Five has won the rights to two of the most anticipated dramas from the upcoming season in the US.

The first is legal drama Shark, starring James Woods as a top celebrity defence lawyer who decides to switch sides and become a prosecutor. The series is being handed the prestigious post-CSI slot on CBS from September.

Meanwhile, Five beat off Channel 4 to the rights for Vanished, about the search for a senator's missing wife. On the cast are John Allen Nelson (24) and Rebecca Gayheart (Nip/Tuck).

"I am delighted to have secured the rights to both these highly sought-after series and believe they are a fabulous addition to Five's raft of already successful acquired dramas," said Vanessa Brookman, Five's new controller of acquisitions.

Five has the free television and digital terrestrial rights to both shows, while UKTV has picked up the basic pay rights to Shark.