In response to viewer criticism over the constant output from prolific documentary producer Ken Burns, the Public Broadcasting System has decided to launch The Ken Burns Channel, a new cable channel devoted solely to his work.

“We just can’t keep up with all of Burns’ shows on PBS,” said Robert McKenzie, assistant director of programming. “There’s enough material to fill up an entire channel, maybe two. Every time I turn around, lo and behold, there’s a new Ken Burns documentary coming out. I mean, seriously, does the guy ever sleep? We just needed a new place to put all that stuff. Now we will have Ken Burns around the clock. Ain’t it grand?”

This announcement comes as welcome news to PBS viewers, many of whom are relieved that Burns’ ubiquitous shows will be spun off to a different channel.

“PBS has become a one-string banjo,” lamented Melissa Langley, long-time PBS viewer. “I send keep sending them money and what do I get in return? A constant barrage of Ken Burns stuff, that’s what! If I turn on the tube and see one more, I swear I’m gonna scream!”

“Cripes, I can’t turn on freakin’ PBS without seeing that weasely little guy with some new show,” complained another viewer. “Did it ever occur to anyone that maybe, just maybe, we might like to watch something other than round-the-clock Civil War and national park stuff? Is it too much to ask for a little Monty Python or a decent Masterpiece Theatre once in a while? Shees!”

PBS plans to go live with the new channel, with 24/7 feeds to cable subscribers nationwide in early December. Check your local listings for more details.

Meanwhile, PBS has neither confirmed nor denied rumors that it plans next to spin off a Rick Steves channel.