The Ten Network's "Thank God You're Here" will move to the Seven Network when it returns in 2009, program makers have revealed.
The award-winning improvised comedy was a ratings winner for Ten in 2006 and 2007.
Comedian and actor Shane Bourne will remain the show's host when the fourth season airs on Channel Seven.
"Thank God You're Here" judge and co-creator Tom Gleisner spoke for the show's producers, Working Dog Productions.
"Having taken a year off, it felt right to try some new things with the show - including a different home," he said.
"Moving will give us the opportunity to expose Thank God You're Here to a whole new audience, while also allowing Shane to continue using his City Homicide parking space."
Fairfax newspapers described the deal as a major blow to the Ten Network.
"Of particular concern to Ten will be Thank God You're Here's popularity with its target audience of 16- to 39-year-olds," The Sydney Morning Herald's website reported.
Seven Network chief executive David Leckie said he had wanted to work with the Working Dog team for years.
"I'm happy that we waited long enough for it to be for the right show," he said. "'Thank God You're Here' is a fabulous show and it will be even more fabulous on Seven."
"We see this as being the first of many shows in a long term relationship with Working Dog. They are the best in the business at what they do and that's why they'll fit in just perfectly at Seven."
