Plot Synopsis

MERLIN tells the story of the early years of the infamous sorcerer, from the time he first arrives in Camelot. Uther Pendragon, the king of Camelot, has banned magic in his kingdom, which forces Merlin to keep his powers secret while he trains to become the world's greatest wizard. Within days of arriving, Merlin stealthily uses magic to save Arthur's life, is appointed as Arthur's manservant, and begins his sorcerer's apprenticeship with Uther's personal physician Gaius. While working with Gaius, Merlin learns to use his talents to not only survive, but to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets, including the destiny of Prince Arthur. From that point forward, the lives of Merlin and Arthur are linked forever since Merlin is charged with protecting the young prince. As the fifth and final season opens, Camelot is at the height of its golden age. With Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table at his side, Arthur has never felt stronger. But even as Camelot flowers, the seeds of its destruction are being sown. As the forces of darkness gather, only Merlin stands between Arthur and a fate that has been written since the dawn of time. NBC aired the U.S. series premiere on NBC on June 21, 2009, and Syfy aired subsequent U.S. season premieres on Fridays at 10pm ET on April 2, 2010 (Season 2), January 7, 2011 (Season 3), January 6, 2012 (Season 4) and January 4, 2013 (Season 5).