8 Things We Need In NPH's Variety Show

Television is about to welcome back Barney Stinson with open arms. Well, or at least the actor behind him. NBC's new variety show is called Best Time Ever With Neil Patrick Harris, and with a title like that, I am setting my expectations sky high. In order for it to be legen — wait for it — dary, there are a few key things that it has to have. Vulture reports that the one-hour series debuting this fall is based on British show Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and "will offer a mix of comedy, music, and game-show elements." In a way, that sounds a lot like Jimmy Fallon's version of The Tonight Show, but since the two actors-turned-hosts have different styles, it won't feel like a carbon copy.

In addition to the trifecta of NPH's comedy, music, and games, there has to be some magic thrown in there. And to really spice things up, bringing in famous friends and former co-stars is also a must. The short, 15-second promo from the variety show showed us some glitz and glamour with backup dancers, so in addition to the things I know we can expect, there are eight things Best Time Ever needs to live up to its title.

1. The Element of Surprise

Hopefully the actual show will never cut off one of NPH's sketches halfway through, but there should still be some surprising transitions and crazy interactions that keep everyone on their toes.

2. Singing & Dancing

Obviously Harris shines in fun song and dance routines, so they need to be a big part of the show. The glitzier, the better sometimes, but I'd also love to see him in fun costumes and just rocking a good suit.

3. Bringing In Celeb Friends

Mostly Hugh Jackman so they can re-create this Tonys moment, and also the entire cast of How I Met Your Mother and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. If he wants to do a Gone Girl musical sketch, that'd be coo, too.

4. Two Words: Jason Segel

If only to reprise "The Confrontation" again from Les Miserables. Or to slap each other. Or for Segel to bring a Ducky Tie to NPH during his first show. Actually, Segel can basically be the co-host and be there every time...

5. NPH's Family Joining In On The Fun

Even if they're just waving from the audience, Harris' husband, David Burtka, and their kids, Gideon and Harper, need to be there. It would be even better if they came up to sing, dance, or perform magic with NPH. And on that note...

6. Magic & Lots Of It

Harris is an incredible magician on his own, but adding his kids to the mix? Televisions 'round the world would explode from a cute overload, but then he'd fix them magically, of course.

7. Hilarious Sketches

NPH's Oscars spoof of Birdman was amazing, but he could do so much more in recurring sketches. What would his "Ew!" be? I'm sure he has a friend he can call on to be his Justin Timberlake. Again, NPH and Fallon aren't the same, but they're similar enough that their shows are easy to compare.

8. Legendary Games

Harris killed it at Catchphrase with Fallon, so he has to think up some new games for his show. How about a silly game of Twister mixed with Trivial Pursuit and Apples to Apples? He could also invent a game involving singing, dancing, and magic if he wanted. Sky's the limit for this guy.