15 Best Shows Like Merlin On Netflix That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Shows Like Merlin On Netflix

These shows with similar references and stories should be checked out by fans of the TV series Merlin who are missing the overarching themes of the show

Since the final episode of BBC’s Merlin aired almost a decade ago, many fans have wished for more. It was a unique take on the Arthurian legend, serving as a coming-of-age story for the legendary characters. This fantasy drama ran for five seasons and had it all: hilarity, excitement, and a lot of heart.

The series ended to many viewers’ dismay just as things were getting good, and while there were rumors of an additional series, none materialized. Now that Merlin’s adventures are no longer available on television, here are a few shows that could fill the void left by his absence.

As of the 15th of May 2021, according to Kristen Palamara’s update: Merlin was a beloved BBC series that even after it ended in 2012, fans continue to watch and rewatch. Shows set in Arthurian times usually have a lot of action, but this one had a lot of comedy and well-developed characters as well as some supernatural elements. Merlin, a show set in this time period, has many of the same themes as other shows like it, including magical beings and a good mix of action and comedy. After watching the BBC Original Merlin, fans can move on to other shows like Merlin on Netflix and other streaming services.

15. Shadow And Bone (2021-)

Shadow And Bone (2021-)

Fans of Merlin will likely enjoy the new Netflix Original series Shadow and Bone, which is also a fantastical show with many supernatural and magical moments.

As with Merlin’s discovery of his magical abilities, a young soldier in Shadow and Bone discovers he has a special ability that could help the world in which the show is set, similar to Shadow and Bone. Both series are jam-packed with action, making them perfect for any fantasy fan.

14. Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2016-2018)

It’s an animated Netflix Original series, but fans of Guillermo del Toro’s work, like those of Merlin, will likely enjoy Trollhunters.

In the show, an ordinary adolescent is assigned to protect the good trolls from the evil villainous trolls who are posing a danger to them. As with Merlin, there’s a good deal of action and adventure on the show, as well as more serious moments to counterbalance the comedy.

13. Sleepy Hollow (2013-2017)

Sleepy Hollow (2013-2017)

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Ichabod Crane, the legendary character from Sleepy Hollow, awakens from the dead in modern times, bringing the Headless Horseman with him. To solve a centuries-old mystery, he joins forces with a new generation of detectives.

Merlin fans will be entertained by the show’s combination of magic, action, supernatural beings, and comedic camaraderie between the characters.

12. Disenchantment (2018-)

Disenchantment is an animated series that shares many similarities with Merlin, including its use of a similar setting.

Dreamland is a fantasy realm where Bean, a disgruntled princess, and her elf and demon companions live out their lives together as an adventure. There’s magic, mayhem, comedy, and action in this series, as well as characters who stick together like they did in Merlin.

11. Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)

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Penny Dreadful, like Merlin’s Arthurian characters, brings iconic literary characters like Dr. Frankenstein and Dorian Gray to life in its series, bringing the supernatural aspects of their stories to life.

There was enough suspense, interesting characters, and magic and lore to keep a Merlin fan happy throughout the entire series.

10. Cursed (2020-)

When it was released in early 2017, Cursed gave the Arthurian legend another spin by focusing on the Lady of the Lake, a character who is often overlooked. Excalibur was given to King Arthur by her, and she was known as Nimue.

When religious extremists working for King Uther assassinate her people, she becomes a young Fey woman on a quest to deliver the legendary Sword of Power to Merlin. She meets a wide variety of people on her journeys, from Arthur to Lancelot. Katherine Langford plays the young sorceress in the show.

9. The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)

the Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)

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As with The Shannara Chronicles, traditional fantasy is mixed with an intriguing premise in the Shannara Chronicles series. It takes place in a post-nuclear-war world where magic has taken the place of science, and it centers on the quest of three young adventurers to prevent a demon apocalypse.

Similarly to Merlin, the story’s heart was centered on the intertwined destinies of its complex and, at times, angst-filled young protagonists. It was refreshing to see strong female characters and people of all sexual orientations represented in a fantasy show like The Shannara Chronicles.

8. Camelot (2011)

Camelot is a must-see for Arthurian Legend fans looking for a gritty retelling. After King Uther’s death, Arthur and Merlin try to rebuild their kingdom under the guidance of Uther’s previously unknown heir, Arthur, as the evil Morgan plots to depose the young king.

Even though the show only lasted one season, it had a lot of impact thanks to its talented cast, which included Jamie Campell Bower, Eva Green, and Joseph Fiennes.

7. Medici (2016-2019)

Medici is a must-see for fans of Merlin’s political subplots, who will enjoy the show’s political subplots in its entirety. In the first season, Richard Madden played Giovanni de’Medici, the heir apparent to his family’s banking dynasty, as he finds himself suddenly in charge.

One of history’s most powerful families is explored in this underappreciated historical series. The fact that the show is filmed in Florence adds to the realism of the story. Merlin fans will recognize Bradley James as Giuliano de’ Medici, who appears in the second season of the show.

6. Galavant (2015-2016)

Galavant (2015-2016)

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If you enjoyed the lighter side of Merlin, you’ll love Galavant. Galavant, a knight trying to reclaim his honor and win back his love, is the focus of this musical fantasy comedy.

Galavant’s success was due to its ability to not take itself too seriously as it fantastically parodies both the fantasy and musical genres, despite the fact that there are many grim fantasy shows currently airing on television. With only 18 episodes, this is a great show for weekend binge-watching.

5. Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)

Merlin had the ability to both build on and subvert the legend it was based on, which was one of its strong suits. The show Once Upon a Time does this exceptionally well as well. As Emma Swan arrives in Storybrooke, she learns that the fairy tale stories of her childhood were much more than just stories for children to read in bed.

From Snow White to Rumpelstilskin, this fantasy series features characters from classic fairy tales, and season five adds an original take on the Arthurian Legend. The show’s version of the Evil Queen will appeal to fans of Morgana because she develops into one of the show’s most intriguing and complex characters.

4. Da Vinci’s Demons (2013-2015)

Most depictions of Leonardo da Vinci show him in his senior years, much like the fabled wizard Merlin. It tells the story of the young genius, Leonardo da Vinci, and his adventures in 15th century Florence, where he gets caught up in the family’s and church’s power struggles.

Because it isn’t trying to be historically accurate like many other shows about historical figures, Leonardo da Vinci is presented in an intriguing manner that has never been seen before on television.

3. The Magicians (2015-2020)

The Magicians (2015-2020)

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In the last few years, The Magicians has been one of the most underrated shows on television. Quentin Coldwater is a graduate student at a magical graduate school who finds out his favorite childhood books may be more real and dangerous than he ever imagined. It is based on Lev Grossman’s series of novels.

Whereas Merlin is a more traditional fantasy show, The Magicians has consistently subverted expectations to create a television series that is truly unlike anything else. Furthermore, it was never afraid to tackle difficult social issues like mental illness and drug abuse.

2. Robin Hood (2006-2009)

Man steals from the rich and gives it to those in need is as well-known as King Arthur’s story. This classic tale has been told many times, but the BBC’s 2006 series is unique in that it has the same tone and style as Merlin.

The story of Robin Hood centers on the hero’s return to his hometown and the formation of a band of outlaws to fight the evil Sheriff Nottingham. Richard Armitage, who plays Guy of Gisborne, also shines in the show.

1. The Witcher (2019-)

The Witcher has surpassed Game of Thrones as the most watched fantasy series on the internet. Following Geralt of Rivia’s adventures as a magically enhanced monster hunter and his intertwined fates with a mage and a crown princess, it is inspired by Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series.

With epic battle scenes and a hilariously odd friendship between Geralt and Jaskier evoking that of Arthur and Merlin’s, the series has everything fans love about Merlin. As a matter of fact, it takes the show a while to get going before it grips viewers. As of right now, the show has only aired one season; however, a second is planned for later next year.