Merlin

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Season 1
Season #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Merlin Image
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 141 Ratings

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  • Starring: , ,
  • Summary: NBC imported from the UK this reimagining of the legendary wizard as a young man hired as a physician's assistant.
  • Genre(s): Drama, Action & Adventure, Fantasy

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Merlin

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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Adam Markovitz
    83
    Cheesy? Sure. But there's enough sword-clanging Action--not to mention homoerotic tension--to keep viewers happily entertained for a spell.
  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.
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Alessandra Stanley
    70
    A lighthearted, quite charming medieval adventure series made by the BBC, is tailored to the age of Obama.
  4. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    40
    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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    30
    Merlin looks, well, typically British with shoddy production values. Worse, it tells dull stories.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 53
  3. Negative: 5 out of 53
  1. 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.
  2. 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 thatThis 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.… Expand
  4. 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 eitheralready 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… Expand
  5. 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 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!… Expand
  6. 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    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.    … Expand
  7. 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!
  8. 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 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.… Expand

See all 53 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best TV Season of 2008
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
8
#8 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

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