Five Extends Broadcast Rights To High Rating Imports

Five has announced a new licensing agreement with NBC Universal International Television Distribution, continuing its strategy of US acquisitions with the terrestrial television rights for hit series House and the Law & Order brand.

Medical drama House was an hit with viewers when Five aired the first season last year, securing a position in the top five US shows on British TV, and the number one show on Five for Thursday nights. The broadcaster’s new deal allows an exclusive terrestrial showing of the second series, which will air from 19 January.

The broadcaster has also extended its deals for further series of Emmy Award winner, Law & Order. The programme franchise includes Law & Order, Law & Order:Special Victims Unit and Law & Order:Criminal Intent.

The brand features in the top ten US programmes in the UK, and regularly dominates prime time viewing in the US. Five has yet to finalise broadcast dates for the new series, but hopes to begin airing them in “early 2006.”

Commenting on the latest US imports, Vanessa Brookman, Five’s deputy director of acquisitions, said: “I am delighted that we have renewed our deals with NBC Universal. The series are firm favourites with Five’s viewers and will make our drama offering for 2006 stronger than ever.”

Five’s other US imports include consistent ratings winner, CSI, as well as Prison Break, The Shield, Everybody Hates Chris, Out of Practice, Joey and Two and Half Men.

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