Merlin poster

TV series

Merlin

2008TV-PG5 seasons7.8 / 10

Magic is his destiny.

The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Sep 1, 2026

Merlin is available to stream on Prime Video, Amazon Freevee, Fawesome, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play and Amazon. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

Availability and prices can change. Confirm the details on the streaming service before you subscribe, rent or buy.

Synopsis

The unlikely friendship between Merlin, a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers, and Prince Arthur, heir to the crown of Camelot.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

The Dragon's Call

44m7.3 / 10

Merlin is told by the Great Dragon that it is his destiny to make sure that the young Prince Arthur is kept safe. Anybody caught performing magic is punished with death and Merlin is not a fan of Arthur. When Arthur's life is endangered Merlin finds himself tested.

Episode credits

Directed by James HawesWritten by Julian JonesGuest stars Eve Myles, Louise Dylan, Ed Coleman, Gary Oliver, Caroline Faber, Rick English

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 2

Valiant

45m7.7 / 10

Camelot is hosting its annual sword tournament and knights from throughout the realm have come to compete for its coveted title. Amongst those hoping to win the crown is Knight Valiant.

Episode credits

Directed by James HawesWritten by Howard OvermanGuest stars Will Mellor, Keith Thorne, Andy Linden, Nicholas Gasson, Ed Coleman

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 3

The Mark of Nimueh

44m7.8 / 10

A deadly plague spreads through Camelot. When it seems that sorcery can be the only possible explanation, Merlin and Gaius race to find a cure, while Gwen is arrested and sentenced to death for practising witchcraft.

Episode credits

Directed by James HawesWritten by Julian JonesGuest stars Michelle Ryan, David Durham, Rick English

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 4

The Poisoned Chalice

45m8.1 / 10

With her sights set firmly on Merlin, Nimueh tricks him into drinking from a poisoned chalice, and he falls dangerously ill. Arthur ventures forth deep into the forest of Balor to find the antidote, but little does he know that he's walking into a trap

Episode credits

Directed by Ed FraimanWritten by Ben VanstoneGuest stars Michelle Ryan, Clive Russell, Gary Oliver, Paul Kynman, Jamie Kenna

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 5

Lancelot

44m7.8 / 10

Merlin is saved from a terrifying winged beast by a heroic stranger- a young man named Lancelot, who dreams of becoming a Knight of Camelot. In order to thank him, Merlin provides falsified records of Lancelot's noble birth and Lancelot is accepted. However, with the winged beast- discovered to be a Griffin- still on the loose, Merlin's decision could have far-reaching consequences not just for Lancelot but for Camelot...

Episode credits

Directed by Ed FraimanWritten by Jake MichieGuest stars Santiago Cabrera, Michael Cronin

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 6

A Remedy to Cure All Ills

44m7.5 / 10

When the Lady Morgana is struck down with a mysterious illness, Gaius is at a loss for a cure. Thankfully a new physician, Edwin Muirden is on hand to bring the King's ward back from the brink.

Episode credits

Directed by Ed FraimanWritten by Julian JonesGuest stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Michael Cronin

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 7

The Gates of Avalon

44m7.4 / 10

Morgana has a nightmare and sees Arthur's death at the hands of a strange but beautiful girl. Meanwhile, hunting in the forest, Merlin and Arthur save the same girl, Sophia, and her father, Aulfric from attack by bandits and bring them to Camelot for refuge. Morgana realizes that Sophia is the girl from her nightmare and tries to warn Arthur, who is smitten with her. As the truth of Morgana's magical gift for seeing future events unfolds, so does a father and daughter's plan to bring down the kingdom of Camelot by sacrificing Arthur in return for eternal life.

Episode credits

Directed by Jeremy WebbWritten by Ben VanstoneGuest stars Holliday Grainger, Kenneth Cranham, Ben Adams, Michael Jenn

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 8

The Beginning of the End

44m7.2 / 10

Merlin finds himself becoming friends with Morgana when he helps a boy stay hidden. The two of them try to get the boy back whence he came, but things turn bad when Uther announces that anyone helping the boy will be executed.

Episode credits

Directed by Jeremy WebbWritten by Howard OvermanGuest stars Alun Raglan, Michael Burgess, Jamie Kenna, Christian Bradley, Trevor Sellers, Asa Butterfield

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 9

Excalibur

44m8.1 / 10

Uther's past comes back to haunt him as a mysterious Black Knight interrupts Arthur's coming-of-age celebrations, throwing down his gauntlet and challenging the Knights of Camelot to combat. The Black Knight, seemingly unstoppable, makes easy work of his combatants. But who is the Black Knight, and why is Uther so uneasy?

Episode credits

Directed by Jeremy WebbWritten by Julian JonesGuest stars Michelle Ryan, Kyle Redmond-Jones, Sean Francis, Rick English, Christopher Fairbank, Michael Cronin

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 10

The Moment of Truth

43m7.5 / 10

Merlin is stunned when his mother, Hunith, turns up in Camelot--bruised, battered and desperate for help from Uther. She explains to Uther that a bandit named Kanen and his men have been attacking her village demanding all of their harvest or he will kill them. When Uther refuses to help, Merlin leaves Camelot to protect his mother and friends. To Merlin's surprise, Arthur, Morgana and Gwen join forces with him to save his village--but at what cost?

Episode credits

Directed by David MooreWritten by Ben VanstoneGuest stars Alexander Siddig, Joe Dempsie, Jonathan Aris, Caroline Faber

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 11

The Labyrinth of Gedref

43m8.2 / 10

Arthur brings a curse upon Camelot. Eager to help his people, he asks Anhora for advice. But is he brave enough to face the challenges ahead?

Episode credits

Directed by Stuart OrmeWritten by Howard OvermanGuest stars Frank Finlay, Richard Riddell

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 12

To Kill the King

43m7.5 / 10

Gwen's father, Tom, helps a sorcerer named Tauren turn lead into gold using a magic stone. As Tauren escapes, Tom is caught and will await trial. Whilst looking for Gwen, Morgana finds the magic stone, and Merlin can sense it. When Tom is killed by Uther, Morgana is out for revenge on Uther.

Episode credits

Directed by Stuart OrmeWritten by Jake MichieGuest stars David Durham, Cal MacAninch

Where to watch Merlin

Episode 13

Le Morte d'Arthur

44m7.6 / 10finale

On a hunting trip, Arthur comes face to face with a creature of great power from the old religion. When Gaius informs them that it can only be killed by magic, Uther refuses to listen and sends out his knights to kill it. Arthur is fatally wounded and Merlin must go to the Isle of the Blessed to save him. But will he be able to pay the price?

Episode credits

Directed by David MooreWritten by Julian JonesGuest stars Michelle Ryan, Caroline Faber

Where to watch Merlin

Episode information updated Sep 13, 2026

More about Merlin

Cast

Colin MorganMerlin
Angel CoulbyGwen
Bradley JamesArthur Pendragon
Katie McGrathMorgana
Anthony Stewart HeadUther Pendragon
Richard WilsonGaius
Michelle RyanNimueh
Alexander VlahosMordred

Credits

Created by
Jake Michie, Johnny Capps, Julian Murphy, Julian Jones
Written by
Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Howard Overman, Ben Vanstone, Richard McBrien, Lucy Watkins

Production details

Status
Ended
Series type
Scripted
Episodes
65
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • BBC OneUnited Kingdom
  • Shine TVUnited Kingdom

Themes

based on myths, legends or folklorecamelotdragonfantasy worldking arthurknightmagicmiddle ages (476-1453)