ATLANTIS: The Creators of MERLIN Explore Another Mythic Tale {PHOTOS}

From the creators of Merlin comes a new action adventure tale delving into mythology, although this time it’s located on a different isle: Atlantis.

Note: I’m going to confess right off the top that the main reason I’m so stoked about Atlantis is that it co-stars Alexander Siddig, one of my favorite people in the world and a personal friend. So, you know, bias and all that.

BBC America’s Supernatural Saturday brings the iconic lost city to life in new 13-part fantasy-adventure series, Atlantis. When Jason (Jack Donnelly, Dancing on the Edge) sets out to find his father, he could never imagine his journey would lead to a strange, yet impossibly familiar land full of dangerous creatures, legendary heroes and palaces so vast it was said they were built by giants – the ancient fabled city of Atlantis.

Ruled by King Minos (Alexander Siddig), this Atlantis is at once a vibrant cultural center and cloaked in mystery. The supernatural exists, and is seems our hero, Jason, is destined to be an important part of the mythic adventure.

A young man trying to unearth his roots and find his missing father, Jason’s search unexpectedly leads him to this strange mythical realm – and whether he likes it or not, he isn’t leaving anytime soon. He must now familiarize himself with their customs, earn a living, forge alliances and fight-off otherworldly foes. Jason quickly learns that beneath the surface of what appears to be a magical place, is a dark and simmering past filled with secrets and deceit to which he now seems inexplicably bound. And when he becomes embroiled in a perilous game of politics and power, Jason will need all the help he can get.

Befriended by an overweight, overly-confident Hercules (Mark Addy, Game of Thrones) and the studious young Pythagoras (Robert Emms, War Horse), Jason embarks on an adventure, which sees him brush shoulders with a sweet girl named Medusa (Jemima Rooper, Hex), come face to face with the fearsome Minotaur, do battle with the dead and catch the eye and heart of the beautiful Ariadne (Aiysha Hart, About Time), the princess of Atlantis whose family and royal standing restricts who she may love. Accordingly, Jason discovers the treachery of Atlantis’ rulers, including Queen Pasiphaë (Sarah Parish, Hatfields & McCoys), a rumored manipulator of the dark arts who has her own plans for Ariadne. Jason finds guidance and protection with the revered Oracle (Juliet Stevenson, The Hour), who has never felt the burden of responsibility more than when Jason arrives in Atlantis. He learns from the soothsayer that it’s no mistake he happens upon the shores of the famed city – it is fate.  In realizing his destiny, Jason and his allies will voyage through a vast store of myths and legends, re-imagined for a new generation.

The series premiered in the UK a couple of months ago and has already been renewed for a second season.

Atlantis premieres Saturday, November 23, 9/8c on BBC America, following the encore broadcast of Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary Special, The Day of the Doctor.