The first series of Merlin, a British fantasy television series, began on 20 September 2008 and ended on 13 December 2008. Regular cast members for the first series include Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Katie McGrath, Angel Coulby, Anthony Head, Richard Wilson, and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon. The first series contained thirteen episodes, with 7.15 million tuning into the premier and 6.27 for the series finale. It was the only series to be comprised completely of stand-alone episodes. Before the series finale, the BBC confirmed that the series was renewed for a further 13 episode second series. Series 2 premiered on 19 September 2009. Plot Merlin and Arthur must work together to protect the great kingdom of Camelot against dark sorcery. But Merlin faces a tough challenge in hiding his dark secret from his best friends. Because the only way to fight magic... is with magic. Cast Main cast Colin Morgan as Merlin Angel Coulby as Gwen Bradley James as Arthur Katie McGrath as Morgana Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon Richard Wilson as Gaius Recurring John Hurt as the Great Dragon (voice) Michelle Ryan as Nimueh Michael Cronin as Geoffrey of Monmouth David Durham as Tom Caroline Faber as Hunith Guest stars Eve Myles as Lady Helen/Mary Collins Will Mellor as Valiant Julian Rhind-Tutt as Edwin Clive Russell as Bayard Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot Kenneth Cranham as Aulfric Holliday Grainger as Sophia Asa Butterfield as Mordred Alexander Siddig as Kanen Joe Dempsie as Will Frank Finlay as Anhora Cal MacAninch as Tauren Ed Coleman as Morris Episodes References Merlin (2008 TV series) 2008 British television seasons