London - 29 September 2009 - NBC Universal Global Networks and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITD) have today announced a major first-run programming deal in which three of WBITD's highly anticipated new U.S. television series for the 2009-2010 season will premiere in the UK on the SCI FI and Hallmark channels. The announcement was made by Roma Khanna, President, Global Networks and Digital Initiatives and Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television.

As part of the deal, NBCU has successfully acquired V, one of the most high profile and sought-after programmes from this year's LA Screenings, along with Human Target and Eastwick.

In addition to these three new shows, NBCU has also acquired the rights to the long-running hit drama Smallville.

The substantial content package consists of the UK first-run pay TV rights to:

• V - An 18x1-hour visually stunning reimagining of the groundbreaking alien invasion miniseries
• Human Target - The 13x1-hour action-packed thrill ride stars Mark Valley (Fringe) as a mysterious agent for hire who assumes different identities, literally becoming a human target on behalf of his clients, in this drama inspired by a popular DC Comics title
• Eastwick - A 13x1-hour sexy and bold comedic drama about three young witches whose powers are awakened when a mysterious man moves to town, based upon the John Updike novel and hit film The Witches of Eastwick

In addition, the broadcaster has secured the ongoing pay TV rights from season one of Smallville, the drama series - based upon DC Comics characters - which chronicles a young Clark Kent in a precursor to the Superman legend.

The deal will see V, Human Target and Smallville air on SCI FI, while Eastwick will be shown on the Hallmark Channel.

Laurence Dawkin-Jones, Managing Director (UK) NBC Universal Global Networks, said: "This important deal is evidence of a step change in our investment in new content. These are some of the most talked about shows to come out of the LA Screenings this year and are a perfect fit with our channels."

Go to the SCI FI Channel forum to let us know what you think about these shows appearing on SCI FI.