Merlin

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 122 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 144
  3. Negative: 11 out of 144
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  1. browniejes001
    Sep 19, 2010
    10
    I love this show!! Ten times better than most of the garbage on tv now days. I am officially addicted to watching :) Can't wait for season 3! Can't wait for someone else besides Gaius to find out about Merlins magic :)
  2. GavGav96
    Feb 24, 2011
    8
    Undeniably formulatic plot-lines and the effects aren't up to scratch either, however the comedy, character development and action are all the season's most promising hooks.
  3. Chocolate
    Oct 4, 2010
    10
    This show has more spirit than I've seen in a long while - from magic and sorcery to sword wielding hunks, Merlin brings back why dragons and charm are such key factors to make a story intelligent and adorable. It entwines Arthurian legend with young love and an era of beautiful dresses and gorgeous princes. The chemistry between Arthur and Merlin is priceless and their relationship isThis show has more spirit than I've seen in a long while - from magic and sorcery to sword wielding hunks, Merlin brings back why dragons and charm are such key factors to make a story intelligent and adorable. It entwines Arthurian legend with young love and an era of beautiful dresses and gorgeous princes. The chemistry between Arthur and Merlin is priceless and their relationship is crucial to making this show as wonderful as it is - I just hope that Arthur and Merlin really do have some sexual tension, and it's not just my imagination running wild on me ... I loveloveLOVE this show!… Expand
  4. alphagirll
    May 3, 2011
    10
    Rolling my eyes at the people who gave it no chance. The only problem with Merlin is that it breaks up the plot with random kind of cheesy episodes - this is alright once you know the characters pretty well, although you're still wanting plot a good bit of the time. When the plot is rolling, it's very intense. The finale of season three made me get tears in my eyes three times,Rolling my eyes at the people who gave it no chance. The only problem with Merlin is that it breaks up the plot with random kind of cheesy episodes - this is alright once you know the characters pretty well, although you're still wanting plot a good bit of the time. When the plot is rolling, it's very intense. The finale of season three made me get tears in my eyes three times, something that's only happened with two other television shows ever. The first season was rough, the second season was mixed, but I really think the show is coming into its own. They used old english for a lot of the spells and stuff, the character interactions are humorous and cute when they're not intense, and if you are actually familiar with Arthurian legend in all its variations it really doesn't take much more license than what is necessary to actually make it a show. I've honestly been surprised with how much things have come together. And that's not even to really mention the fact that the graphics got a lot better with the changing of the seasons. Everyone I know personally who thinks this show is bad didn't give it a chance at all. I don't really understand wanting to dismiss something with so much potential so early on, especially as a lot of shows are finding their mark early on and Merlin didn't seem to know exactly what to do to appeal to viewers at first. This show is no more 'Dawson's Creek' than Battlestar or something. The fight scenes are great and the only thing that annoys me is Morgana's constant evil smirks.… Expand
  5. Admiral_TSon
    Jun 11, 2011
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Merlin provides us with an interesting prequel to the well known Arthurian legends through the perspective of Merlin. The show's overall angle here is one that is very unique and exciting, especially in the first two seasons. The best aspect of this show is its creative approach in building up the foundations of timeless characters we know so well from legend. We learn about how Arthur is formed into the man he is, widely in response to his father Uther's paranoid fears. We learn why Morgana ended up taking the darker path. We learn how Guinivere captured Arthur's heart, and how Merlin became much more to Arthur than a useful subject, but an indispensable friend. This, to me, makes the series a must watch for any fan of Arthurian legend.

    The first two seasons do an excellent job of presenting us with an interesting storyline, highlighting Arthur's growth as a man coming of age, and Uther's continued paranoia of magic. The conflicts in the story during these seasons are almost always nailbiting, and their conclusions are generally fascinating, but believable. Starting in the third season, however, the plot begins to stagnate a bit. The plot formula becomes very predictable, and aside from Morgana's treachery, there's very little real substance that adds to the series as a whole. The writers had an excellent opportunity here to create an interesting conflict by having Merlin's powers discovered, perhaps by Arthur or the kingdom as a whole, but did not do anything on this scale to make the season memorable.

    The other thing that irked me in the series was its modern political correctness. Why exactly do we have African-Camolotians? Though I can forgive a creative licence of having Gwen as a servant girl, having her as an African is something that just doesn't make sense to the story. She's far from the only one, too. The Kingdom of Camelot in Merlin is filled with many different races which may warm our modern PC hearts, but is not germane to Arthurian legend, and would have been best avoided.

    Overall, this show is definitely worth a watch. It certainly has its share of problems and quirks, but overall it provides an entertaining prequel to the legends we all know and love.    … Expand
  6. Blackaroo
    Sep 11, 2011
    9
    This is the best show in the whole world! I am really happy with it and i have seen all the episodes again and again. I definitely recommend it. The only thing that bothers me a little is Katie McGrath's acting, it could definitely be improved upon
  7. DianeW
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    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 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.… Expand
  8. WayneA
    Jul 1, 2009
    8
    Nice lighthearted summer viewing that improves each week.
  9. lexik
    Jul 28, 2009
    10
    Love this show it has been to long since there has been a worthwhile fantasy on tv!!! Never take it off
  10. AnitaM.
    Jun 24, 2009
    4
    I tried watching this...I really did, but I ended up turning it off. They took a tale that is very well known and took too much license with it so that it became something unrecognizable. Add to it the cheap costuming and for me you have a very blah show. The boots these people wore were nothing like the time-periods clothing, the chain mail was CHEAP, and is it just me...or does anyone I tried watching this...I really did, but I ended up turning it off. They took a tale that is very well known and took too much license with it so that it became something unrecognizable. Add to it the cheap costuming and for me you have a very blah show. The boots these people wore were nothing like the time-periods clothing, the chain mail was CHEAP, and is it just me...or does anyone buy that a castle that is lit by fire...would be that white on the inside?!!! Honestly, there were too many distractions, aside from the screwy storyline for me to enjoy it. Don't bring this one back!… Expand
  11. TJL.
    Jul 14, 2009
    9
    A bit cheesy at times, yes.. but great characters. Quite enjoyable.
  12. J.B.
    Jul 19, 2009
    9
    My daughter who is 9 loves watching the show with me. We look forward to watching every week. It is a nice change to all of the reality TV.
  13. SherylR.
    Jul 19, 2009
    10
    this is a great show. finally something fun you can watch with the family. please keep this around for a while. what a refreshing change from the incessant reality shows.
  14. MerlinF.
    Jul 2, 2009
    9
    This is my second favourite show on TV at the moment, first being Dollhouse. Great characters, great stories and lots of fun all round. Too bad about the awful CGI.
  15. MaggieM.
    Jul 21, 2009
    8
    I think it is nice. I like the characters and the story lines. Not too many shows now the whole family can watch so we love Merlin!
  16. J.R.M.
    Aug 17, 2009
    10
    Fabulous show! It is the only show I never miss this summer. It must continue. Bradley James is the hottest now hunk on TV.
  17. mtriana
    Jun 29, 2009
    9
    I really enjoyed this fresh approach to an ancient tale. It is truly much better than the reality garbage that is being forced upon us every day. I hope they keep it for a long time!
  18. PatsyH
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Colin Morgan is a delight in his youthful portrayal of the young apprentice wizard Merlin. He adds the further delight of resembling our 17 year old grandson Troy Butler who lives in Kansas and plays football. Both have dark hair and eyes with Celtic good looks. We've watched all four episodes and are Arthurian legend buffs.
  19. J.M.
    Jul 11, 2009
    10
    Excellent show, I hope NBC orders more of Merlin for both the winter and summer seasons. This is a show the whole family can love, and is imaginative, funny, action adventure, and I would also buy the DVDs of this too.
  20. KellyB.
    Jul 18, 2009
    9
    Though at times it lacks in story-telling it makes up for it with incredibly endearing characters. This show has heart and above all it's fun to watch.
  21. JeannieB.
    Aug 2, 2009
    9
    High-spirited good fun! A youthful twist on an old story. It's interesting, and sometimes sad (in light of what those who know the story know is in store for the characters), to watch Merlin and Co. get to know one another as teens.
  22. ArielG
    Nov 26, 2009
    8
    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.
  23. TonyP.
    Jun 22, 2009
    9
    A nice change from most of the same-old, same-old crime shows. I hope this show doesn't get canceled.
  24. SandyA
    Jun 24, 2009
    8
    Good clean fun. Something different. I am looking forward to the next episode.
  25. JackC.
    Jun 25, 2009
    9
    I believe they made a great start to the story. Hopefully both the characters and story line can live up to the legend.
  26. Spellkid
    Dec 28, 2011
    10
    This show is pretty well done yet i feel it has a long way to go to be perfect. Yet I have to say this a fantastic twist on the tales of Camelot and I feel it has great potential
  27. Paulc771
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    Have just finished watched series/season 4. It was fantastic. The show has become slightly more dark, which makes the show less 'cheesy' and really adds to the story. However, the comedic value of the show is still very much alive and it keeps me chuckling! The acting from the main characters is superb and the look of the show is excellent.
  28. Necromus
    Jan 3, 2013
    8
    Merlin has great cinematography, great costumes and decent special effects and CGI. The acting in this show, especially from the main characters is superb. Colin Morgan's acting in particular is outstanding. The banter between Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin is well-done and humorous throughout the series. What this show lacks is decent story writing and the directing is a bit weak atMerlin has great cinematography, great costumes and decent special effects and CGI. The acting in this show, especially from the main characters is superb. Colin Morgan's acting in particular is outstanding. The banter between Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin is well-done and humorous throughout the series. What this show lacks is decent story writing and the directing is a bit weak at times. What I mean is that plot holes occur often and some of the scenes are a bit unintentionally silly. A plot hole, for example, in the 5th season. there is a multi-episode story arc where Arthur's wife (I won't name her to prevent spoilers) is under magic control and trying to kill him. Merlin is well aware of this but in one of the episode he leaves Arthur the king he is sworn to protect alone with her for an entire day for no good reason and doesn't even assign anyone to watch over him or anything. An example of weak directing is that while Mrelin has to hide his magic abilities from the knights when he is out on a quest with them, he often goes into the bushes about 30 feet away and yells magic chants at the top of his lungs to summon a dragon, I'm pretty sure the Knights and Arthur would hear that if the show was realistic. But other than stuff like that it is a good show. This show deviates very much from the legend/myth of Arthur, Merlin and the knights of the round table. So if you want to watch an accurate portrayal of the legend, this is not the show to watch and you might be disappointed. Overall, this show has excellent production quality and decent acting but the plot holes and poor directing can make it seem really unintentionally silly at times. I would give it a 6/10 to 7/10 for the stories and directing because it is a mildly-entertaining show. However, the cinematography, costumes and acting by the main characters is absolutely excellent so that boosts it up to 8/10.… Expand
  29. WhiteTalpa
    Mar 5, 2013
    8
    Merlin is a really entertaining show, However, i would suggest that you don'y buy this on DVD as getting into the story is a waste of time, the ending is so bad you will just be really annoyed.
  30. Annoymous1
    Jan 10, 2013
    8
    Merlin is a great TV show with tons of color to put in the medieval world. Magic and monsters are a great mix and just to put it a little bit of graphic can add some spice but still a generally good TV show. It is about 85%.
  31. Ndi
    Aug 9, 2013
    10
    Who the hell writes these critic reviews and why are they still in the list? "The actors look British"? It's a British show. Arthur is a British legend.

    Anyway. In true style of the BBC, Merlin is a quality show, with a great story, great acting, and all its cash poured into story, setting and immersion, rather than bigger explosions and hi-poly dragons. Also in BBC style, Merlin is    Who the hell writes these critic reviews and why are they still in the list? "The actors look British"? It's a British show. Arthur is a British legend.

    Anyway.

    In true style of the BBC, Merlin is a quality show, with a great story, great acting, and all its cash poured into story, setting and immersion, rather than bigger explosions and hi-poly dragons. Also in BBC style, Merlin is a new take on the legend, not a re-pouring of the story on a screen.

    Excellent writing, with non-predictable story, that keeps the viewer guessing, likable characters with a realistic growth, with Arthur slowly growing from a prat prince to King Arthur, Merlin from a young and naive wizard to a more confident and capable wizard, all characters are well played.

    This show is a great story played by good actors and well put to screen. If you want to be immersed in the legend of Arthur, this is a great show. If you want big explosions, look somewhere else.

    The only thing I found a bit lacking is the ending. It feels a bit rushed, honestly, all crammed in. The last 2 episodes should have been 3 or 4.

    Still, a great show, with a good progression, and a storytelling style that pushes the characters' plight not by emotional displays and close up shots, but by carrying the viewer through the events the character experienced, letting you pick your own side, and understand why they turn, or remain loyal, rather than let you face a closed decision by the writers.

    Few shows get the viewer so immersed in the story. It is hard to watch the series and not appreciate how hard is it for Merlin to remain hidden, and why he has to do so.    … Expand
  32. heromoder
    Apr 21, 2015
    7
    A promising start, slightly tame for the content, but otherwise a great adventure piece for young audiences. Colin Morgan is a rising star, and it's great to see Anthony Head on TV again.
  33. SJ-ULTI-Reiews
    Oct 2, 2013
    8
    Merlin is a british tv show. It is a family-oriented retelling of the King Arthur legend. The main protaganist is Merlin a young warlock that must hide his identity from Arthur and his father Uther Pendragon. I was expecting this show to suck, but honestly its one of the best tv shows ive seen. It has many interesting plots and character development. The first season kicks off the showMerlin is a british tv show. It is a family-oriented retelling of the King Arthur legend. The main protaganist is Merlin a young warlock that must hide his identity from Arthur and his father Uther Pendragon. I was expecting this show to suck, but honestly its one of the best tv shows ive seen. It has many interesting plots and character development. The first season kicks off the show with a bang and it gets better and better.… Expand
  34. be-tragic
    Mar 30, 2014
    8
    Merlin is a medieval adventure with swordfights, magic and bromance. It's fun and entertaining and easy to understand.

    It's for you if: you like bromance and fun. You don't have to take things too seriously.

    It might not be for you if: you're looking for a serious drama. This is not a show like 'The Tudors' or 'Borgia', it's a fun adventure show.
  35. AvidFan
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    Merlin is one of my favourite shows due to the solid writing, beautiful costumes, and the chemistry between the cast members. This show may not necessarily be remembered for having the best plot, but its greatness lies in the development of the bond between Merlin and Arthur, and the way in which each season offers an improvement over its predecessor. It is also pleasing that MerlinMerlin is one of my favourite shows due to the solid writing, beautiful costumes, and the chemistry between the cast members. This show may not necessarily be remembered for having the best plot, but its greatness lies in the development of the bond between Merlin and Arthur, and the way in which each season offers an improvement over its predecessor. It is also pleasing that Merlin manages to adhere to the legend of King Arthur whilst remaining unique in its own right.… Expand
  36. LillyanneS1
    Jan 16, 2011
    10
    already got the first season on DVD. Really Enjoyed It & doing well in UK where it has been renewed for a forth season to be done in either 2011 or 2012
  37. SamanthaH
    Jun 29, 2009
    1
    Dawson's Creek meets Renn Faire. Just another bad teen show with medieval clothing. All the interaction between characters and even the casting is so politically correct and modern. i.e - Gwen - "Hi dad, here's your sandwich!" Sooooo historically inacurate, very, very hard to watch.... It's like the story line is just an excuse for the young actors to run around in Dawson's Creek meets Renn Faire. Just another bad teen show with medieval clothing. All the interaction between characters and even the casting is so politically correct and modern. i.e - Gwen - "Hi dad, here's your sandwich!" Sooooo historically inacurate, very, very hard to watch.... It's like the story line is just an excuse for the young actors to run around in costumes. And what's with "Gwen" ? Is she just the black girl next door who just "hangs out" with Merlin? Historically, how many persons of African desent were even in Europe in the early middle ages? This rates right up there with Disney's horribly politically correct portrayl of a 17th century native American girl. Bad - Very Bad!!!… Expand
  38. MovieCritic
    Nov 21, 2011
    5
    It's ok show but a bit redundant about things. They took a enjoyable tale and messed with it until it was turned around and just nothing like the tale. Some episodes are funny, others try to be funny but to no avail. Most of the time episode themes are repeated in a later episodes and keep being repeated, just slightly tweaked which makes it boring to continue watching after a while. YouIt's ok show but a bit redundant about things. They took a enjoyable tale and messed with it until it was turned around and just nothing like the tale. Some episodes are funny, others try to be funny but to no avail. Most of the time episode themes are repeated in a later episodes and keep being repeated, just slightly tweaked which makes it boring to continue watching after a while. You also can almost predict what is going to happen in most episodes which makes you want to hurry it along and they drag out the whole Merlin not telling Arthur hes a wizard thing way to long. They should have had that happen the beginning of the second season or end of the first.… Expand
  39. LinnichG
    Dec 26, 2012
    4
    In term of storyline
  40. ConnieP
    Jul 20, 2009
    8
    Yes the stories are so-so. Yes the special effects are so-so. Yes the characters lack real dimension (for now). BUT there is real chemistry between all the actors. It is a true "ensemble cast" in the manner of Frasier. What the series lacks in everything else, it makes up for in the interplay of the actors. It is this that, given TIME, will make the series work. If only the BBC and most Yes the stories are so-so. Yes the special effects are so-so. Yes the characters lack real dimension (for now). BUT there is real chemistry between all the actors. It is a true "ensemble cast" in the manner of Frasier. What the series lacks in everything else, it makes up for in the interplay of the actors. It is this that, given TIME, will make the series work. If only the BBC and most importantly NBC give it a chance.… Expand
  41. CherylH
    Sep 5, 2009
    10
    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!
  42. Valkyrieee
    Jun 17, 2012
    10
    Merlin is actually one of the best shows out there. People of all ages will enjoy it. I will admit that the CGI in the beginning is really bad but it does get better. And there are some pretty cheesy moments, but really what television show doesn't have those?
  43. RhyschendaO.
    Jun 23, 2009
    2
    Poor premise--Merlin, Arthur's contemporary? This show won't attract the Arthurian legend lovers. Gwen a maid? Cheesy sets & mediocre acting.
  44. BillS
    Aug 28, 2009
    4
    Unfortunately, the good acting far excels the contrived, politically correct story lines.
  45. tete99
    Jan 15, 2012
    9
    i really like this show it tells children stories but in adults ways i love it so much but i hate Guinevere as their isn't any sexier girl in the hole uk ????? seriously???
  46. rah
    Nov 3, 2012
    10
    This show is cheesy, under budgeted, and averagely acted, but I'm loving every minute of it. It proves extremely entertaining and I know that it will only get better. I highly recommend this show.
  47. deecee
    Jul 12, 2009
    0
    I would rather watch grass grow in my backyard than waste my time on this utter piece of garbage of a TV series, they don't even bother trying anymore.
  48. IsaacS.
    Jul 2, 2009
    6
    The story follows the very typical hero epic format, and the only question I have is which of his mentors: the physician or the dragon, will die first. The acting is so-so, the story-line quite dull, straightforward, and often illogical. The only way they could stop the evil witch from killing the Prince is some "not my destiny" mumbo-jumbo. I ain't buying it. There is no interesting The story follows the very typical hero epic format, and the only question I have is which of his mentors: the physician or the dragon, will die first. The acting is so-so, the story-line quite dull, straightforward, and often illogical. The only way they could stop the evil witch from killing the Prince is some "not my destiny" mumbo-jumbo. I ain't buying it. There is no interesting take on magic or the storyline. The characters are entirely unbelievable: did you notice how the Prince goes from being a jerk to a hero in 1.3 episodes? All in all, I'll watch it because I like fantasy, but that doesn't mean I'll enjoy it.… Expand
  49. SusanD
    Jul 27, 2009
    0
    It should be on Saturday mornings with the rest of the children shows
  50. wilmacaldwell
    Feb 6, 2014
    1
    Merlin was not shown on our network so I was just able to complete it
    I must disagree with all "knowing" critics the BBC gave us a wonderful look into
    Another world and time then DESTROYED it with the ending The view of the melodramatic of kill them in the end was not what you had anticipated Throughout the adventure - The sword was forged by a Dragon and Arthur could have been Spared    Merlin was not shown on our network so I was just able to complete it
    I must disagree with all "knowing" critics the BBC gave us a wonderful look into
    Another world and time then DESTROYED it with the ending
    The view of the melodramatic of kill them in the end was not what you had anticipated
    Throughout the adventure - The sword was forged by a Dragon and Arthur could have been
    Spared at the end of the Dragons life (there were plenty of liberties taken in this) and a
    More positive one should have happened.
    Sorry BBC but you ruined it !!    … Expand
  51. Laura
    Nov 8, 2009
    9
    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. 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.… Expand
  52. DianeR
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    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!
  53. brean
    Dec 13, 2018
    10
    While it starts out slow and admittedly cheesy, by the third episode my interest was definitely piqued, and as the show went on I found it was not only good, but one of the best fantasy shows I've ever seen. The actors are charismatic, the banter hilarious, and even if the season 1 cgi was lacking, the plot and character more than made up for it.

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best TV Season of 2009
20
#20 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
17
#17 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    The middling show plays too much like “The O.C.’’ with swords, crowns, and a cheesy CGI dragon (voiced by John Hurt).
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Randee Dawn
    80
    For those new to the legend, this is a fresh, and delightfully color-blind, approach to the tale.
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  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    40
    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.
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