Neil Patrick Harris To Host U.S. Version of "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway"

[JamesG]

Neil Patrick Harris To Bring Joy to the World With New NBC Variety Show
Oct 27, 2014
by Kaitlin Thomas


Is there anything Neil Patrick Harris can't do? The Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor has played a kid doctor, a wannabe super villain, a legendary ladies man, and a transgendered glam rocker.

Now he'll add one more role to that lengthy list: variety show host. The former "How I Met Your Mother" star will headline a U.S. version of the long-running U.K. variety show "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway", NBC confirmed Monday.





As first reported by Vulture, there will be ten hourlong installments of the series, which will be filmed in front of a live audience. It will feature comedy sketches, musical numbers, and mini game shows, as well as appearances by Hollywood's biggest stars. And in the vein of MTV's "Punk'd", there will also be hidden camera pranks on celebrities.

"As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling," Harris said in a statement. "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, NBC Entertainment's President of Alternative and Late Night Programming, said in a statement:

"All of us here at NBC have been dying to work with Neil, as we've watched him brilliantly host the Tonys and Emmys. This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly. He is a versatile and thrilling talent for us to welcome into the NBC family."



Neil Patrick Harris can currently be seen in Gone Girl and has been tapped to host the 2015 Oscars.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Neil-Pat...C-1088472.aspx