TV drama Heroes is set to return to the small screen, five years after it was cancelled by NBC.

The popular show - which launched the careers of Hayden Panettiere, Ali Larter and Zachary Quinto among others - will be returning as "Heroes Reborn" for a 13-episode run in 2015.

The network made the announcement during its Winter Olympics coverage at the weekend, getting an enormous response from delighted fans which saw it still trending on social media a day later.

It is not yet clear whether any of the original cast will return for the new series - but original creator Tim Kring will be directing again.

NBC president Jennifer Salke said: "The enormous impact Heroes had on the television landscape when it first launched in 2006 was eye-opening.

"Shows with that kind of resonance don't come around often and we thought it was time for another instalment.

"We look forward to all the new textures and layers Tim plans to add to his original concept. Until we get closer to air in 2015, the show will be appropriately shrouded in secrecy, but we won't rule out the possibility of some of the show's original cast members popping back in."

Four series of Heroes ran between 2006 and 2010, with initially high ratings dropping off severely and many fans left confused by an ambiguous ending.