April 1 (UPI) — Entertainer Neil Patrick Harris is set to host the children’s game show “Genius Junior.”
“‘Genius Junior’ is the ultimate test of smarts,” said a statement from NBC. “Twelve teams of the most incredible children in the country will compete to be crowned Genius Junior. Over five grueling rounds, with each round tougher than the last, teams of three children will have to work together to beat the competition. It’s not enough to win a spelling bee, be a mathlete or even a memory champion — to win ‘Genius Junior’ you have to be brilliant at everything.”
Five-time, Emmy-winner Harris began his career playing a teen doctor on “Doogie Howser, M.D.” He later found success on the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” and the family program “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and is also a popular television personality and awards-show host.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a project that shines a light on extraordinary children and challenges viewers to exercise their own minds,” Harris said in a statement. “NBC is a great home for Genius Junior. Plus, the contestants are kids, so they’re destined to be hilarious or, you know, snap. Win/win. I kid. #pun.”
“Tackling incredibly tough and fast-paced challenges, these amazing child prodigies will leave us entertained and awestruck,” added Paul Telegdy, president of the alternative and reality group for NBC Entertainment. “We are thrilled to have Neil as our host. His quick wit and charm are perfectly suited to keep up with the unpredictability that is sure to ensue.”
