Network partners with CBC for series

ABC has joined CBS and NBC in importing programming from north of the border.

The Alphabet network has bought the U.S. rights to "18 to Life," a comedy pilot about two 18-year-olds who get married on a dare, causing much consternation among their families and friends. The show is the first comedy developed simultaneously for U.S. and Canadian networks, the showbiz trade papers say.

Stacey Farber ("Degrassi") and Michael Seater ("Life with Derek") will star in "18 to Life" as the newlywed couple. The cast also includes Ellen David ("A Walk on the Moon"), Peter Keleghan ("Cheaper by the Dozen 2"), Angela Asher, Alain Goulem ("Tripping the Rift"), Ariel Shiri and Tommie-Amber Pirie.

Derek Schreyer and Karen Troubetzkoy created the show and will serve as executive producers. Peter Wellington ("Slings and Arrows") will direct the single-camera pilot.

The show is the third Canada-created series to make its way onto a U.S. network in recent months. CBS has found some success this summer with the drama "Flashpoint," and NBC has another drama, "The Listener," on its schedule for the coming season. Additionally, 20th Century Fox TV is planning to remake the Canadian comedy "Little Mosque on the Prairie" for American audiences.

There's no word yet on when "18 to Life" might air on either CBC or ABC.