Heroes has been a rating success on both sides of the Atlantic

BBC Two is currently showing the 23 episodes of the first series with the second to follow.

Under the deal, the BBC will have the option of buying all content beyond series two at a pre-agreed price.

Just eleven months after its debut, Heroes has already been nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe awards.

It was also named programme of the year by the Television Critics Association in Los Angeles.

In July, its debut on BBC Two captured an audience of 4.3 million.

The futuristic drama sees a group of characters with special powers unite to try to prevent a chain of events from causing catastrophe in New York.

The BBC said in a statement: "We're delighted to have secured an exclusive ongoing deal with NBC Universal.

"This means that if NBC Universal produce more seasons of Heroes (beyond season two which is already in production) the BBC can buy them at a pre-agreed price.

"This ensures that the BBC can continue to show Heroes at a cost that represents real value for money."

The first series of Heroes was initially shown by the Sci-Fi channel in the UK earlier this year.

But the BBC has exclusive rights for the show on terrestrial and multichannel from the second series onwards.

Previously, shows like 24 and Lost have been snapped up by Sky after establishing an audience on terrestrial television.