The third season of BBC's "Merlin" is expected to air in the United Kingdom this fall, but soon after the 13-part season concludes the series will cross the Atlantic and begin its run on Syfy.

According to TV Guide, Syfy has acquired the third season of the fantasy-based drama series and is planning to broadcast the series in the early part of 2011, not long after the series finishes up on BBC.

We are thrilled that Syfy will be broadcasting the third series of Merlin, series creator Johnny Capps said. The upcoming season will add an exciting new twist to Merlins ongoing struggle to protect Prince Arthur, as well as thrilling audiences with bigger and bolder action sequences, stunning CGI monsters, mysterious villains and comic fun for all the family.

Originally, the first season of "Merlin" was broadcast in the United Kingdom between seasons of "Doctor Who," taking up residence in the family slot previously held by the time travelling series. Featuring dragons, swashbuckling battles, and all kinds of witchcraft, "Merlin" resonated with its target family audience and was quickly renewed for two additional years.

Following that success, NBC (which is part of the Universal conglomerate) acquired the series for its summer schedule in 2009. Up against tough competition, "Merlin" was never able to enjoy the same success it had in the UK and the decision was made not to pick-up subsequent seasons.

However, "Merlin" was later picked-up by Universal, this time for use on Syfy, and the second season commenced broadcast in the United States in April. Ratings remained considerably lower than NBC's airings, but for Syfy the series proved to be a ratings and critical success, pulling in a viewership comparable with Syfy's signature series, "Stargate: Universe." Ratings for the series continued to climb and the season concluded with approximately 1.5 million viewers and an overall season average of 1.28 million.