Sherri Shepherd — best known for her comedic style and acting chops — has sat in some iconic chairs for daytime television. Now, it’s Shepherd’s time to shine with her own show.

After filling in on the now-canceled “Wendy Williams Show,” Shepherd will take over the time slot with “Sherri.” Shepherd is no stranger to daytime television, having done a seven-year stint on “The View.”

While at Essence Fest in New Orleans, Shepherd partnered with Ford to giveaway a brand new Mach-E mustang electric vehicle. Shepherd was all smiles as she spoke with PEOPLE about her latest venture.

“I’ve always dreamed about this,” Shepherd told PEOPLE “I always wanted something where I could make people laugh, that’s always been my way, to make people feel good.”

As for the format of the new show, Shepherd and her producing partner, Jawn Murray, are working to make sure it reflects her own sensibilities.

“For me, it’s got to be fun, escapism,” she said. “Ellen DeGeneres is gone, and I love Kelly Clarkson because she’s naturally authentic, but people underestimate a standup comic and that’s where we come in. We create magic where there is none, and there is nobody I think who can fill that void, but I’m here and that’s what I’m bringing.”

“Sherri” is set to air Monday, September 12.