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Season 1 – The Adventures of Merlin

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Adventures of Merlin 2008 Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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55% Tomatometer 22 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
This action-packed fantasy-drama revisits the saga of King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin, by focusing on the two characters when they were ambitious young men struggling to understand their destinies. In this telling, Prince Arthur is known to be the heir to the throne (no sword from the stone here). And he is acquainted with all those who will one day form the legend of Camelot, including Lancelot, Guinevere, and Morgana. Merlin is also forced to deal with King Uther's Great Purge, which bans all use of magic.
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The Adventures of Merlin — Season 1

The Adventures of Merlin — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

This reimagining of Arthurian legend fails to conjure much excitement with its chintzy visual effects and soporific drama, but at least Colin Morgan imbues the titular wizard with an enchanting charm.

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Critics Reviews

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Tim Goodman San Francisco Chronicle Merlin has the plot, the cast, the special effects and the fun to carry over your interest from night to night. Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Alan Sepinwall Newark Star-Ledger Merlin isn't terrible, and certainly better than some other WB/CW attempts to duplicate the Smallville formula. Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Sam Leith Daily Telegraph (UK) Colin Morgan's boyish performance as Merlin has charm, but there's nothing here for grown-ups. And, if I'm honest, there's not that much for kids. Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Scott D. Pierce Deseret News (Salt Lake City) While many of the reiterations of the King Arthur legend have ranged from stodgy to downright dusty, this Merlin is all about being entertaining. It's swords-and-sorcerers with a sense of humor. Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Michelle Alexandria Eclipse Magazine The chemistry between [Colin Morgan] and Bradley Jame's Arthur is really good. But then I'm always a sucker for a good Bromance which the premiere episode does a great job of setting up in the pilot. Rated: B Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Kathie Huddleston Syfy Wire The pilot, "The Dragon's Call," offers an excellent introduction to the characters and gives the delightful Colin Morgan the opportunity to shine as Merlin Oct 29, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (42) audience reviews
Hex x Merlin is such a fun series to binge, much like Supernatural I always come back to rewatch it eventually. The characters, the magic, the fun plot. There's always something that will draw you in. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/01/25 Full Review Andrew D Misrepresentation in period pieces isn't cute now, it wasn't cute then. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 10/17/24 Full Review Keith P Oh, where do I even begin? It all started with a gentle nudge from Amazon Prime, coaxing me to delve into the world of "The Adventures of Merlin." At first, I resisted, unsure if it would captivate my interest. But oh, how wrong I was. With a tentative click, I embarked on the journey, diving into the very first episode of Season 1. Admittedly, the pace was swift, almost dizzying, and the constant backdrop of music seemed a tad overwhelming. Yet, something magical happened as I watched. Before I knew it, one episode turned into two, and then... I was hooked. It wasn't just Merlin's mystical prowess or Arthur's valiant spirit that captured my heart. No, it was their bond, their friendship that blossomed amidst the trials they faced. And as I delved deeper, I found myself enamored not only with the characters but with every facet of the show. From the enchanting set designs to the impeccable acting, every element wove together seamlessly, creating a tapestry of wonder and delight. What had started as a casual viewing soon transformed into an obsession, a love affair with "The Adventures of Merlin" that knew no bounds. Now, I find myself deeply entrenched in the Reddit community, eagerly discussing theories and sharing moments of sheer joy with fellow fans. The Discord servers have become a haven, a place where my passion for the show finds companionship and understanding. And as for my viewing habits? Well, let's just say I've lost count of the number of times I've journeyed alongside Merlin and Arthur, each rewatch revealing new layers of magic and meaning. Sixteen viewings in, and there's no sign of slowing down. For me, this show isn't just a series—it's an irreplaceable part of my life, a beacon of joy and inspiration. In a world filled with countless TV offerings, "The Adventures of Merlin" stands tall as a shining example of excellence. Simply put, it's the best, and Camelot has a special place in my heart forever more. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/19/24 Full Review Steve A Loved this series! all seasons are entertaining ! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/17/24 Full Review Whiteknight89 A great tv show from when the bbc did great productions Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/29/23 Full Review Asma It's bad but so charming and nostalgic :) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Adventures of Merlin — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 20, 2008 The Dragon's Call Merlin arrives in Camelot, where he meets Gaius, the court physician, and Arthur, a bully who challenges him to a duel. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 27, 2008 Valiant A knight (guest star Will Mellor) with a shield of magical snakes enters the annual sword-fighting tournament. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 4, 2008 The Mark of Nimueh The witch Nimueh casts a spell on a monster that poisons Camelot's drinking water; Gwen's father falls ill; Merlin disobeys Gaius. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 11, 2008 The Poisoned Chalice Evil sorceress Nimueh returns and tricks Merlin into drinking from a poisoned chalice. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 18, 2008 Lancelot A magical winged creature attacks Merlin; Lancelot tells Merlin about his dream of becoming a knight of Camelot. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 25, 2008 A Remedy to Cure All Ills Enchanted flowers make Morgana ill and Gaius is unable to find a cure; Merlin finds that he and Edwin have more in common than he'd thought. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 1, 2008 The Gates of Avalon Morgana fears that Arthur may lose more than his heart when he becomes smitten with a mysterious girl he and Merlin aided in the forest. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 8, 2008 The Beginning of the End Merlin is forced to choose between saving a young Druid's life and protecting Arthur. Details Episode 9 Aired Nov 15, 2008 Excalibur A mysterious black knight crashes Arthur's coming-of-age ceremony and challenges the knights of Camelot; secrets are revealed that Uther would rather keep hidden. Details Episode 10 Aired Nov 22, 2008 The Moment of Truth Merlin's mother, Hunith, arrives in Camelot, desperate for help protecting her village; when Uther refuses to help Hunith, Merlin, Arthur and Morgana join forces. Details Episode 11 Aired Nov 29, 2008 Le labyrinthe When Arthur kills a unicorn, Camelot's crops die and the water turns to sand; in order to save the kingdom Arthur must pass a series of tests. Details Episode 12 Aired Dec 6, 2008 To Kill the King Gwen's father helps a renegade sorcerer turn lead into gold with a magic stone; Merlin makes a shocking discovery. Details Episode 13 Aired Dec 13, 2008 Le Morte D'Arthur During a hunting trip, Arthur and his men encounter a huge monster with the head of a serpent and the body of a lion. Details
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Season Info

Director
Jeremy Webb, James Hawes, Ed Fraiman, Stuart Orme, Dave Moore
Creator
Johnny Capps, Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Julian Murphy
Screenwriter
Julian Jones, Howard Overman, Ben Vanstone, Jake Michie
Network
BBC
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
British English
Release Date
Sep 20, 2008