Neil Patrick Harris Was Originally CBS' First Choice To Replace Letterman Over Colbert

[Initech]

Neil Patrick Harris nearly tucked you in at night. During an interview with Howard Stern on Wednesday, the "How I Met Your Mother" star revealed that CBS offered him the hosting gig on "The Late Show" after David Letterman's departure. The actor, 40, met with CBS CEO Les Moonves and CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler to discuss the possible opportunity, but he ultimately turned it down. "In that instance, I felt like I knew what my skill sets were and I kind of knew what it is that I wanted to do after ['How I Met Your Mother'], so I was surprised he pitched me that idea," Harris dished. Although he considered the idea for a minute, NPH declined the position because he thought he would "get bored" with the format of late-night talk shows. "I don't have any interest in doing monologue, commercial, sketch, guest, guest musical act, goodnight," he said. Moonves also discussed the possibility of having the Tony nominee take over "The Late Late Show," which is losing host Craig Ferguson, in the 12:30 a.m. time slot.

http://celebrity.yahoo.com/the-insider/neil-patrick-harris-show-host-125247029.html

If you think the freepers and fundies' heads are exploding over Colbert, imagine what would have happened had NPH accepted the offer!

[MuseRider]

1. Glad he was able to turn down something

so lucrative so that he could do what he wants to do. I would have loved being able to see him every night though. Love the guy but am happy he was smart about it.