Merlin renewed for fifth season by BBC

Bradley James{jcomments on}The BBC has renewed Saturday evening fantasy drama Merlin for a fifth season even though the fourth series has yet to air.

Courtesy of Gary Miereanu/GT Marmots PR

Courtesy of Gary Miereanu/GT Marmots PRThe BBC had already been in talks with the producers of Merlin over a fifth year for the popular Arthurian drama but not it seems those talks have turned into a renewal deal. At the 2011 Comic Con panel for Merlin producers Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps revealed a fifth season had been ordered – with the fourth yet to air and still in production. The producers said the renewal allowed the writing team more “creative space” and “slow burn” character arcs.

Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, Executive Producers for Shine TV, said: “We are both delighted to have a fifth series commissioned and thrilled with the worldwide success of Merlin. We have some fantastic ideas in mind for the next stage of the journey and relish the chance to take the programme to the next level!”

Merlin will return to BBC One later this year for its fourth season which will open with a two-part story detailing Morgana’s (Katie McGrath) revenge on Camelot. It has been confirmed that all the regular cast will return for the fourth season and guest-stars will include Phil Davis and Gemma Jones. In America the rights for the fourth season were recently picked up by Syfy who have shown the second and third seasons to good ratings.

Bradley JamesFremantleMedia Enterprises holds the exclusive distribution rights, David Ellender, Global CEO, FremantleMedia Enterprises commented, “With Merlin now in 183 countries and both a fourth and fifth series underway it is a truly global brand. Consistent audience figures in each territory, a strong international fan base and a fantastic cast further cement its cross generational appeal. We are continuing to work with the best broadcasters, producers and licensing partners on this brand and look forward to its on-going success.”


The BBC has released a new drama trailer which includes clips from the new season of Merlin. You can watch the trailer
here >>