Merlin (2008–2012)

Bias Rating

Analyzing...

Leans Right

Viewer Rating

Rating: 7.9

Overview

Young Merlin (Colin Morgan) is a teenager, discovering and then learning to master his magical gift. Magister Gaius (Richard Wilson), King Uther Pendragon's (Anthony Head's) learned court physician to whom he's assigned ...

Starring Cast

John Hurt • Colin Morgan • Bradley James

Where to watch

Prime Video

Apple TV

Fandango

Bias Dimensions

Political: Leans Right

Diversity: Low

LGBTQ: Neutral

Race Swap: Yes

Overview

Starring Cast

John Hurt • Colin Morgan • Bradley James

Where to watch

Prime Video

Apple TV

Fandango

Detailed Bias Analysis

Analyzing...

Leans Right

Primary

Political: Leans RightConfidence: High

The film's central narrative champions the establishment of a unified, moral kingdom under a strong, virtuous leader, emphasizing order, loyalty, and traditional values as solutions to societal chaos and injustice, aligning with conservative principles.

Diversity: LowConfidence: High

The movie, based on traditional interpretations of the Merlin character and Arthurian legends, features casting that aligns with historical and mythological norms, without intentional race or gender swaps. The narrative maintains a neutral or positive portrayal of traditional identities, with DEI themes not being a central focus.

Secondary

LGBTQ: NeutralConfidence: Medium

Merlin features a deeply intense and emotionally charged bond between its two male leads, Merlin and Arthur, often interpreted as having strong queer subtext. While this relationship is portrayed with dignity and unwavering loyalty, the show itself never explicitly acknowledges or explores it as romantic or queer, thus rendering its impact on LGBTQ+ themes as incidental rather than explicitly affirming or negative.

Race Swap: YesConfidence: High

Guinevere, a major character in the Arthurian legends traditionally depicted as white, is portrayed by a Black actress in the series, constituting a race swap.

FemPower: NoConfidence: High

The show features several female characters who engage in combat, such as Morgana and Morgause. However, their victories in combat are consistently achieved through the use of magic, which is considered a superpower. Other female characters who participate in physical combat do not achieve clear, decisive victories against male opponents through skill or strength alone.

Gender Swap: NoConfidence: High

The show "Merlin" adapts characters from Arthurian legends. All major and recurring characters, such as Merlin, King Arthur, Guinevere, Morgana, and Uther, maintain their canonically established genders from the source material. No character widely known as one gender is portrayed as a different gender in the series.