Merlin is a British fantasy-adventure television programme created by Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy, and Johnny Capps, starring Colin Morgan in the title role. It was broadcast on BBC One from 20 September 2008 to 24 December 2012. The show is loosely based on the Arthurian legends of the young wizard Merlin and his relationship with King Arthur, but it differs from traditional versions. The show was influenced by the US drama series Smallville about the early years of Superman,[1] and was produced by independent production company Shine Limited.
The series was broadcast on BBC One from 20 September 2008 to 24 December 2012. During the course of the programme, 65 episodes of Merlin aired over five series. The five series are available on DVD in the UK, the US and in Canada.[2]
The kingdom raises money for the great creature Pudsey by throwing rotten vegetables at Merlin. A two-minute sketch for the BBC's "Children in Need" appeal.
2
"Merlin in Need 2009"
20 November 2009 (2009-11-20)
10.08
An apparent sorcerer is on the loose, turning everything modern in Camelot. A two-minute sketch for "Children in Need".
3
"Merlin in Need 2010"
19 November 2010 (2010-11-19)
12.94
The cast of Merlin gives a quick summary asking to donate money to Children in Need with some bloopers.
BBC Wales Exclusive Documentary
No.
Title
Directed by
Original release date
1
"The Real Merlin and Arthur"
Mark Procter
28 November 2009 (2009-11-28)
Stars of the hit drama series Merlin, Colin Morgan and Bradley James, set off across Wales to explore the country's centuries-old connections to the legend of King Arthur and his wizard Merlin. Along the way they encounter enthusiasts and experts in Arthurian lore, and visit some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Wales.[8]
Secrets and Magic
A documentary series created by the BBC called Secrets and Magic was produced to accompany episodes of the second series. In a similar fashion to Doctor Who Confidential, the series looks at the production of each episode of the drama, featuring interviews with cast and crew as well as on-set footage. Shown on BBC Three.
No.
Title
Original release date
Prod code
0
"Welcome to Camelot"
19 September 2009 (2009-09-19)
1.X
1
"Merlin Time"
20 September 2009 (2009-09-20)
1.1
2
"Fit For a King"
2 October 2009 (2009-10-02)
1.2
3
"Casting the Magic"
9 October 2009 (2009-10-09)
1.3
4
"Maid to be Queen"
12 October 2009 (2009-10-12)
1.4
5
"Trolly Dolly"
24 October 2009 (2009-10-24)
1.5
6
"Con-troll Freak"
2 November 2009 (2009-11-02)
1.6
7
"Witch Hunt"
9 November 2009 (2009-11-09)
1.7
8
"A Family Affair"
16 November 2009 (2009-11-16)
1.8
9
"Hardwork and Heartbreak"
22 November 2009 (2009-11-22)
1.9
10
"Love Fool"
28 November 2009 (2009-11-28)
1.10
11
"Beauty & the Thief"
6 December 2009 (2009-12-06)
1.11
12
"The Dragon's Den"
13 December 2009 (2009-12-13)
1.12
13
"That's a Wrap"
21 December 2009 (2009-12-21)
1.13
Colin & Bradley's Merlin Quest
Although Merlin Secrets and Magic was not recommissioned for a second series, Colin & Bradley's Merlin Quest was produced to accompany Series 3 of Merlin. Colin Morgan and Bradley James, who play Merlin and Arthur in Merlin, appear in a weekly series of short (usually 2 to 4 minutes) online videos posted on the official site of Merlin. In each episode the actors have to complete various challenges and tasks, including questions and games with Merlin bloopers shown regularly. Colin & Bradley's Merlin Quest was produced by Ian Smith with Luke Baker as assistant producer.
