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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User Reviews

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 :)
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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?
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. TJL.
    Jul 14, 2009
    9
    A bit cheesy at times, yes.. but great characters. Quite enjoyable.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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!
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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???
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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