CTV has picked up FremantleMedia’s 13 x 60 fantasy Merlin, set to join the mid-season schedule in 2009 along with Lost, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. The family-friendly series — which premiered on the BBC last month to 7.1 million viewers — follows the adventures of a teenaged Prince Arthur (Bradley James) and young wizard Merlin (Colin Morgan). John Hurt also stars.

The show, produced by London-based prodco Shine Television, features CG effects created by Oscar-winning visual effects team The Mill, also of London. The series is also set to air on NBC in 2009.

From Media in Canada