Sky One has picked up the exclusive rights to air new seasons of Lost in the UK.
The deal with distributor Buena Vista International Television covers seasons three and four of the cult drama, which has an audience of around 4 million viewers in the UK.
Channel 4 originally signed the series on a two-year deal in 2004 and has been in contract renewal negotiations with BVITV for several months. It is understood that Sky - who successfully poached 24 from the BBC in 2003 - outbid C4 and other rival broadcasters for the new contract.
"We are confident that Sky will build upon the established success of Lost, bringing the series to viewers in flexible ways, ideally suited to its watercooler, must-see status," said Tom Toumazis, evp at BVITV EMEA.
The "flexible ways" will include opportunities to watch the latest episodes via broadband and mobile platforms. The series is also likely to air in high definition on the Sky One HD channel.
Sky One head Richard Woolfe said that Lost had been "the envy of every network" since its launch on Channel 4 last year. "The series has defined TV drama over the last two years," he added. "We are absolutely thrilled to bring it to Sky One."
Having lost Lost - one of its most acclaimed imports ever - Channel 4 will now be fighting hard to retain another of its key acquisitions, Desperate Housewives. The broadcaster signed the drama on the same two-year deal as Lost but has yet to agree terms for a new contract.
-------------------
Season three of "Lost" debuted in the United States on Disney's ABC network earlier this month. Sky plans to start showing the new episodes in November, a spokesman said
I heard that ages ago but I'm gonna use this thread to rant.
I don't have sky and it's really unfair that sky has it and I didn't think I'd be able to see it but my dad now downloads it for me but I really hate sky for stealing it. [Well not stealing but you know what I mean]. I loved watching it on C4 but no, now I can't. Grr. As long as C4 keeps Desperate Housewives I shall be okay.
