Neil Patrick Harris To Return As Emmy Host
EXCLUSIVE: Neil Patrick Harris will be pulling double hosting duty for CBS again this year. The How I Met Your Mother star, who is emceeing the 67th Tony Awards next Sunday, also has been tapped to host the upcoming 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will air on the network September 22. Harris has become CBS’ go-to guy for high-profile hosting gigs. He’s hosted the Tonys four of the last five times and has now fronted the Primetime Emmys the two most recent times the awards have aired on CBS. Just like when Harris made his debut as Tony and Emmy host in 2009, he is emceeing both awards shows this year. “I couldn’t be more honored and excited to be hosting this year’s Emmy Awards,” he said. “And what perfect timing — I’ll just do the exact same script I’m about to use for the Tonys. ‘And the Emmy for Best Revival of a Musical goes to Breaking Bad!’ See, told you it works.”
Harris has received rave reviews for his hosting turns, winning two Emmys for the 2009 and 2011 Tonys. He also delivered a ratings boost for the Emmys in 2009. “Neil is the quintessential host – engaging, entertaining and a true showman – with a passion for celebrating the medium we all love,” said CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler. Added TV Academy chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum, “Four years ago, Neil was an amazing Emmy host and we are excited to have him back.”
Whimsical musical numbers have been a Harris hosting staple. At this year’s Emmys, his talents will be showcased by veteran awards and music show producer Ken Ehrlich, who signed on to executive produce earlier this month. Ehrlich, who called Harris “one of the most versatile artists currently working in television,” has a strong music pedigree, producing the Grammys for CBS, and has worked with Harris on other awards shows.
This year’s Emmys will likely air the night before the final-season premiere of How I Met Your Mother. CBS put the veteran comedy front and center at its upfront presentation two weeks ago, which was kicked off by a musical number by the show’s cast. Star Harris’ presiding over the Emmys will likely give HIMYM’s final chapter an extra boost.
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