The BBC has bought the exclusive UK television rights to Stephen King's new series, Kingdom Hospital.

The series will premiere in the US in February 2004, with the BBC airing it later during that year. George McGhee, Controller of Acquisitions at the BBC, said:

"We're very pleased that the BBC has exclusive first UK rights to this smart and edgy series from Stephen King, the master of suspense. I think the series will be a great addition to BBC Two and Three schedules."

Kingdom Hospital is billed as a cross between ER and The Shining; ghosts from an old mill and the old Kingdom Hospital invade the modern hospital building where the series is set.