Neil Patrick Harris Will Host NBC Variety Show

According to New York Magazine, Neil Patrick Harris has signed a deal with NBC to host a new variety show based on the U.K. series Saturday Night Takeaway, which involves games, celebrity guests, and pranks.

A number of networks vied for Harris and his hosting chops, which he has displayed during his four turns at the Tony Awards and two turns at the Emmy Awards. He will also take the stage again as host of the 2015 Oscars. In an interview with Howard Stern, Harris stated that CBS has attempted to recruit him to take over for David Letterman, an offer he turned down.

He did, however, pitch a variety show to the network's CEO Les Moonves. NBC, however, is now in possession of both the show and the actor, best known for his longtime role on the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother. Harris recently took Broadway by storm with his Tony-winning performance in the revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

There is currently neither a timetable nor a title for the new television show. Harris, however, has expressed excitement over the prospect of working off this British comic template. "As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling," he said. "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!"