Neil Patrick Harris to host NBC variety series

Five-time Emmy Award-winner and popular awards-show host Neil Patrick Harris will star in an NBC variety series, the network announced Monday. The network said it has ordered 10 episodes of the hourlong show, based on the British hit "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway," that will feature "comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden-camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars." The still-untitled American version has no announced airdate. "Nothing like this has been done before, and its unique structure fits right into my random skill set," Harris, 41, said in a statement. "I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun!"