Sci Fi channel gets rights to 'Doctor Who'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. fans of the BBC's "Doctor Who" will be able to follow the series on cable's Sci Fi Channel.

A deal between the BBC and Sci Fi gives the U.S. cable network first-run rights for the series' 13 hour-long episodes with an option for the next season as well, Daily Variety reported.

Sci Fi will kick off "Doctor Who" in March, airing Fridays at 9 p.m.

As a result of the deal, BBC Video has delayed the U.S. release of the "Doctor Who" DVD from February to July 4, Variety said.