text-align:center" | 13 December 2008
! style="text-align:center" | '''6.27'''
! style="text-align:center" | '''22.2%'''
|-
| style="text-align:center" | '''[[Children in Need|CiN]]'''
| style="text-align:center" | "Merlin in Need"
| style="text-align:center" | 14 November 2008
! style="text-align:center" |
! style="text-align:center" |
|}
|}


====US ratings====
== In other media ==
=== Books ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
A series of books was published including novelizations of episodes from Seasons 1,2 and 3. <ref>http://www.tonystrading.co.uk/galleries/tvscifibooks/adventuresofmerlin.htm/</ref>
|-
! Order
! Episode
! Rating
! Share
! 18-49
! Viewers (millions)
! Rank (Timeslot)
! Rank (Week)
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''1'''
| "The Dragon's Call"
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.2'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''6'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.3/5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5.46'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#14'''<ref name=ep1>{{cite news|url=http://the-w.com/thread.php/id=38420|title=TV Ratings 6-15 to 6-21 and This Week In TV |last=|first=|date=|publisher=|accessdate=}}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''2'''
| "Valiant"
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.2'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''6'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.4/4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5.24'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#2'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#14'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''3'''
| "The Mark of Nimueh"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.8'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.0/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.29'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#2'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#28'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''4'''
| "The Poisoned Chalice"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.6'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.25'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#28'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''5'''
| "Lancelot"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.7'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.29'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#2'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#19'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''6'''
| "A Remedy to Cure All Ills"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''0.9/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.65'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#30'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''7'''
| "The Gates of Avalon"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.6'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.27'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#25'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''8'''
| "The Beginning of the End"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.7'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.21'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#21'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''9'''
| "Excalibur"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.7'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4.46'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#20'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''10'''
| "The Moment of Truth"
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.9'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''0.8/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.06'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#31'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''11'''
| "The Labyrinth of Gedref"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.0/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.95'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#31'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''12'''
| "To Kill the King"
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.9'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.0/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.22'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''TBA'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''13'''
| "Le Morte d'Arthur"
| style="text-align:center" | '''2.3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''4'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.1/3'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''3.92'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#5'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''TBA'''
|}


====Canadian ratings====
=== Official magazine ===
UK publisher Attic Brand Media launched an official magazine for the show in September 2011 featuring articles, puzzles and a comic strip written by Damian Kelleher and drawn by Lee Carey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Merlin magazine out today in the UK |date=9 September 2011 |url=http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-merlin-magazine-out-today-in-uk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021142939/http://downthetubescomics.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-merlin-magazine-out-today-in-uk.html |archive-date=21 October 2011 |access-date=14 September 2011 |publisher=downthetubes British Comics news site}}</ref> The monthly magazine cost £3.20 per issue and was distributed in UK newsagents.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Order
! Episode
! Viewers (100'00s)
! Rank
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''1 & 2'''
| "The Dragon's Call/Valiant"
| style="text-align:center" | '''11.03'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#4'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''3 & 4'''
| "The Mark of Nimueh/The Poisoned Chalice"
| style="text-align:center" | '''9.92'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#8'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''5'''
| "Lancelot"
| style="text-align:center" | '''8.31'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#13'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''6'''
| "A Remedy to Cure All Ills"
| style="text-align:center" | '''9.03'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#15'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''7'''
| "The Gates of Avalon"
| style="text-align:center" | '''9.48'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#13'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''8'''
| "The Beginning of the End"
| style="text-align:center" | '''8.68'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#16'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''9'''
| "Excalibur"
| style="text-align:center" | '''8.29'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#17'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''10 & 11'''
| "The Moment of Truth/The Labyrinth of Gedref"
| style="text-align:center" | '''6.99'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''#18'''
|-
| style="text-align:center"| '''12 & 13'''
| "To Kill the King/Le Morte d'Arthur"
| style="text-align:center" | '''TBA'''
| style="text-align:center" | '''TBA'''
|}


[[File:Merlin Wax Figure in Warwick Castle.jpg|thumb|right|160px|''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'' [[Wax sculpture|wax work]] at [[Warwick Castle]]]]
====Australian ratings====

{| class="wikitable sortable"
=== Exhibitions ===
|-
==== Merlin: The Dragon Tower ====
! Order
A Merlin attraction was created at [[Warwick Castle]] entitled [[Merlin (Merlin character)|Merlin]]: The Dragon Tower, which featured a walkthrough, a projection of Kilgharrah the dragon, ''[[Merlin (Merlin character)|Merlin]]'' from the [[BBC]] TV Series ''[[Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin]]'', or at least a true-to-life [[Wax sculpture|wax model]]-which was created with over 300 measurements—and a catalogue of reference shots of [[Colin Morgan]]. Upon seeing his [[Wax sculpture|wax work]], [[Colin Morgan|Morgan]] said, "Little did I think that when I visited Madame Tussauds as a kid that I would have the honour of having the same fantastic team making a [[Wax sculpture|wax figure]] of myself. It's truly amazing and I can't praise their hard work enough in creating such a brilliant life-like me."<ref name="Warwick Merlin Dragon Tower">{{Cite web |title=Merlin: The Dragon Tower |url=https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/merlin-the-dragon-tower.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725082059/https://www.warwick-castle.com/explore/merlin-the-dragon-tower.aspx |archive-date=25 July 2014 |access-date=17 July 2014 |publisher=warwick-castle.com }}</ref>
! Episode

! Viewers (millions)
The wax model cost £150,000, and the entire castle experience was part of a £3 million investment by the Merlin Entertainment Group to promote the show.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Warwick Courier |url=http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/merlin-comes-to-warwick-1-2958164 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119035559/http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/merlin-comes-to-warwick-1-2958164 |archive-date=19 January 2017 |access-date=16 August 2011}}</ref> The attraction closed in 2014{{citation needed|date=September 2024}} and is now the site of the Warwick Castle Time Tower.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
! Weekly rank

|-
=== Games ===
| style="text-align:center"| '''1'''
The BBC released two small Merlin-themed video games on the BBC website: a [[tower defense]] game called 'Camelot Defence', and an adventure puzzle game named 'Quest for the Mortaeus'.<ref name="BBC Merlin Games">{{Cite web |title=Merlin Games |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/gj8wN9lsv6qYMgf0dFCxhz/games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117150902/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/gj8wN9lsv6qYMgf0dFCxhz/games |archive-date=17 November 2021 |access-date=7 December 2020 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> In 2012, a 'real-time cooperative' video game adaptation named 'Merlin: The Game' was announced and launched on Facebook.<ref name="Merlin: The Game">{{Cite web |title='Merlin: The Game' announced for Facebook |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a388038/merlin-the-game-announced-for-facebook/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624060852/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a388038/merlin-the-game-announced-for-facebook/ |archive-date=24 June 2021 |access-date=7 December 2020 |publisher=digitalspy.com}}</ref> It has since been taken offline.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}
| "The Dragon's Call"

| style="text-align:center" | '''1.406'''
== Awards and nominations ==
| style="text-align:center" | '''#13'''
{{Section citations needed|date=September 2024}}
|-
* 2009: [[International Film Music Critics Association]] (IFMCA) – Best Original Score for a Television Series (Nom)
| style="text-align:center"| '''2'''
* 2009: [[British Academy Film Awards]] – Best Interactivity (Nom)
| "Valiant"
* 2009: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actor – Drama Series: [[Colin Morgan]] (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.306'''
* 2009: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actress – Drama Series: [[Katie McGrath]] (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''#14'''
* 2009: [[7th Visual Effects Society Awards]] – Outstanding Matte Paintings in a Broadcast Program or Commercial: For the Mark of Nimueh. For series 1 (Nom)
|-
* 2009: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best New Drama (Won)
| style="text-align:center"| '''3'''
* 2010: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best Family Drama (Nom)
| "The Mark of Nimueh"
* 2010: [[British Academy Film Awards]] – Best Visual Effects (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.372'''
* 2010: [[British Academy Film Awards]] – Best Design (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''#14'''
* 2010: [[British Academy Film Awards]] – Best Director – Film/Drama (Nom)
|-
* 2010: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actress – Drama Series: [[Angel Coulby]] (Nom)
| style="text-align:center"| '''4'''
* 2010: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actor – Drama Series: [[Colin Morgan]] (Nom)
| "The Poisoned Chalice"
* 2010: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actor – Drama Series: [[Bradley James]] (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.500'''
* 2011: [[British Academy Film Awards]] – Best Visual Effects (Won)
| style="text-align:center" | '''#10'''
* 2011: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actor – Drama Series: [[Colin Morgan]] (Nom)
|-
* 2011: [[Monte-Carlo Television Festival]] – Outstanding Actress – Drama Series: [[Katie McGrath]] (Nom)
| style="text-align:center"| '''5'''
* 2011: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best Actor: [[Colin Morgan]] (Nom)
| "Lancelot"
* 2011: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best Family Drama (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''1.338'''
* 2012: [[National Television Awards]] – Most Popular Drama Series (Nom)
| style="text-align:center" | '''#17'''
* 2012: [[Royal Television Society]] – Best Sound: Drama (Nom)
|}
* 2012: [[Television and Radio Industries Club|TRIC Awards]] – TV Drama Programme of the Year (Nom)
* 2012: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best Actor: [[Colin Morgan]] (Nom)
* 2012: [[TV Quick Awards]] – Best Family Drama (Nom)
* 2013: [[SFX Awards]] – Best Actor: [[Colin Morgan]] (Won)
* 2013: [[SFX Awards]] – Best Actress: [[Katie McGrath]] (Nom)
* 2013: [[Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films]] – Best Youth-Oriented Series on Television (Nom)
* 2013: [[National Television Awards]] – Most Popular Male Drama Performance: [[Colin Morgan]] (Won)
* 2013: [[National Television Awards]] – Most Popular Drama (Nom)
* 2015: [[Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films]] – Best DVD/Blu-Ray Television Release For "The Complete Series" release (Nom)<ref name="IMDB Awards">{{Cite web |title=IMDB: Merlin Awards |website=[[IMDb]] |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1199099/awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114061137/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1199099/awards |archive-date=14 January 2017 |access-date=8 September 2020}}</ref>


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{bbc.co.uk|merlin|''Merlin''}}
{{Wikiquote|Merlin (TV Series)|Merlin}}
* {{Cite web |title=The Adventures of Merlin |url=http://www.theadventuresofmerlin.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426235454/http://www.theadventuresofmerlin.com/ |archive-date=26 April 2011}}, the official global Merlin site
* {{tv.com|75429|Merlin}}
* {{BBC programme}}
* {{imdb title|id=1199099|title=Merlin}}
* {{IMDb title|1199099|Merlin}}
* {{Epguides|Merlin}}
* {{Cite web |title=Merlin |url=https://www.syfy.com/merlin |publisher=[[Syfy]]}}
* {{Cite web |title=Merlin |url=http://www.nbc.com/merlin |publisher=[[NBC]]}}
*[https://www.dalemccready.com/merlinarchive Merlin production photos ]


{{Merlin}}
{{Merlin}}
{{Arthurian Legend}}
{{Media in Cardiff}}
{{TV series based on Arthurian legends}}


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[[Category:Fantasy adventure television series]]

Latest revision as of 12:10, 3 January 2025

For the 1998 miniseries, see Merlin (miniseries).

Merlin
GenreMedieval fantasy
Adventure
Created byJulian Jones
Jake Michie
Johnny Capps
Julian Murphy
Starring
Theme music composerRob Lane
Opening theme"Merlin's Arrival at Camelot"
Ending theme"The Call of Destiny"
ComposersRob Lane
Rohan Stevenson
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series5
No. of episodes65 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersJulie Gardner
Bethan Jones[1]
ProducerSara Hamill
Production locations
Running time45–50 minutes
Production companyShine TV
Original release
NetworkBBC One
BBC One HD (Series 4 – Series 5)
Release20 September 2008 (2008-09-20) –
24 December 2012 (2012-12-24)
Related
Merlin: Secrets and Magic

Merlin (also known as The Adventures of Merlin) is a British fantasy-adventure drama television programme, loosely based on the Arthurian legends regarding the close relations of Merlin and King Arthur. Created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy for the BBC, it was broadcast for five series on BBC One between 20 September 2008 and 24 December 2012. The programme starred Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Richard Wilson, Anthony Head, and John Hurt.

The programme is a reimagining of the legend, in which young warlock Merlin is sent to the kingdom of Camelot by his mother because of his "special gift". After saving Prince Arthur's life in the first episode, he becomes Arthur's manservant. Merlin soon learns that the reason for his gift is to protect Arthur, but Merlin must hide his powers because magic was banned in Camelot by Arthur's father, King Uther Pendragon, and those caught practising it are executed. Over the years and after several adventures together, Merlin and Arthur become trusted friends and companions, with the former doing his best to influence the latter into becoming the king he is destined to be.

Merlin was nominated for several awards, winning the 2011 British Academy Television Award for best visual effects. Broadcasting rights were sold to over 180 countries.

Series overview

[edit]

Merlin (Colin Morgan) is a young, powerful warlock who arrives in the kingdom of Camelot after his mother arranges for him to stay with the court physician, Gaius (Richard Wilson). He discovers that the king, Uther Pendragon (Anthony Head), outlawed magic twenty years earlier in an event known as the Great Purge and imprisoned the last dragon, Kilgharrah (voice of John Hurt), in the caves beneath the castle. After hearing a mysterious voice inside his head, Merlin makes his way to the cavern beneath the keep to find that he was hearing the dragon's voice. The Great Dragon tells Merlin that he has an important destiny: to protect Uther's only son, Prince Arthur (Bradley James), who will return magic to Camelot and unite the land of Albion.

When Merlin meets Arthur, Merlin considers him to be an arrogant bully, and Arthur, likewise, is less than impressed with Merlin. After saving the prince's life, Merlin is appointed as his personal manservant. The two experience many adventures, over the course of which they come to respect and trust one another. But when Uther's actions eventually cause his ward, Morgana (Katie McGrath), to turn against Camelot and pursue a path of evil, Merlin and Arthur must join forces with friends, old and new, to protect their home and secure their destinies.

Cast

[edit]
Main article: List of Merlin characters
From left to right: Guinevere, Gaius, Morgana, Merlin, Arthur, Uther and the Great Dragon in the background
  • Colin Morgan as Merlin, Arthur's servant and Gaius' ward, who secretly develops his magical gifts under the gaze of kings Uther and Arthur, both of whom despise the art. Only Gaius and Lancelot are aware of his magic. Merlin also has an alter-ego, "Dragoon the Great" (conjured when Merlin performs an aging spell upon himself), who is considered a criminal by Uther and Arthur, and inspires profound fear in Morgana who recognises him as Emrys, her prophetic nemesis. Despite keeping his capabilities under wraps for years, by the end of the show, more people become aware of Merlin's powers, including Mordred, Agravaine, Morgana, Gwen, and Arthur.[2]
  • Bradley James as Arthur Pendragon, the Prince and later King of Camelot, and the commander of the kingdom's knights. Despite being charged with carrying out his father's harsh edicts, Arthur is portrayed as a far more compassionate man, who defends the falsely accused before the king, and occasionally defies him. Arthur welcomes commoners Lancelot, Gwaine, Elyan, Mordred, and Percival as knights, and falls in love with Gwen, a serving girl, whom he later marries and makes Queen. He comes to regard his servant Merlin as a close friend and confidant, never realising how many times Merlin has had to save his life using magic. Arthur initially promises to lift Uther's ban on magic when he becomes king, but changes his mind when he thinks magic killed his father. Arthur is prophesied as "The Once and Future King", which means, even though he is killed in the final episode, Arthur Pendragon will rise again.[3]
  • Angel Coulby as Guinevere ("Gwen"), Morgana's servant who later becomes Queen of Camelot. Her relationship with Arthur at first causes conflict within the kingdom, as Uther considers her unworthy due to her low status and forbids Arthur to court her, even accusing her of witchcraft when Arthur's affections for her do not diminish. However, Gwen proves popular among the common people, and strives to make Arthur and his advisers approachable to them. Gwen is brave and selfless, always doing what's right for Arthur and Camelot.[4]
  • Katie McGrath as Morgana Pendragon, Uther's ward who is later revealed to be his daughter. Initially a kind and empathetic young woman, Morgana comes to despise Uther for his prejudice against magic and when she realizes he would never accept her if he knew of her magical powers, she begins covertly plotting against him. She becomes the show's primary villain by the third series, coveting Arthur's throne.[5]
  • Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon (series 1-4; guest series 5), Camelot's stubborn king, who shows Arthur repeated tough love and ruthlessly enforces the kingdom's strict ban on sorcery. Although meaning well, Uther earns himself many enemies in his brutal fight against magic, and Morgana's ultimate betrayal leaves him a broken man.
  • Richard Wilson as Gaius, the court physician and Merlin's surrogate father and mentor. Once a sorcerer himself, Gaius abandoned the practice but occasionally practises it when Merlin needs help. A wise man with a long memory, Gaius is one of Uther's closest advisers, and always among the first to realise what is really happening when magic threatens the kingdom.
  • Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine de Bois (series 4), Arthur's uncle who steps in, reputedly as a trusted adviser to Arthur, but is later identified as a traitor. Merlin and Gaius learn quickly that Agravaine's loyalty is to Morgana.
  • John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon, also known as Kilgharrah, the last of his kind after Uther destroys all of his kin and makes an example of him by imprisoning him in a vast cave beneath the castle. The Great Dragon gives Merlin advice and forges the sword of Excalibur in his breath for Arthur, but persistently demands his freedom in return. Merlin eventually releases him, unwittingly unleashing a full-on assault on Camelot by the dragon, seeking revenge for his murdered kin. However, Merlin learns from his father that he is descended from a long line of dragonlords, and is able to use that power to control the Great Dragon. Subsequently, Merlin and the dragon become close friends with the dragon often helping Merlin when needed.

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Merlin episodes
SeriesEpisodesOriginally releasedAve. UK viewers
(millions)
First releasedLast released
11320 September 2008 (2008-09-20)13 December 2008 (2008-12-13)6.32
21319 September 2009 (2009-09-19)19 December 2009 (2009-12-19)5.99
31311 September 2010 (2010-09-11)4 December 2010 (2010-12-04)6.78
4131 October 2011 (2011-10-01)24 December 2011 (2011-12-24)7.17
5136 October 2012 (2012-10-06)24 December 2012 (2012-12-24)7.13

Production

[edit]
The Château de Pierrefonds in northern France was used for filming Camelot scenes

The programme was conceived by Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps.[6] The BBC had been keen on showing a drama based on the character of Merlin for some time. A year before the Shine series was initiated, writer and producer Chris Chibnall had been developing a project aimed at a BBC One Sunday night slot, but this was ultimately not commissioned.[7] The Shine version of the project was put into development in late 2006, commissioned by Controller of BBC One Peter Fincham and BBC Head of Fiction Jane Tranter, with Fincham keen on having more series on his channel which embodied "three generation TV – that's TV you can watch with your grandparents and children. There's not enough of that about."[7]

The series went into production in March 2008,[8] with filming in Wales and France (at the Château de Pierrefonds).[6] Two Kent locations were also used: The Barons Hall and Garden Tower at Penshurst Place, and Chislehurst Caves for the first series.[9] The series was produced by Shine in association with BBC Wales, whose Head of Drama Julie Gardner was executive producer for the BBC.[6] Doctor Who's chief writer Russell T Davies had been an important influence on the tone and style of Merlin.[6] CGI special effects for the series were provided by The Mill.[1] The Old English for spells was written by university scholar and medievalist Dr. Mark Faulkner,[10] and later by the script editing team.[11] An initial series of 13 episodes, Merlin began broadcasting in the UK on 20 September 2008. A trailer was prepared in advance for television, cinemas, and online.[6]

US broadcaster NBC began airing Merlin on 21 June 2009 but after a decline in viewers, it was moved to cable network Syfy where series 2 began on 2 April 2010. On 19 September 2009, series 2 began airing on BBC One.[12] On 5 September 2010, BFI Southbank in London previewed Episodes 1 and 2 of series 3 for its September Film Funday programme.[13] A ten-episode fourth series was confirmed on 2 October 2010, though it was rumoured to air in early 2012, later than its usual slot in autumn, so that it would not clash with Doctor Who which would possibly air during the same period.[14] In March 2011, this was revised, and the fourth series was extended to the standard 13 episodes.[15] The fourth series was broadcast in the United States on the Syfy Channel "in early 2012."[16] In UK, the fourth series premiered on 1 October 2011.

Capps and Murphy confirmed on 24 July that BBC had commissioned a fifth series.[17] Filming for the fifth series began March 2012 in Pierrefonds, France and near Cardiff, Wales. 13 episodes were ordered.[18] Series 5 started broadcasting on 6 October 2012.[19] On 26 November 2012, it was announced that series 5 of Merlin would be the last, with a two-part special concluding the series over Christmas.[20][21]

In a later interview, the co-creators said that while there had not been serious consideration of a sixth series, there had been "advanced talks" about a trilogy of Merlin movies set within the show's original timeline that did not end up being realized, but that they remained creatively interested in the legend.[22] Two of the show's original scripts were published on a BBC website aimed at scriptwriters.[23]

Broadcast

[edit]

A documentary series called Merlin: Secrets and Magic explains how the series was created. Apart from the initial 50-minute special, which was broadcast directly after the series two premiere, all new 50-minute episodes were shown after each Merlin episode repeat on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, or Friday evening on BBC Three.[24] In 2009 the BBC broadcast a special in which Morgan and James took a road trip through Wales looking for traces of sites related to Arthurian legend.[25][26] James said in an interview that while the road trip was fun, it was geographically limited due to being funded by BBC Wales, even though many high profile sites related to Arthurian legend are outside Wales.[27]

In April 2008, United States broadcasting rights were purchased by NBC,[28] where it was shown on Sundays at 8 pm (EST), starting 21 June 2009.[29] This made it the first British drama in over 30 years to be shown on US network television, as opposed to PBS or cable.[30] The programme moved to Syfy, a cable channel also owned by NBC, for the second series, which premiered on 2 April 2010.[31] Syfy aired the third series in early 2011, after the conclusion of the initial broadcast on BBC.[32] It was later announced the series would air after WWE SmackDown beginning 7 January 2011 at 10 pm (9 pm Central).[33] The distributor, FremantleMedia Enterprises, also sold broadcast rights to CTV in Canada, Network Ten in Australia and Prime in New Zealand. It aired on Choice TV.[34][35] The series was broadcast in 183 countries.[36]

In the UK, the show has reaired on Sky Mix and Sky Sci-Fi, in addition to being available on BBC iPlayer.[37][38][39] The free streaming service Plex launched a Merlin channel in 2023 for U.S. viewers, in addition to a separate Merlin channel airing on Amazon Prime's Freevee.[40][41][42][43] In the U.S., the show is also available on a variety of on-demand paid and free ad-supported streaming platforms, including Pluto TV,[44] Tubi,[45] Amazon's Prime Video[46] and Britbox.[47]

Home media

[edit]

Series one and two were released on DVD in the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Series three is available in the United Kingdom, and was released in Australia on 4 August 2011. Accompanying box sets are featurettes, video diaries, and commentaries.[48][49][50][51] Behind the Magic, a two-part overview of making Merlin is included with the UK series one box set, while the documentary series, Secrets and Magic, is included with series two.[48][49] In Australia "The Complete Collection" boxset (23-Discs, Seasons 1–5) was released on 13 May 2015.[52]

Series UK US
Complete Box Set 		Australia
Complete Box Set
Volume 1 Volume 2 Complete Box Set
Release date Discs Release date Discs Release date Discs Release date Discs Release date Discs
1st 24 November 2008[53] 3 9 February 2009[54] 3 5 October 2009[48] 6 20 April 2010[55] 6 30 July 2009[a][56] 4
2nd 23 November 2009[57] 3 8 February 2010[58] 3 8 February 2010[49] 6 18 January 2011[59] 6 22 July 2010[b][60] 4
3rd 15 November 2010[61] 3 24 January 2011[62] 3 24 January 2011 5 17 January 2012[63] 5 2 August 2011[64] 5
4th 28 November 2011[65] 3 23 January 2012[66] 3 23 January 2012[67] 5 15 January 2013 4 1 March 2012[68] 5
5th 26 November 2012[69] 3 21 January 2013[70] 3 21 January 2013[71] 5 23 April 2013[72] 4 13 February 2013[73] 5
1st–5th — — — — 28 October 2013[74] 27 4 November 2014 27 ? ?
  1. ^ Re-released 4 August 2010.
  2. ^ Re-released 6 January 2011.

Soundtrack

[edit]

A soundtrack for the first two series featuring music from selected episodes was released on the MovieScore Media record label.[75] Merlin composer Robert Lane was nominated for Best Original Score for Television for the 10th annual Movie Music UK Awards (2008),[76] the 8th edition GoldSpirit Awards (2008),[77][78] and the 5th annual International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) Awards (2008).[79] In early October 2012 MovieScore Media released the soundtrack from the third and fourth series along with that from the start of the fifth series.

Series Release Date Catalog Number
Merlin series 1 4 November 2008[80] MMS08021[80]
Merlin series 2 17 November 2009[81] MMS09027[81]
Merlin series 3 2 October 2012 (digital)[82] / 23 October 2012 (CD)[82] MMS12010[82]
Merlin series 4 2 October 2012 (digital)[83] / 23 October 2012 (CD)[83] MMS12011[83]

In other media

[edit]

Books

[edit]

A series of books was published including novelizations of episodes from Seasons 1,2 and 3. [84]

Official magazine

[edit]

UK publisher Attic Brand Media launched an official magazine for the show in September 2011 featuring articles, puzzles and a comic strip written by Damian Kelleher and drawn by Lee Carey.[85] The monthly magazine cost £3.20 per issue and was distributed in UK newsagents.

Merlin wax work at Warwick Castle

Exhibitions

[edit]

Merlin: The Dragon Tower

[edit]

A Merlin attraction was created at Warwick Castle entitled Merlin: The Dragon Tower, which featured a walkthrough, a projection of Kilgharrah the dragon, Merlin from the BBC TV Series Merlin, or at least a true-to-life wax model-which was created with over 300 measurements—and a catalogue of reference shots of Colin Morgan. Upon seeing his wax work, Morgan said, "Little did I think that when I visited Madame Tussauds as a kid that I would have the honour of having the same fantastic team making a wax figure of myself. It's truly amazing and I can't praise their hard work enough in creating such a brilliant life-like me."[86]

The wax model cost £150,000, and the entire castle experience was part of a £3 million investment by the Merlin Entertainment Group to promote the show.[87] The attraction closed in 2014[citation needed] and is now the site of the Warwick Castle Time Tower.[citation needed]

Games

[edit]

The BBC released two small Merlin-themed video games on the BBC website: a tower defense game called 'Camelot Defence', and an adventure puzzle game named 'Quest for the Mortaeus'.[88] In 2012, a 'real-time cooperative' video game adaptation named 'Merlin: The Game' was announced and launched on Facebook.[89] It has since been taken offline.[citation needed]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

References

[edit]
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[edit]
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