‘Little Big Shots': Melissa McCarthy to Take Over for Steve Harvey as Host

NBC’s “Little Big Shots” will undergo some creative changes before it returns next year.

Host Steve Harvey, who co-created “Little Big Shots” with Ellen DeGeneres and has hosted since its 2016 launch, is departing the variety series ahead of the next season. He will be replaced by “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” star Melissa McCarthy when the show returns next year.

The news was announced as part of the network’s complete 2019-20 schedule, released ahead of the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers on Monday morning.

Also Read: NBC Sets Ellen DeGeneres Holiday Event Series 'Ellen's Greatest Night of Giveaways'

“I think it’s a real refresh for a brand that’s done very well for us,” NBC Entertainment co-chairman Paul Telegdy said in a conference call with reporters on Sunday. “Melissa’s just an incredible performer and an incredible comedian, someone who we feel is part of the NBC family. I think she’ll just bring an incredibly fresh perspective to it.”

The show, which showcases performances by talented children alongside comedic interview segments, is currently slated to return in midseason with what NBC is describing as an “all-new take” on the format.

Also Read: NBC Orders 3 Series Including 'Bone Collector' Adaptation, Bradley Whitford Church Choir Comedy

“Shows always go through and evolution and I know Meredith [Ahr] and our team at NBC alternative will come up with all sorts of ways to evolve ‘Little Big Shots,'” Telegdy said. “Melissa is also a strong creative force with her own ideas for what the show will look like.”

News of Harvey’s exit as host of “Little Big Shots” comes just days after the formal announcement that Harvey’s daytime talk show, “Steve,” which was distributed by NBC’s syndication arm, had been canceled after two seasons.

Read original story ‘Little Big Shots': Melissa McCarthy to Take Over for Steve Harvey as Host At TheWrap