Merlin was a British fantasy-adventure television programme created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy, and Johnny Capps, which was broadcast on BBC One from 20 September 2008 to 24 December 2012. The show is based on the Arthurian legends of the wizard Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur, but it differs from traditional versions of the legend in many ways.
The series follows the adventures of young Merlin, a warlock who arrives in the kingdom of Camelot after his mother arranges for him to stay with the court physician, Gaius. When Merlin meets the young prince, Arthur, he discovers that his destiny is to protect the prince from danger. With the help of Gaius, Merlin must conceal his magical powers while defending Camelot from various threats, including the evil sorceress Morgana.
Merlin was a huge success, with a loyal fan base and high ratings. So why was it cancelled after five seasons?
The Reasons Behind the Cancellation of Merlin
When the show was first created, it was intended to be a family-friendly programme, suitable for viewing by all ages. However, as the show progressed, the storylines and plotlines became more complex and darker in tone. This caused some concern among viewers, who felt that the show was no longer suitable for younger viewers.
In addition, the show was expensive to produce and the BBC felt that the cost of producing the show was too high in comparison to the ratings it was receiving. This, combined with the fact that the show had been running for five seasons, meant that it was no longer financially viable for the BBC to continue producing it.
Finally, the show’s creators wanted to move on to new projects, and felt that the show had reached its natural conclusion. After five seasons, they felt that it was time to end the show and move on.
The Legacy of Merlin
Despite its cancellation, Merlin remains one of the most popular television shows of all time. The show has been praised for its innovative storylines and engaging characters, and it has been credited with introducing a new generation of viewers to the Arthurian legends.
The show also helped to launch the careers of various actors, including Colin Morgan, Katie McGrath, and Bradley James. All three went on to appear in various other TV shows and films after the end of Merlin.
Finally, the show has inspired a number of spin-off books, comics, and plays, and has become a favourite among fans of the Arthurian legends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Merlin cancelled?
Merlin was cancelled due to a combination of factors, including the show's increasing complexity and darkness, its high production costs, and the desire of the show's creators to move on to new projects.
Is Merlin still popular?
Yes, Merlin remains one of the most popular television shows of all time. The show has a loyal fan base and continues to inspire spin-off books, comics, and plays.
Who starred in Merlin?
The show starred Colin Morgan, Katie McGrath, and Bradley James, among others. All three went on to appear in various other TV shows and films after the end of Merlin.
What is Merlin based on?
Merlin is based on the Arthurian legends of the wizard Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur, but it differs from traditional versions of the legend in many ways.
What year did Merlin start?
Merlin first aired in 2008 and ran for five seasons, concluding in 2012.
Where can I watch Merlin?
Merlin is available to watch on various streaming services, including Amazon Prime and Netflix.
What other shows have the Merlin cast members appeared in?
Colin Morgan, Katie McGrath, and Bradley James have all gone on to appear in various other TV shows and films since the end of Merlin. These include Game of Thrones, The Tudors, and Jurassic World.
What is the theme of Merlin?
The theme of Merlin is one of good versus evil, with Merlin and his allies protecting Camelot from various threats, including the evil sorceress Morgana.
Is Merlin suitable for children?
The show was originally intended to be suitable for all ages, but as the show progressed it became darker in tone and some viewers felt that it was no longer suitable for younger viewers.
How many episodes of Merlin are there?
There are a total of 65 episodes of Merlin, spread across five seasons.
Who created Merlin?
Merlin was created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy, and Johnny Capps.
What other shows are similar to Merlin?
Other fantasy-adventure shows similar to Merlin include Game of Thrones, The Witcher, and Outlander.
What awards has Merlin won?
Merlin has been nominated for various awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design. The show has also been nominated for several BAFTA awards.