NBCUMV: Merlin and Listener Scheduled for Summer Series

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NBC'S SUMMER SCHEDULE PACKED WITH ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SERIES ('THE PHILANTHROPIST,''THE LISTENER' AND 'MERLIN') AND ALTERNATIVE SHOWS PACED BY DEBUTS OF NEW 'I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE!' AND 'GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIP' -- PLUS RETURN OF TOP-RATED 'AMERICA'S GOT TALENT'

Published: March 12, 2009

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIF. – March 12, 2009 – NBC will serve up a sizzling menu of new and returning summer series -- accented by all-new original scripted programming with the series premieres of "The Philanthropist," "Merlin" and "The Listener" – and paced by the new alternative series "I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!" and "Great American Road Trip" plus the return of summer's top-rated "America's Got Talent."



Nimueh (Michelle Ryan), Arthur (Bradley James) and Merlin (Colin Morgan)

..."Merlin" begins on Sunday, June 21 with a two-hour premiere (8-10 p.m. ET). The new drama series will also air from 8-10 p.m. on June 28 before resuming in its normal day and time on Sunday, July 5 (8-9 p.m. ET).

"Merlin" is a new 13-part drama series that updates the story of the infamous sorcerer of Arthurian legend for a new audience in the mythical city of Camelot, in a time before history began. In this fantastical realm, Merlin is a young man gifted with extraordinary magical powers who arrives in the kingdom and quickly makes enemies, including the heir to Uther's crown, the headstrong Prince Arthur. But guided by Uther's wise physician, Gaius, Merlin is soon using his talents not just to survive but also to unlock Camelot's mystical secrets.

Starring Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Katie McGrath as Morgana and Angel Coulby as Gwen, "Merlin" is an imaginative new twist on a legend that is as old as time. "Merlin" was created and produced by Shine Television (executive-produced by Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps) for the BBC and FremantleMedia Enterprises. FME holds the exclusive licensing, home entertainment (excluding U.K.) and distribution rights to "Merlin" and has invested in the series alongside Shine Television and BBC One.



Craig Olejnik

"The Listener" centers on Toby Logan (Craig Olejnik, "The Timekeeper"), a 25-year-old paramedic who has a big secret -- he's a telepath. Until now, Toby kept his ability hidden, exploring its possibilities only with his long time mentor and confidant, Dr. Ray Mercer (Colm Feore, "24: Redemption"). As he makes the rounds with his energetic paramedic partner -- "Oz" Bey (Ennis Esmer, "Young People F*#king"), "The Listener" follows Toby as he tries to help people in crisis, and in the process, unravel the truth about his past. While his professional life is in check, Toby's personal life could use its own rescue. And with the help of Detective Charlie Marks (Lisa Marcos, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman") and his E.R. doctor/ex-girlfriend Olivia Fawcett (Mylène Dinh-Robic, "Da Vinci's City Hall"), Toby realizes his gift can help others.

"The Listener" was developed by award-winning Shaftesbury Films and Canadian broadcaster CTV and produced in association with CTV, FIC and NBC. The executive producers include: International Emmy Award winner Christina Jennings and Scott Garvie for Shaftesbury Films; Michael Amo ("Blessed Stranger: After Flight 111"); Tom Chehak ("ReGenesis") and Clement Virgo ("Poor Boy's Game"). "The Listener" is distributed internationally by Shine-Reveille.


A summary of NBC's new summer lineup follows (new series capitalized; all times ET):

THURSDAY, JUNE 4
"THE LISTENER" -- premiere (10-11 p.m.)

SUNDAY, JUNE 21
"MERLIN" (premiere 8-10 p.m.; June 28 airs 8-10 p.m.; July 5 resumes regular time 8-9 p.m.)

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Official BBC Merlin web site

The Listener NBC site