When it comes to US programme acquisitions, Channel 5 tends to come off second best to BSkyB. But once in a while it picks a plum – the best examples being CSI and Law & Order. Now, perhaps, it has done it again with the news that it has bought the remake of Dallas from Warner Bros International TV.

 

The new 10-part series will have original cast members Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Grant. But joining them will be young blood in the Jesse Metcalfe, Brenda Strong (both Desperate Housewives) and Josh Henderson (90210).

 

The resurrected Dallas will debut in the US on cable channel TNT before coming to Channel 5 in late 2012. The performance of the first 10 eps will dictate whether TNT decides to recommission it. Only then will Channel 5 know if it has a long-running franchise on its hands.