Big news today from NBC: the BBC’s new tale of the magician Merlin will be coming to NBC primetime.
This is big news mostly because this is the first time a British TV show will be aired in US primetime TV for 30 years.
It’s also interesting to note that BBC America failed to land the show. I would argue that Robin Hood is a much higher caliber show deserving of a primetime slot.
I gave Merlin one episode and didn’t particularly care for it, it’s aimed towards children and I just couldn’t get into it.
Why is NBC targeting Anglophiles? Well, Ben Silverman, how heads NBC entertainment is an Anglophile and brought in an exec from BBC Worldwide to bring a more Brit Style TV to NBC.
I think this is brilliant and good for Anglophiles. I just hope it doesn’t take too much away from BBC America, which is finally hitting it’s stride.
From the Guardian Article:
The BBC1 drama series about the mythical wizard Merlin will make history this month when it becomes the first British drama to air on one of America’s main television networks since The New Avengers more than 30 years ago.
The new telling of the Arthurian legend, starring newcomer Colin Morgan and featuring John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon, will air on NBC in a prime 8pm slot on Sundays from 21 June.
The network, home to shows including the US version of The Office and Heroes, will screen the series as part of a summer lineup that has a distinct British feel – currently airing is the American version of ITV’s reality hit I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!, while The Great American Road Trip, a new travel show from the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, will air in the next few weeks.
Read the rest of the article here.
Author Info - Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile with an obsession for Britain that borders on psychosis. He keeps Anglotopia running in his spare time, always dreaming of his next trip to England, wishing he lived there - specifically Dorset - and is always trying to figure out a way to move to England. It will happen one day. Keep up with him on Twitter here. Read more from this author
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dream of living in the UK a reality.
It’s an enjoyable series. Hopefully series 2 will be as good as series 1, though I’m not too sure how much longer I’ll have to wait to find out!
This looks like a great series. Thank you for posting this.
“I gave Merlin one episode and didn’t particularly care for it, it’s aimed towards children and I just couldn’t get into it”
Really? One episode?? That’s all you gave it?? o_O
Might wanna try watching a bit more before you dismiss something with such haste…
Merlin is fantastic… better then the other type of merlin shows/movies
the cast are amazing… brilliant acting
the show is awesome
vinara… try watching a couple of episodes… it’s brilliant, you’ll soon get into them. don’t diss something before you see it through properly
i can’t wait for series 2… i’ll be watching them.
already got series one on dvd and photos for my computer. that is how much i love the show.
i recommend this show to anyone.