NBC is hoping to give Friday Night Lights a third season by sharing it with other networks.

The show, which is a favourite of critics and has a cult following, could be broadcast across various channels to give it the support needed for a renewal.

Those said to be in talks with NBC are CW, Comcast Entertainment Networks, TNT and DirecTV.

A deal would see the show aired in different slots across channels in the model of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. It went out on USA Network first, then on NBC a few months later.