TV
The series, about a psychic who assists the police, premiered on CBS in the US a fortnight ago with 15.5 million viewers.
Katie Keenan, Five's deputy controller of acquisitions, said of the pickup: "Top-notch storytelling combined with a charismatic lead made The Mentalist the best show by far of the LA screenings."
The Mentalist will air on Five and Five US from early 2009.
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