13 Years Later, This Network Fantasy Series Became a Cult Classic — and Still Has No Real Replacement

Only a handful of series persist long after their ending, and Merlinhas undoubtedly earned its place among them. With five seasons, this BBC adaptation explored the origin story of Arthurian legends, but it quickly distinguished itself from the more familiar versions of the tale. Premiering in 2008, Merlin excels in unexpected twists as the characters grow and change, yet what stands out most is the loving and sometimes antagonistic relationship between the leads, Merlin (Colin Morgan) and Arthur (Bradley James). It’s the lighthearted fun that these two offer that sets the series apart, and fans have long recognized that fact.