Only a handful of series persist long after their ending, and Merlin has undoubtedly earned its place among them. With five seasons, this BBC adaptation explored the origin story of Arthurian legends, but it quickly distinguished itself from the more familiar versions of the tale. Premiering in 2008, Merlin excels in unexpected twists as the characters grow and change, yet what stands out most is the loving and sometimes antagonistic relationship between the leads, Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Arthur (Bradley James). It’s the lighthearted fun that these two offer that sets the series apart, and fans have long recognized that fact.
During its run, Merlin gained a loyal following. While it isn’t as prevalent in pop culture as other series, it has become a cult classic that fans enjoy to this day. The BBC series predates fantasy TV’s recent rise in popularity by several years, yet it remains an important example of the genre, even without a streamer’s budget. While Merlin may not have gotten the most satisfying ending, 13 years later, the series is still beloved and has found a unique place for itself within the fantasy genre that no other series has managed to replicate.
‘Merlin’s Dynamic Characters Keep Fans Invested
While there have been many adaptations of Arthurian legends, Merlin stands apart. The series introduces a young Merlin, who Arthur’s peer rather than acting in a more traditional mentor’s role. Merlin must hide the truth of his power from Arthur, complicating their interactions. Yet, that relationship is the most important element of the series. Arthur and Merlin go from adversaries to reluctant allies, to dear friends, and that relationship is what makes the show work. Many fans have latched onto the joking relationship, which is full of homoerotic subtext (though it was never quite acknowledged within the series). Their antics add humor, with sarcasm and creative insults, but beneath that, they care deeply for each other.
The two main characters are highlights, but Merlin has an impressive supporting cast, incorporating figures from legend, like Gwen (Angel Coulby) and Lancelot (Santiago Cabrera), and new additions, like Gaius (Richard Wilson). The series excels in creating dynamic characters, allowing each one to develop throughout the show, keeping the story unpredictable even for those who know the legend. Morgana (Katie McGrath), in particular, stands out as she is slowly corrupted from the generous ward of the king to an enemy sorceress. Yet she represents the complexity within the series as audiences watch and sympathize with her throughout her fall from grace. With such detailed character arcs to drive the story, fans have naturally grown attached to the characters and the talented actors who portray them, keeping many invested even 13 years later.
10 Nearly Perfect Fantasy Shows, Ranked
Close, but no cigar.
‘Merlin’ Is the Rare Guilty-Pleasure Fantasy Series Everyone Should Watch
Since fantasy became such a high-profile genre, most series attempt to recreate past success, but Merlin is unlike the rest. The focus isn’t on brutal fights or jaw-dropping special effects but on the characters. Yes, sometimes the result is a cheesy-looking monster, but it works. The story may be about destiny, magic, and royalty, but the series always makes time to joke. Merlin often ventures into the somewhat ridiculous with its fantasy elements, like King Uther’s (Anthony Head) brief marriage to a troll or Gaius getting possessed by a goblin. That’s not to say it doesn’t include emotional moments; even so, the series remains light enough to be comforting, which makes people want to rewatch.
More recent fantasy series have been taking themselves too seriously, leaning into the spectacle of the genre, yet Merlin struck a delicate balance between story and humor that few have managed to find. The characters’ emotional journeys ground the show, allowing Merlin to fill an odd niche as both an epic fantasy and a guilty pleasure, which no show in the last 13 years has managed to replicate. With its lighthearted tone, outlandish plots, and lovable characters, Merlin remains unique, even as the fantasy genre explodes. It’s this distinction that explains why the BBC series remains one of the best fantasy series to this day.
- Release Date
-
2008 – 2012
- Network
-
BBC One
- Showrunner
-
Julian Jones
