FME’s Merlin Scores Third-Season Commission

LONDON: BBC One has commissioned a third season of the hit fantasy drama Merlin from FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), which has signed licensee Getretro to produce action toy figurines based on the series.

Season two of Merlin, which is currently airing in the U.K. on Saturday evenings, is drawing in a peak of more than 6 million viewers and a 31-percent audience share. FME—which holds the exclusive international rights for distribution, licensing, and home entertainment (excluding the U.K.) and has invested in the series alongside Shine TV, which produces the show, and BBC One—has sold season one to 52 broadcasters in more than 180 countries and the ongoing sales of season two have resulted in buyers in 165 countries and counting.

Getretro has been signed to produce figurines of the main characters, the dragon and other magical creatures, as well as play-sets. Starting with lead characters Merlin and Arthur, Getretro is aiming to have the toy figurine prototypes ready for Toy Fair in January 2010 and the first products in retail to coincide with season three in fall 2010.

David Ellender, the global CEO of FME, commented, “From the start we believed Merlin could be a truly great global franchise and that is coming to fruition. We’re working with the best broadcasters, producers and licensing partners on this brand and look forward to its ongoing success.”

Merlin is executive produced by Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy at Shine TV. Capps said, “Julian and I are thrilled at the worldwide success of Merlin; it was always our dream here at Shine TV to create a format that was truly international and we are very grateful for the excellent work that Fremantle have done in distributing the show.”