“How I Met Your Mother” star Neil Patrick Harris, known affectionately to “Harold and Kumar” fans as NPH, is the frontrunner to host the 2009 Emmy Awards, reports Variety.
The development, which sources adamantly note is not finalized, became heavily expected after Harris received positive marks for his work as host of this year’s Tony Awards. Harris has also hosted a number of smaller-scale awards shows in recent years.
CBS, which is broadcasting this year’s Emmys on September 20, has a vested interest in booking the star as host–his starring turn as Barney Stinson on its sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” has proven to be the show’s biggest source of critical and fan appeal. With “How I Met Your Mother” returning to its anchor position at 8PM on Mondays this year, CBS wants to assure the show has all the necessary buzz going into its fifth season.
