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Medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy', starring Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo, which is currently on its second series, will return for a third season on the channel, while 'House', starring British actor Laurie, will return for a fourth series on Five following on from its current third run on the channel.

The two shows were understood to be high on the acquisitions list for rivals ITV and Channel 4, which currently airs the long-running but fading 'E.R.'.

The deal for 'Grey's Anatomy' was signed with Buena Vista International Television, and will continue to give Five the exclusive UK terrestrial rights to the hit series.

The deal for the fourth season of 'House' was negotiated with NBC Universal International Television Distribution. This deal allows Five to broadcast the Bafta-nominated drama on Five and its digital channels Five US and Five Life.

Vanessa Brookman, Five's controller of acquisitions, and Catherine Powell, BVITV's vice-president for sales UK and Ireland, Nordic, Benelux and Israel, negotiated the licensing deal.

Brookman said: "The show is a perfect fit for Five's raft of top-rating acquired dramas."

The deal with NBC Universal International Television will also include the rights to news series in the 'Law & Order' franchise, including 'Law & Order', 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'.

Lisa Opie, Five's managing director for content, said: "I am thrilled that we will be able to show 'House' and the 'Law & Order' franchise across all of our channels. Five has an enviable reputation of acquiring the best US dramas and I am delighted that we can now broaden this further to reach even more viewers."

The first season of 'House' was acquired by Five in May 2005 and was an instant hit with viewers, becoming a top five US show on UK TV and the number one show on Five for Thursday nights. 'House' is currently in its third series in the US and on Five.

Jim Brehm, senior vice-president for sales at BVITV EMEA, said: "We're pleased to be continuing to work with Five, which has been a great home for 'Grey's Anatomy'. The series has resonated with viewers across the globe, and we're sure that Five's viewers will enjoy the gripping storylines coming up in season three."