Neil Patrick Harris has been tapped to host a new NBC variety show that plays on the British program "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway."
USA Today reported that the British show features comedy sketches, game-show elements, and hidden-camera pranks on celebrities, among other things. No word yet on what a Harris-led show would be called, but NBC did confirm that it ordered 10 episodes from ITV Studios America.
"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling,"
Harris said of "Ant and Dec," according to Vulture.com. "Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts. It's a game changer. Nothing like this has been done before, and its unique structure fits right into my random skill set. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun."
Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC, said in a statement that it was great opportunity for the network to scoop up a talent like Harris, who is best known for his roles on "How I Met Your Mother" and "Doogie Howser, M.D."
"All of us here at NBC have been dying to work with Neil, as we've watched him brilliantly host the Tonys and Emmys," Telegdy said in his statement. "This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly. He is a versatile and thrilling talent for us to welcome into the NBC family."
Telegdy told Vulture.com he thinks the show could be very successful, as variety shows are right in NBC's wheelhouse.
"We have a natural affinity for this type of show," he said, pointing out NBC staples like "Saturday Night Live," "The Voice," and "America's Got Talent." "It's in our DNA. There’s a natural progression with this. This is something we felt was undeniably an NBC proposition."
Earlier this month, the
Academy Awards selected Harris to host February's awards ceremony.
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