Reruns of ABC series to start next year

By fall 2008, fans of "Lost" will be staring at only two more seasons of the show. But they'll also be able to relive the first four.

Geek-centric cable networks Sci Fi and G4 have secured rerun rights to the ABC series, ensuring that "Lost" obsessives who have worn out their DVDs will have a place to watch the series beyond the show's projected 2010 end date.

"'Lost' is an incredible series that has captured the imagination of the viewing public, and Sci Fi is extremely proud to add 'Lost' to our programming lineup," says Thomas Vitale, head of programming at the Sci Fi Channel. The network is planning weekly mini-marathons of the show, which Vitale calls "a pure form" and "the best way to get involved" with the show.

Sci Fi has also paid for the right to stream a handful of episodes on its web site.

G4, meanwhile, will give the "2.0" treatment to "Lost." As it's done with "Star Trek" reruns and even "Cops," the network's "Lost" reruns will add interactive elements that fit with the show's dedicated online following. G4 (which also won rerun rights to NBC's "Heroes" last week) has exclusive weekend cable rights to the show and will also stream some episodes.

Both networks will start airing "Lost" reruns in fall 2008, by which time they'll have a library of 87 episodes at their disposal.