'Merlin' Canceled After Five Seasons, Spin-Offs Planned

The fifth season of "Merlin" will be the last for the show. BBC One has announced that co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy made the decision to bring the British fantasy-adventure series to its conclusion while it's still on a high note. 

Claiming the latest season "is where the storylines truly reach their apex," Capps and Murphy write, "We always felt the story of the legend was best told across five series, leading to a spectacular finale that draws on the best known elements of this much-loved story and brings to a conclusion the battle for Camelot."

"We'd like to thank the amazing cast and crew for their professionalism and dedication, the BBC, FME and all of our partners globally for their incredible support and encouragement across the last five series. But chiefly, our thanks go to Merlin's remarkable and loyal audience around the world for their enthusiasm for the characters and Camelot universe."

BBC One controller Danny Cohen states, "I admire the creators' decision to end Merlin on a high, but also know that we will miss it in the BBC One schedule." 

Some of the cast members have also shared their thoughts on the show's cancellation. The title character depicter, Colin Morgan, says, "From the beginning this was always going to be a five year journey that we embarked on and I think the show has run its natural course... I know this is the end, and I know this is goodbye, but thank you for being there on the journey with us because it has been a lot of fun!"

Bradley James, who plays King Arthur, chimes in, "The Merlin years have provided me with fond memories, great experiences and beloved friends and all the while we were supported by a devoted fan base who made the show a unique, surreal and special experience." Angel Coulby, who stars as Guinevere, feels "extremely proud to have been part of such a brilliant show and such a great team."

Meanwhile, Katie McGrath who takes on the role of Morgana states, "The breathtaking finale of this series leaves you with no doubt that characters have been on their journeys and had their stories told - it's completely the right time to draw our telling of the story to a close." 

Admitting that he's "extremely sad" the show has come to an end, Richard Wilson quips, "Speaking as Gaius, I feel I have mentored the young wizard as far as I can - he is much smarter and greater than me now and I am simply exhausted!"

Though "Merlin" will end its run, part of it may still live in the form of the other shows. Shine and FremantleMedia Enterprises, which handles the international distribution of the series, are in the early stages of developing spin-offs featuring the universe created on the original show. 

"Merlin" will end with a two-part special on Christmas in U.K. Stateside, the fifth season will only premiere Friday, January 4, 2013 at 10 P.M. ET on Syfy.