The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 20 on CBS live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The three-hour broadcast will begin at 8 PM ET.
Harris will also serve as a producer for the broadcast.
In a statement Harris said, "After having had such a hoot hosting the Tonys, I was thrilled to get the call about the Primetime Emmys. I'm looking forward to the challenge of the show — adding my own voice to it, while honoring the nominees and the entire year in television. But which voice to choose? I'm torn between gangsta, foppish Brit, and robot. Really proud of my robot. We'll see what happens on the night."
Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment, stated, "We already knew Neil as a fantastic actor and performer, but after blowing everyone away as host of this year's Tony Awards, we couldn't think of anyone better to emcee the television industry's biggest award show. He is not only engaging as a host, but has great instincts when it comes to live television. We feel like we're in great hands with Neil hosting and Don Mischer executive producing."
Executive producer Mischer added, "Neil is charming, funny, quick on his feet and very likeable. He has all the qualities you look for in a host. We are really looking forward to working with him." Harris has also hosted The TV Land Awards and the nontelevised Writers Guild Awards ceremony.
Chandra Wilson ("Grey's Anatomy"), who was recently back on Broadway in Chicago, and Jim Parsons ("Big Bang Theory") will join Television Academy chair John Shaffner to announce the nominees for the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards July 16 at 5:35 AM PST.
Neil Patrick Harris has been seen on Broadway in Assassins, Cabaret and Proof. He appeared in the Geffen Playhouse's production of All My Sons as well as the L.A. company of Rent, the Reprise! production of Sweeney Todd and the London mounting of tick, tick . . . BOOM! His screen credits include the current "How I Met Your Mother" as well as "Undercover Brother," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Stark Raving Mad" and "Joan of Arc."
