BBC Two knows a good thing when they see it.  The British network has snagged first refusal rights on future seasons of NBC's mega-hit Heroes for an undisclosed set price.   The broadcaster is currently airing season 1 of Heroes and has season 2 on its short-term schedule.  The move is big news for viewers in the UK, sense it means Heroes will not join the long list of shows that eventually drift into pay-only markets.

The standard practice for a show like 24 or Lost, is for it to start out on free air broadcast channels before staking a value, then the bidding war moves to Virgin and Sky One.  In the British television market this means that viewers may have to make a choice between the services to stay in the loop on their favorite shows.  Before NTL came under the ownership of Virgin, subscribers still had access to the Sky One line up.  That agreement was severed when NTL changed hands.

Many American broadcasters take advantage of this climate by courting both carriers, leaving consumers to wait nervously to find out if their favorite show will be coming to their provider.  NBC's deal with BBC Two is a bold move that seems more targeted towards doing what is best for Heroes as a brand, rather then as a television show.  Since Heroes will be available for free as long as BBC is interested in it, NBC is assured plenty of viewers will be subject to its cross-over marketing deals.

The Heroes cast completed their world tour last week, making a stop in England to promote the show, which has garnered a rabidly loyal audience.  Back to work on the second season, fans around the world are waiting for the series to return September 24 to find out what happened to the beloved troupe of mutants in the wake of their brush with the apocalypse.


- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
Source: BBC News
(Image Courtesy of NBC)