Grey Day at Lifetime

Lifetime Television acquired the exclusive basic-cable rights to ABC’s Emmy Award-nominated Grey’s Anatomy beginning in fall 2009 from Buena Vista Television.

The women’s-targeted network will begin airing episodes from the first season once per week in January 2007.

Fellow ABC series Desperate Housewives will join Lifetime’s lineup Saturday, Aug. 5 at 11 p.m. (EST/PST), beginning with its first season.

Grey’s Anatomy was nominated for 11 2006 Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series.

“This is an extraordinary show that tells powerful stories of love, hope and sometimes despair, as seen through the lives of an amazingly gifted ensemble cast,” Lifetime senior vice president of acquisitions, scheduling and planning Leslie Glenn-Chesloff said in a prepared statement.

“Women all over the country -- including all of us here at Lifetime -- absolutely adore this wonderful series, and we’re thrilled that it’s joining our schedule,” she added.

Disney owns ABC and BVT, as well as 50% of Lifetime Entertainment Services. Hearst owns the other 50% of Lifetime.