I know television's a competitive market, but it's always frustrated me that Sky One can afford to pay mega-bucks for big, expensive US dramas. Having the foresight and belief to resurrect an old British series, like Gladiators, is fine. I also don't begrudge them having Battlestar Galactica, as they co-financed season 1 and no terrestrial channel seems interested. Sadly.
But I really hate it when Sky get out their cheque book and steal away something that started life on a terrestrial channel (BBC2's 24, Five's Prison Break and Channel 4's Lost, primarily.) I understand their thinking: to persuade fans of those shows to get a Sky subscription, so they can continue watching. But does that work? Or is it just another factor in why Sky One's US imports are the world's biggest illegal downloads?
Which is why I'm happy to report that the BBC have secured themselves exclusive life-time rights to NBC's Heroes. And, what's more, they fought off a rival Sky bid in the process.
George McGhee, head of BBC acquisitions, told Digital Spy:
"As long as Heroes is on in the US, we will show Heroes. It's a long-term partnership, and I think that was the right thing to do. [NBC] are really pleased that we've got Heroes -- and they don't want it going to a commercial broadcaster."
Great news for British viewers, because everyone can get BBC. Even if you don't pay your TV license. But don't do that, please -- it's not fair on those who do pay it. Heroes' third season starts on NBC in late-September, with the BBC showing episodes days after their Stateside premiere. That should help combat piracy. Well done, BBC!
