Five Boosts Programme Portfolio With US Imports

Five has announced a deal to acquire two high profile American series from Buena Vista International Television, broadening its imported programme portfolio and promising to draw larger audiences to its peaktime screenings.

The American hit Grey’s Anatomy and much-talked about new crime drama Criminal Minds have both been acquired by Five for terrestrial transmission next year, while a partnership with LIVINGtv will see the shows aired to digital viewers through its network of stations.

currently a top five programme in the US, Grey’s Anatomy focuses on five medical interns struggling to form friendships and relationships in the most stressful and intense environment of hospital life, while Criminal Minds revolves around an elite squad of FBI profilers who analyse the country’s most twisted criminal minds.

Commenting on the new additions to Five’s programme line-up, Vanessa Brookman, Five’s deputy director of acquisitions, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to acquire two top-rating US shows. We have a reputation for the finest America dramas, and these two series will make great additions to the channel.”

Richard Woolfe, director of television at LIVINGtv, added: “It’s clear that LIVINGtv has once again picked winners with both Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds and we’re pleased that this deal will mean that two of LIVINGtv’s biggest dramas reach new audiences via a terrestrial window.”

The new programmes join Five’s line-up of award-winning US imports, including Prison Break, House the CSI franchise, the Law & Order franchise, The Shield, Everybody Hates Chris, Out of Practice, Joey and Two and a Half Men.

Earlier this year saw Five join forces with digital channel Paramount Comedy to co-commission a series based loosely around US hit series, Desperate Housewives. The new show, entitled Suburban Shootout, is expected to debut on Five in the new year (see Five And Paramount Commission First Joint Comedy).

Five: 020 7550 5555 www.five.tv