Neil Patrick Harris is returning to the small screen in a major way as the host of Netflix’s upcoming game show What’s in the Box, set to premiere in December 2025.
The new series is described by Netflix as a “massive guessing game” filled with suspense, twists, and the potential for life-changing rewards.
The format centers around giant mystery boxes that conceal high-stakes prizes.
Pairs of contestants will battle through fast-paced trivia rounds before attempting to guess what lies inside each box.
According to Netflix, the stakes go far beyond just winning a prize.
“Winning a prize is just the beginning,” the streamer says, teasing dramatic twists, shifting alliances, and a format that rewards sharp instincts and a little bit of luck.
Only those with keen decision-making skills will walk away victorious.
Netflix has ordered six 45-minute episodes of What’s in the Box, produced by Rollercoaster Television, which is part of ITV Studios.
The series is executive produced by James Fox, Dom Waugh, Wes Kauble, and Leanne Witcoop.
Neil Patrick Harris: A Perfect Fit
Harris is a five-time Emmy Award winner and one of the most versatile entertainers in the business.
He is perhaps best known for his iconic role as Barney Stinson in CBS’s How I Met Your Mother and for playing the title role in ABC’s Doogie Howser, M.D.
For Netflix viewers, he may also be familiar as the villainous Count Olaf in A Series of Unfortunate Events.
On Broadway, Harris won a Tony Award for his critically acclaimed performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
He has also made memorable appearances in Gone Girl, Glee, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and more.
As a host, he previously led NBC’s game show Genius Junior and has hosted several major awards shows including the Tonys, Emmys, and Oscars.
A New Addition to Netflix’s Game Show Slate
What’s in the Box joins a growing lineup of competition series on Netflix, including Is It Cake?, The Circle, Squid Game: The Challenge, Million Dollar Secret, and the upcoming revival of Star Search.
This move reflects Netflix’s continued investment in high-energy, binge-worthy reality and game content aimed at global audiences.
With Harris at the helm, What’s in the Box is already drawing attention as a must-watch event heading into the winter season.
Whether you’re a trivia buff, a fan of high-stakes twists, or just love seeing Harris on screen, this show promises to deliver both thrills and surprises.