Merlin Finds A Home On NBC

FremantleMedia Enterprises has announced a landmark deal with leading US broadcaster NBC, which has acquired the prestigious new family drama series 'Merlin' for its winter primetime line-up.
'Merlin' will premiere first in the UK on BBC One as part of their Autumn schedule.
'Merlin' brings to life a new legend for a modern audience. Consisting of 13 hour-long parts, 'Merlin' is an exciting fantasy series set in the mythic city of Camelot - but inspired by 21st Century storytelling. Before Merlin (Colin Morgan - 'Doctor Who') and Arthur (Bradley James - 'Lewis') became legends, they were ambitious young men looking for adventure, hoping to live up to their family's expectations, discovering love and finding their own true destiny, making mistakes along the way.
The innovative, action-packed drama has cross-generational appeal and paints a picture of Merlin and Arthur's early lives that audiences have never witnessed before. Anthony Head ('Buffy The Vampire Slayer'), Richard Wilson ('A Passage To India'), Angel Coulby ('Magicians') and Katie McGrath ('The Tudors') also star.
Packed with spectacular CGI by the same visual effects team behind the Oscar-Winning 'Gladiator', 'Merlin' promises to be a breathtaking adventure.
Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President NBC Entertainment, said: "We've teamed up with our creative international partners to present a new generation of viewers an updated interpretation of the timeless, mythical story of 'Merlin'. Audiences of all ages will get a fresh look at this unique adventure series brought to life by an appealing cast and spectacular special effects."
David Ellender, FME's CEO, said: "Ben Silverman and Teri Weinberg have once again led the way in bringing international programming into the US market. This is a truly fantastic deal for both FME and NBC Universal. Ben's belief in 'Merlin' confirms what we at FME already know: 'Merlin' is a quality, illustrious drama and is an example of the very best the UK has to offer. And FME's international distribution know-how, along with expertise in licensing and DVD rights, will ensure that 'Merlin' works it magic further around the globe, receiving the worldwide audience it so richly deserves."
FremantleMedia Enterprises is the content exploitation arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all licensing, distribution and home entertainment.
Further information is available at: www.fremantlemedia.com.
(KMcA/JM)