While mainstream streaming platforms frequently feature left-leaning narratives, faith-driven projects remain relatively rare.
“The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin” is making waves on streaming platforms. The series, which debuted earlier this year on DailyWire+, explores the Arthurian legend alongside the rise of Christianity and has earned positive reviews.
The series boasts strong production values, impressive effects, and sturdy performances, positioning it as a mainstream fantasy offering.
Colin Cunningham, who plays King Vortigern, recently won Best Lead Performance in a Dramatic Series at the Leo Awards, a notable achievement for faith-friendly programming.
Adapted from Stephen R. Lawhead’s novels, the seven-part series was co-created, co-directed, and executive produced by Daily Wire co-founder Jeremy Boreing. Initially, viewers needed a DailyWire+ subscription to access it.
The series recently escaped its paywall, gaining significant international traction in countries like Canada, Ireland, Spain, Poland, and the UK, where it reached the top spot on “Fantasy” TV rankings.
On September 1, Prime Video began streaming the saga in the U.S., further cementing its success. It climbed as high as the second overall spot on Prime Video’s show rankings and currently sits in the fourth slot nine days after its debut.
Boreing expressed little surprise at the show’s performance. “The audience for thoughtful storytelling was never in doubt. People have always wanted stories about great ideas, inheritance, memory, and fidelity. These are among the oldest subjects in drama, and Pendragon proved how badly that hunger was being ignored,” Boreing said in an exclusive note.
The series’ success raises key questions: Will there be a second season? Will alternative platforms consider similar faith-driven projects that address an underserved audience?
Outlets like The Blaze, The Daily Wire, and the Wall Street Journal’s Opinion section have all ventured into original content.
Boreing Media already planned to bring more original stories to the public. Could a new “Pendragon” series be part of those plans?
