“The End” episode of Lost (which is, indeed, just that) will air in Italy, England, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Canada, Israel and the United States…at the same time. Though the finale will air at 5 in the morning in the UK, Sky 1 HD is looking forward to the event eagerly. “With something as hotly anticipated as the Lost finale, it makes sense to show it at exactly the same time as millions across America will see it,” explained one spokesperson.

The huge simulcast event isn’t in effect simply to celebrate Lost (which, if I understand correctly, involves a group of people marooned in an unknown locale which could be anything from Hell to a secretive weapons facility). The broadcast is being watched around the world in order to lessen the number of illegal Internet downloads and spoilers which will be immediately available after the US airing.

In related Lost news, the Emmys have given the series an exemption so the extended finale episode will be eligible to receive an award (despite the fact that it’s as long as a feature-length film). I think that’s totally fair for all the other shows which will be competing for the same awards. Awesome decision.

ABC will broadcast the final episode of Lost on Sunday at 9pm EST.