MediaBuyerPlanner: In a deal estimated to be in the neighborhood of $1.2 million per episode, Lifetime has acquired the exclusive basic cable rights to ABC's hit show, Grey's Anatomy, writes Mediaweek. Beginning in January, Lifetime can begin running one episode per week from season one of the show, and in fall 2009 can begin running the show as many days of the week as it likes.

Early reports indicated that TNT and Oxygen had nearly nailed Grey's Anatomy in a joint deal, but Lifetime apparently outbid the two. Grey's syndicator, Buena Vista Television, is quoted as saying the show is a great fit for Lifetime because it "attracts the highest ratings and concentration of young female viewers of any show in prime time."

Lifetime, which has phased out the slogan "Television for women" and has been concentrating on content, picked up the rights to ABC's Desperate Housewives for a reported $1.2 million per episode this spring; the show will begin airing on Lifetime August 5.