I, too, really enjoyed Merlin when it aired on the BBC. As others have said, it's not brilliant television, but it's quite enjoyable for what it is, and I think it has the potential to be a surprise hit with families in particular, as it's an extremely family friendly show. Both my kids love it!

I too really enjoyed Merlin. I've found that the people who didn't enjoy it are mainly people who can't enjoy fantasy/supernatural shows without blow your face off special effects. Admittedly, the special effects in Merlin are pretty lacking. But I found the story to be very entertaining and fun. I think what I like about it the most is that it's much more lighthearted and funny than most interpretations of the Arthurian legends. It doesn't take itself very seriously at all.

I enjoyed the first season of Merlin on the BBC, hopefully this will get it some more attention.

As for the listener, I thought the pilot was pretty bland. But then, it's working with Canadian production values and writing staff, which basically means people that couldn't get a decent writing gig in the US (where most good Canadian writers go). I really wish NBC (or another big US network) had picked up ReGenesis a few years back, as it was a FAR better show in my opinion than the Listener looks to be, and didn't get anywhere near the attention it deserved.

Merlin isn't Doctor Who by a long shot, but it's easily up to the standard of most US sci-fi/fantasy shows. I'm not sure where you're getting "low-budget", either, unless that's another way of saying "not so ridiculously expensive to produce that it gets canceled the minute ratings show a downward trend".

I have to agree with Ryan, this is more sci-fi than the SciFi Channel; although, science fiction and fantasy doesn't have to include space battles and elves to be good sci-fi. Regardless, I may actually have to watch NBC this summer. Merlin, even with the lukewarm reviews, sounds interesting.

I actually really enjoyed Merlin when it aired on BBC. It doesn't match up to Doctor Who, but few programmes do. However it is a very watchable show and one of the few that all of the family can enjoy.

My favourite episode is the one in which Michelle Ryan (Bionic Woman) comes to reek her revenge on the kingdom. You can watch it here:

http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/merlin-the-poisoned-chalice-clip/

maybe they can put episodes of Doctor Who on NBC

No, this is way more scifi then the SciFi Channel airs. Besides where is the wrestling and giant insect movie day?