A new fantasy series, "The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin," has unexpectedly become a major hit on streaming platforms. Released on Prime Video, the series quickly climbed to the number one spot as the most-watched fantasy show in America, outpacing even popular titles like HBO's "House of the Dragon." This adaptation of Stephen Lawhead's novels delves into the origins of the legendary wizard Merlin, portraying his challenging upbringing, struggles with inner turmoil, and mysterious disappearance that shaped his enduring myth. The narrative is set prior to King Arthur's reign, with Merlin re-emerging in a fragmented Sub-Roman Britain to unify warring factions against Saxon invaders.
Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire and creator/director of the series, expressed his long-held ambition to bring Lawhead's stories to the screen. He emphasized that the series explores themes of sacrifice, unwavering faith in challenging environments, and the responsibilities of leadership. Initially launched on DailyWire+ in January, the show gained significant traction after its UK debut in July, despite minimal advertising. Its recent surge on Prime Video also places it third overall among top streaming shows, behind "Reacher" and "Dark Matter," demonstrating its broad appeal. Boreing noted that the show’s success underscores a persistent cultural appetite for narratives rooted in civilization’s foundational heritage.
The series, filmed in Hungary and Italy, openly embraces a positive depiction of Christianity's emergence in a world initially resistant to the new religion. Boreing remarked that the creative team did not dilute these themes, and the warm reception confirms that audiences appreciate such genuine storytelling. Prominent figures in Hollywood, including Oscar-winning screenwriter Roger Avary, and conservative media personalities like Glenn Beck, have lauded the series. Beck, in particular, compared its quality to "The Chosen," a well-known series about the life of Jesus. Boreing, who stepped down from The Daily Wire in March 2025 to pursue creative endeavors and his independent podcast, attributed the show's success to the cast and crew's belief in the enduring relevance of these stories and the audience's validation of that belief.
This triumph demonstrates that compelling storytelling, particularly when it addresses themes of hope, resilience, and moral courage, can achieve widespread recognition. The series' success reflects a desire among viewers for content that offers profound messages and uplifting narratives, proving that stories grounded in positive values can deeply resonate with contemporary audiences.
