Academy Awards

Neil Patrick Harris to Host New NBC Variety Show

Neil Patrick Harris will host a new hourlong variety show for NBC, the network announced Monday.

The "How I Met Your Mother" star, Broadway regular and host of next year's Academy Awards will emcee the new series based on the British hit "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway." NBC has ordered 10 episodes of the show which currently does not have a title or air date.

The series will include "comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars" and will be recorded in front of a live audience, according to a statement.

"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling," Harris said of the British program, which is hosted by British comedy duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. "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!"

"All of us here at NBC have been dying to work with Neil, as we’ve watched him brilliantly host the Tonys and Emmys," Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment president for alternative and late-night programming, said in the statement. "This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly."

"Saturday Night Takeaway" has been airing in Britain since 2002.

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