It's bad news for Merlin fans. The series, which is loosely based on the legend of King Arthur is drawing to a close. After five seasons, the series' fifth, which is currently airing in the U.K., will be its last. The fifth season of the series is set to premiere on Syfy early next year.
Deadline posted the news about Merlin's end, stating that the fantasy adventure show would end with the conclusion of Season 5, "casting its final spell" this Christmas on BBC One. From what co-creators Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy say, the show is "bowing out at its natural climax, with the finale bringing an end to the battle for Camelot." So it sounds like this is a relatively planned ending for the series and viewers won't be left hanging. All the same, fans are likely to be disappointed to know the show won't be back for Series 6.
There's a possible bright side to this news. While Capps and Murphy are apparently leaving Shine TV to start their own production company, Shine and FremantleMedia are looking into possible spinoffs for Merlin, which would be set in the same world. It doesn't sound like anything is set in stone, but the possibility is there, at the very least.
Merlin stars Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath and follows young Merlin as he attempts to protect Arthur. The two form a relationship and an alliance as they work together to save the kingdom. As mentioned, Syfy airs the series in the U.S., and has Merlin set to return for Season 5 on Friday, January 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET. So fans stateside have one more season to look forward to, while the U.K. viewers are down to the last few episodes and the anticipated Christmas special, which will close out the series.
