The fantasy series "The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin," created and directed by Jeremy Boreing, co-founder of The Daily Wire, has ascended to the number one spot for fantasy shows across all U.S. streaming platforms, according to viewing data from JustWatch. This achievement places it ahead of HBO's popular series "House of the Dragon."
The series, which debuted on Prime Video, is an adaptation of Stephen Lawhead's novels. It centers on the legendary figure of Merlin, detailing his early life, struggles with mental health, and disappearance, which contributed to the surrounding myths. Set in Britain prior to King Arthur's reign, the narrative depicts Merlin's return to unite fractured kingdoms against invading Saxons.
Boreing expressed his long-held desire to bring Lawhead's books to the screen, stating, "This is a story about sacrifice, about faith surviving in unwelcoming places, about a king's duty." Initially released in January on DailyWire+, the series gained significant traction after its debut in the UK in July and has now achieved top rankings in the U.S.
In the U.S. market, "The Pendragon Cycle" ranks third on Prime Video among all streaming shows, trailing only "Reacher" and "Dark Matter." Boreing noted the gratification from the viewership numbers, emphasizing the underlying theme: "Americans are still hungry for one of our greatest civilizational inheritances."
The production, filmed in Hungary and Italy, presents a positive depiction of Christianity's emergence in a society wary of the new religion. "We didn't sand any of it down, and it turns out you don't have to," Boreing stated. He credited the cast, crew, and viewers for the show's success, asserting that "these stories still matter."
The series has garnered praise from various figures, including Oscar-winning screenwriter Roger Avary, who discussed it on "The Joe Rogan Experience," and Blaze founder Glenn Beck. Beck compared the series favorably to "The Chosen," a popular television series about the life of Jesus, stating it is "as well done as The Chosen."
Boreing stepped down from his role at The Daily Wire in March 2025, a company he helped establish alongside Ben Shapiro. He has since dedicated his efforts to creative projects and his podcast, "The Jeremy Boreing Show."