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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed shows.
Merlin
EMAILPRINTSERIES: NBC, Saturday 8:00p (60 minutes)

Mixed or average reviews
Based on 8 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 47 votes
Read user comments
Rate this show >
Show Info
Genre(s): Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Created By:
Julian Jones
Howard Overman
First Air Date: June 20, 2009
Summary
Starring Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head, Katie McGrath, Eve Myles, Richard Wilson, John Hurt, Caroline Faber, Gary Oliver, Bradley James, Ed Coleman, Angel Coulby, and Louise Dylan
NBC imported from the UK this reimagining of the legendary wizard as a young man hired as a physician's assistant.
Episode Guide & More Info: More about this show at TV.com
Also On The Web: Official Show Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Entertainment WeeklyAdam Markovitz
Cheesy? Sure. But there's enough sword-clanging Action--not to mention homoerotic tension--to keep viewers happily entertained for a spell.
Read Full Review >Hollywood ReporterRandee Dawn
For those new to the legend, this is a fresh, and delightfully color-blind, approach to the tale.
Read Full Review >The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley
A lighthearted, quite charming medieval adventure series made by the BBC, is tailored to the age of Obama.
Read Full Review >Slant MagazineKris King
Even with its quirky charm, though, the show's formula begins to wear thin.
Read Full Review >Boston GlobeMatthew Gilbert
The middling show plays too much like “The O.C.’’ with swords, crowns, and a cheesy CGI dragon (voiced by John Hurt).
Read Full Review >Washington PostTom Shales
It takes the stuff of legend and imagination and makes it dry and commonplace. You look forward not to the next exciting chapter, but for the whole enterprise to go "poof" and disappear.
Read Full Review >VarietyBrian Lowry
It's just that Merlin is clearly shopping for tricks in the bargain bin, and like the song says, the new Camelot's shining moments are all too brief, indeed.
Read Full Review >Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen
Merlin looks, well, typically British with shoddy production values. Worse, it tells dull stories.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this show is 8.1 (out of 10) based on 47 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Ariel G gave it an8:
A great fantasy show with a great cast. John Hurt lends an awesome, mystical voice to the Dragon, and Anthony Head is a perfect fit as Uther Pendragon. Colin Morgan and Bradley James are also proving their worth. Good story, good effects, good soundtrack. Worth watching.
Laura gave it a9:
Love this show! Everything looks really beautiful - the castle, costumes, props etc. Accusing this show of poor production values is really misplaced, everything looks gorgeous. It's just good weekend, early-evening programming. Fun, funny, engaging and occasionally pretty moving, too. It's not taking itself too seriously, it's not claiming to be historically accurate. It's fun. I like it.
Diane R gave it a10:
Great show. It is a huge hit in the UK and deservedly so. In particular the 4 newcomers who play the young leads are excellent. Bradley James (Arthur) and Colin Morgan (Merlin) are faces to watch for the future, and you saw them here first!
Diane W gave it a10:
Fantastic show. It has so much going for it - attractive and talented young leads, balanced by experienced 'old hands', exciting storylines, and beautiful costumes, sets and music. But what sets it apart from the crowd is the wonderful onscreen chemistry between Arthur and Merlin. Their developing friendship is wonderfully played, and is ultimately what draws you in to this excellent show and keeps you watching.
Cheryl H gave it a10:
I love merlin! Its cleaver and funny and gr8 to watch. I think colin is a amazing actor and i think bradley james is to. Plus he's SUPER FIT!
Bill S gave it a4:
Unfortunately, the good acting far excels the contrived, politically correct story lines.
J. R. M. gave it a10:
Fabulous show! It is the only show I never miss this summer. It must continue. Bradley James is the hottest now hunk on TV.
