The Legend Of King Arthur Inspired A Failed Modern Day CBS Sitcom
Throughout history, Merlin has always stood by Britain's Once and Future King - even on short-lived CBS sitcoms that modernized Arthur's legend for the '80s.
Arthurian legend has inspired countless TV shows over the years, but one of the most forgotten is Mr. Merlin, a CBS sitcom from the 1980s. Unlike other successful adaptations, Mr. Merlin reimagined the powerful wizard Merlin as a San Francisco mechanic, Max Merlin, played by Tony-winning actor Barnard Hughes. Premiering on October 7, 1981, the show starred Hughes as the 1,600-year-old immortal who retired from his magical duties and instead worked at his garage fixing cars.
Teenager Zachary Rodgers, played by Clark Brandon, became Merlin's apprentice after finding a crowbar, like Excalibur, in a block of concrete. The show aimed to teach lessons about responsibility and balance while keeping Merlin's magical powers hidden from the world. Although initially promising, Mr. Merlin received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized its lack of appeal to a wide audience.
The final episode aired on March 22, 1982, marking the end of this failed attempt to bring the legend of King Arthur to TV screens.
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