Syfy acquires Season 3 of 'Merlin'

NEW YORK, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Syfy said Thursday it has acquired the third season of the popular "Merlin" series from FremantleMedia Enterprises and will give it a U.S. premiere in 2011.

The second season of the British-produced "Merlin" concluded on Syfy July 2. The third season has 13 episodes.

"The enchanting imagination of 'Merlin' proved very popular with our audience and we're delighted to bring the series back for a third season on Syfy," Chris Regina, vice president of programming and original movies, said in a statement.

"We are extremely excited about the next season of 'Merlin' returning on Syfy, following the success we had with the second series," added Lisa Honig, senior vice president of program distribution for FME North America. "We look forward to growing the audience and feeding the appetite of the devotees who already love the program, the characters and the brand."

The cast includes Warwick Davis, Miriam Margoyles, Mark Williams, Emilia Fox, Santiago Cabrera, Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Anthony Head and John Hurt.