EGOT-contender Neil Patrick Harris is taking his talents back to television with a new variety show based on the popular U.K. series Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.
NBC ordered 10 episodes of the show, which will film comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars in front of a live audience. It will be produced by ITV Studios America, an offshoot of the British company that produces the original show. U.K. hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will also serve as executive producers… They star in this popular 2013 skit as their DJ alter egos, PJ and Duncan.
“As I watched the show, I couldn’t stop smiling. Now that I’ve seen many seasons, my face hurts. It’s a game changer,” NPH said in a statement about the U.K. version, which won two BAFTAs in 2014. “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!”
Saturday Night Takeaway has already been adapted for Germany, Portugal, Italy and Belgium. The president of ITV Studios America said he thinks the show succeeds because it “represents the perfect marriage of an incredible talent with the right format to create the ultimate variety show.”
NPH was recently announced as the next host of the Academy Awards. He previously hosted the Tonys and Emmys. The premiere date for the new variety show hasn’t been announced.
