Men TV is one of Global TV's six new digital specialty television channels that are scheduled to launch on Sept. 7, and it is unarguably its most macho.

The channel, specifically called M, will offer three hours of new and original Canadian programming in the first week alone, targeted at men ages 18 to 54 on tastes and trends in men's health, fashion and lifestyle. It is billed as "television with a shot of testosterone."

And one of the most innovative programs being offered on M isn't about sports or sex, but rather cooking - Red Hot & Ready, a show just for men about barbecuing.

"It's really fantastic," said Anne Marie Varner, director of Canadian production, specialty channels, for Global. "It's irreverent, funny and very different. It really is about men's penchant for barbecuing. And the food looks fantastic. It looks like a very successful series."

The idea for M came about thanks to the widespread popularity of men's magazines on the newsstands - publications such as Men's Fitness, Maxim and Stuff. Global wanted to bring that kind of lifestyle journalism for men to television.

"When we looked at what was out there in magazines - with lifestyle, fitness, nutrition and things that men like - it seemed a natural progression," Ms. Varner said. "And one thing that is very crucial about this channel is that it's not about sports. That's critical. It's about things that guys like to do. There will serious issues addressed, like relationships, bit with a bit of comedy rolled in to keep things light."

"We're launching our new services with fresh and original Canadian projects right from the start on our two category-one channels, M [Men TV] and Mystery," said Doug Hoover, senior vice-president of programming and promotions. "There's no question that we're taking a leadership role in the commissioning of new work as opposed to the content offerings of other digital services."

The channel will feature the following series of programs:

• M-Style (26 episodes) - Produced by

  Pyramid Productions in Calgary, the weekly series focuses on men's fashion, relationships, sex and getting the most out of life. Hosts are Canadian standup comedian Scott Dumas, broadcast journalist Melanie Briggs, fashion consultant Amber Hill and sex therapist Hazel Knight. The series will also feature contributions from fitness instructor Grant McReynolds, Global's Inside Entertainment host Su Ling Goh, 90-Second Gourmet Michael Noble and humourist Kevin Stobo. The series premieres Sept. 15.

• Casino Life (26 episodes) - Produced by Pyman Video Productions in Mississauga, Ont., the half-hour gaming and betting series welcomes viewers into the "action zone," the heart of the world's great casinos, to learn how to beat the odds. Former casino dealer Barb DiGiulio hosts the series, which premieres Sept. 15.
• Red Hot & Ready (65 episodes) - Produced by Ocean Entertainment in Halifax, the cooking show proves that real men don't eat quiche, they barbecue. The series also includes recipes and tips on how men can use their equipment for the best BBQ results.
• Real Men (65 episodes) - Produced by Breakthrough Films in Toronto, this provocative, witty and irreverent look at the Canadian male offers a casual talk format on men's issues ranging from relationships and sex to sports and lifestyle.

• Sex: Operating Instructions (26 episodes) - Produced by Fairplay Productions in Montreal, the series takes a steamy yet cerebral look at relationships and sexuality.
• Boys and Their Toys (26 episodes) - Produced by White Iron Productions in Calgary, the series spotlights leisure activities and products for men, from fishing, boating and cottage life to personal watercraft, hot tubs, cars and motorbikes.