Five goes for 'The Mentalist'

Five has acquired the rights to new US crime drama The Mentalist.

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.