Neil Patrick Harris to Host U.S. Version of Saturday Night Takeaway

UNIVERSAL CITY: NBC has ordered a new prime-time variety show based on the popular U.K. format Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, with the U.S. treatment to be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.

NBC ordered ten episodes from ITV Studios America, all of which will be filmed in front of a live audience. The variety show will feature comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden-camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars.

The series has been a staple in the U.K. TV landscape, having won multiple awards.

Patrick Harris, who was recently announced as host of the 2015 Academy Awards, is a film, stage and TV star. His credits include nine seasons in the role of Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother.

"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,” said Harris. “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,” added Paul Telegdy, the president of alternative and late night programming at NBC Entertainment. “This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly. He is a versatile and thrilling talent for us to welcome into the NBC family.”

“The Saturday Night Takeaway format is already popular in many countries, including the U.K., Germany, Portugal, Italy and Belgium. We are delighted that its expansion to the U.S. includes the multi-talented star Neil Patrick Harris,” said Paul Buccieri, the chairman of ITV Studios U.S. Group and Global Entertainment.

Orly Adelson, the president of ITV Studios America, added, “We are excited to be launching this series with NBC as the series represents the perfect marriage of an incredible talent with the right format to create the ultimate variety show.”