# Merlin (1998)

> The wizard Merlin takes on the task of raising young Arthur to be a true and noble king while scheming forces work against him.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/38194

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 2
- Episode runtime: 91 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: fantasy, family, adventure
- Created by: Steve Barron
- Network: NBC
- Cast: Sam Neill, Paul Curran, Isabella Rossellini, Jeremy Sheffield, Lena Headey, Martin Short, Mark Jax, Helena Bonham Carter
- TMDB rating: 7.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0130414/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: mild
- Complexity: accessible
- Violence: mild
- Tone: earnest, lavish, adventurous, whimsical, hopeful

## What critics say

Critics broadly regard this two-part NBC retelling of the Merlin legend as a positive, family-friendly fantasy spectacle with a strong cast.

## Synopsis

Merlin (1998) is an American fantasy miniseries created by Steve Barron for NBC. Sam Neill plays the legendary wizard Merlin, who sets out to raise a young Arthur, played by Paul Curran, as a true and noble future king. Their mission to bring peace and harmony to the land is undercut by the scheming of Queen Mab, the supernatural force whose influence reaches Morgan Le Fay, played by Helena Bonham Carter. Isabella Rossellini appears as Nimue, and Miranda Richardson takes on the Lady of the Lake and Mab, with Lena Headey as Guinevere and Jeremy Sheffield as Lancelot filling out the court. The story unfolds across two feature-length episodes totaling about three hours, a compact limited run built around wizardry, royal intrigue, and destiny. The tone is lavish and earnest, with a classic fairy tale register that leans on sweeping castles, enchanted forests, and grand confrontations. Its atmosphere is warm and adventurous rather than dark, making it suited to family viewing. Fans of Merlin (2008), Excalibur and The Sword in the Stone will find resonance in its arthurian myth, mentor relationship, and magical spectacle.

## Shows like Merlin

- [Catweazle (1970)](https://ember.film/tv/10424)
- [Cursed (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/70945)
- [King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1979)](https://ember.film/tv/20278)
- [The Letter for the King (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/83514)
- [Camelot (2011)](https://ember.film/tv/31253)
- [Kaamelott (2005)](https://ember.film/tv/10667)
- [Roar (1997)](https://ember.film/tv/4685)
- [The Shannara Chronicles (2016)](https://ember.film/tv/56791)
- [The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog (1998)](https://ember.film/tv/2590)
- [Wizards: Tales of Arcadia (2020)](https://ember.film/tv/88449)

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