Neil Patrick Harris’ Emmy hosting gig has moved from the talking stage to the definitely doing stage.

Multiple sources are now confirming that the How I Met Your Mother star has formally signed on to emcee the 61st annual ceremony, which airs Sept. 20 on CBS.

An official announcement is expected early next week.

As pointed out by Variety, which was first to report the NPH negotiations, Emmy producers are under pressure to boost the kudocast’s ratings and critical reception in the wake of last year’s apocalyptic reality quintet train wreck. (The opening “comedy” routine still gives me nightmares.)

Harris, meanwhile, is coming off of a rapturously received Tony hosting stint. He’s also one of CBS’ biggest stars, so the cross-promotional possibilities with HIMYM (which kicks off its new season the night after the Emmys) are endless.

It’s a no-brainer, folks!

Source, Bauer-Griffin