DUBLIN, February 26: Channel 6, the Irish entertainment network that launched a year ago, has licensed the first-run free-TV rights to Heroes from NBC Universal International Television Distribution.

The hit NBC series, which has already delivered strong ratings for Seven Network in Australia and SCI FI Channel in the U.K., is slated to launch on Channel 6 early next month. “Heroes caught my attention from the first time I screened it,” said Michael Murphy, the founder and director of programs for Channel 6. “New shows are always a risk, but I think the strength of the ensemble cast coupled with its imaginative storyline will win fans in Ireland just as it has in the U.S.”

In a previous deal with NBC Universal International Television Distribution, the Irish entertainment network acquired House and The Office, as well as a number of feature films.