Network can also access 'Charmed' and 'Early Edition'

Melinda Gordon and Captain Jean-Luc Picard are joining the Sci Fi fold.

The Sci Fi Channel has obtained the off-network cable rights to "Ghost Whisperer," along with access to shows such as "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Charmed" in the CBS library.

"Ghost Whisperer," which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the aformentioned Melinda who talks to the spirits of those who need help in the physical world before crossing over, will launch on the cable network in fall of 2009, airing in a weekly four-hour primetime stack.

"The paranormal is very popular with our audience, as evidenced by the huge success of our original series 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Ghost Hunters International,' television's most popular paranormal franchise," says Thomas Vitale, the network's Senior Vice President of Programming and Original Movies. "As part of Sci Fi's primetime lineup, 'Ghost Whisperer' will appeal to our existing audience, while bringing in new viewers, including more women."

Mini-marathons and full-day marathons are also in the cards for the show, which will be simulcast in HD.

Sci Fi will also have access to CBS' extensive library that includes "Star Trek: TNG," premiering Monday, June 2, "Charmed," "Early Edition," "Highlander," "Friday the 13th: The Series" and "Mork & Mindy," among others.