NBC’s unscripted series Little Big Shots is getting a makeover.
Emmy winner and Oscar nominee Melissa McCarthy will take over as host of the show, which spotlights kids with unique and outstanding talents. She replaces Steve Harvey, who hosted the show’s first three seasons.
NBC Entertainment co-chairman Paul Telegdy told reporters Sunday in announcing the change that McCarthy will host a “new version” of the show: “Everyone around here is just incredibly excited to have [McCarthy] at NBC,” he said.
The change to Little Big Shots comes a few days after Harvey’s syndicated talk show was officially canceled — a move long expected, as NBC’s owned-and-operated stations announced they would drop Steve for a new show hosted by Kelly Clarkson in the fall. (Harvey continues to host syndicated game show Family Feud and ABC’s summer standby Celebrity Family Feud.)
As for any revamping, Telegdy said, adding McCarthy as host will offer a chance for “a real refresh” for the show, although any specific format changes are still being worked out. “Melissa is just an incredible performer and incredible comedian, and she’ll bring a really fresh perspective to it,” he said.
Little Big Shots aired its third season in summer 2018, with a holiday special following in December. The show was a breakout hit in its first season, and although it’s cooled some in subsequent years it has remained a solid performer. The third season averaged about 7.2 million viewers, including a week of delayed viewing.
Season four of the show is set to air Sunday nights in early 2020, where it will lead off a lineup that includes new musical dramedy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and season three of drama Good Girls.
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