NBC Gives Neil Patrick Harris His Own Variety Show

NBC is looking to get into the Neil Patrick Harris business.

The network is giving Harris his own show -- a U.S. version of the British variety show Saturday Night Takeaway.

According to the official press release, NBC has ordered 10 episodes of the series, which will have "comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars." And, much like fellow Saturday night mainstay Saturday Night Live, it will be filmed in front of a live studio audience.

“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,” Harris added, in a statement. “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!”

I love variety shows, and Harris is a tremendously talented song-and-dance man, so this sounds like a perfect fit. He's an outrageously talented live performer, as evidenced by his Tony for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and his stints hosting the Tonys and Emmys, to say nothing of his upcoming role as host of the Oscars in 2015. It should be a slam dunk, provided the writing rises to the level of Harris' talents. No word just yet on when the show will premiere, but hopefully, this will help keep Harris on TV screens well into 2015.

Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision