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Season 1 – The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin

Play trailer 2:43 Poster for Season 1 – The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin Jan 2026 Adventure Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
A retelling of the Arthurian legend set in Roman-occupied Britain where barbarian invaders threaten to lay claim to the island.

Critics Reviews

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Josh Rosenberg Esquire Magazine Mar 19
Say what you will about the interest levels for Game of Thrones spin-offs featuring the Targaryens’ great-great-great-grandparents, but this is certainly overkill. No one asked for a Taylor Sheridan–style tale of Merlin’s family tree? Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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DEBRA E. @BGobnait Jun 3 Faithful to Lawhead, Complicated by Its Platform Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle novels deserve their devoted readership. His blend of Atlantis, Druidic wisdom, and Christian allegory is unlike any other Arthurian retelling, and this DailyWire+ adaptation is largely faithful to his vision. The strong women Lawhead always wrote are here, particularly Charis, played compellingly by Rose Reid. Christian themes emerge organically, never preachy. Visually, the production punches above its weight. The complication is the platform. Lawhead’s books were never ideological vehicles. They are rooted in sacrifice, redemption and human dignity. Associating them with the Daily Wire’s brand has had unintended consequences, drawing in viewers expecting manosphere content and alienating those who would have treasured the story. Neither group sees Lawhead’s work clearly. Taken on its own terms, Rise of the Merlin is serious, moving Christian storytelling. It deserves better than the culture-war. See more P C. @heypristo May 30 Fantastic series, great re-watchability too. So, so glad they made it. (Didn't enjoy the bull ring scenes, and tenor of Taliesin's singing voice was too far off from the actors' so it was obvious, but those were the only parts of all 7 episodes I cringed at.) Really enjoyed The Pendragon Cycle, may get the books now! See more Tharan M @Tharan May 27 Anyone who doesn't like this show needs a lobotomy. Im 64 and this is more believable. See more Chad W @RT75842431 May 22 If this doesn't get a second season, it will be a very, very sad thing for those of us who are eager to see the continuation of this story. See more Connie L. @Clandrum67 May 21 Seriously the best Pendragon show ever!!! I will be very disappointed if we don’t get more of this. I have watched season 1 more than 5 times and all of my friends are nuts for it. I didn’t have Daily Wire. Thank God a friend showed me this because I love it! Please get another season done now. It’s like torture. All the characters are perfect. See more Erik H @RT26677904 May 5 I just finished The Pendragon Cycle Rise of the Merlin and it blew me away! With a modest budget Jeremy Boreing created something truly special. Its grounded atmospheric and full of heart set in post Roman Britain with a great mix of Celtic myth and Christian faith Rose Reid is fantastic as Charis strong graceful and captivating. Merlin feels raw and real Uther has strong intensity and Morgian is magnetic even with little screentime. The tension between light and darkness is excellent The costumes locations and tone are great. No pointless nudity no forced politics. Just a sincere well told Arthurian story. The spiritual layer feels natural and respectful Its not perfect the start is a bit slow and you see the budget sometimes but the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. But in a time when fantasy is often dark and cynical this show is a breath of fresh air. Hopeful deep and epic with real soul Strong 9.5 out of 10. One of my favourite fantasy shows now. Cant wait for season 2! See more Read all reviews
The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin — Season 1

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 22, 2026 A retelling of the Arthurian legend set in Roman-occupied Britain where barbarian invaders threaten to lay claim to the island. Details

Season Info

Executive Producer
Jeremy Boreing, Caleb Robinson, Ben Shapiro, Dallas Sonnier, Daniel Kresmery, Ryan Whitaker
Network
DailyWire+
Genre
Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 22, 2026