Showbiz news stalwart Entertainment Tonight is heading north, with a Canadian edition of the program scheduled to debut early next month.
Global TV announced on Tuesday that it will air a Canadian version of the show, which has dominated U.S. entertainment television for the last 25 years, starting Sept. 12.
Global entertainment reporter Cheryl Hickey hosts the program and on-air staff will include former MuchMusic personality Rick Campanelli and former Toronto 1 reporter Roz Weston.
"It's extremely exciting to be part of the world's largest entertainment news brand," Barbara Williams, Global senior vice president, said.
"This program plays a key role in the Global schedule, giving us a power hour of entertainment news, and further underscoring our commitment to celebrating Canadian talent across our network."
Outlining the half-hour show's format, Global said the Canadian edition will showcase talent from this country and further "Canada's reputation as entertainment and celebrity hot spot."
Production teams in both Canada and the United States will collaborate, giving Canadian producers access to resources used for the U.S. edition as well as that show's archives, which stretch back 24 years. The U.S.-based edition launches its 25th season this fall.
" ET Canada will have a distinct perspective from its U.S. counterpart but a familiar feel, with comparable graphics and the signature ET theme song that almost anyone on the street can hum on demand," Global said in a statement announcing the new show.
Segments, Global said, will feature a blend of Canadian and global entertainment news told from a Canadian perspective.
"It's with great pleasure we welcome ET Canada to the Entertainment Tonight family," Linda Bell Blue, ET's executive producer, told reporters at a gala launch event hosted by Global.
The original ET will also launch its 25th season in syndication Sept. 12. Host Mary Hart was expected to attend the Canadian launch but sent her best wishes from Turkey where she is on vacation.