In this May 29, 2014, file photo, actor Neil Patrick Harris speaks at Book Expo America in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
NEW YORK (AP) --
NBC is bringing Neil Patrick Harris back to series television as host of a comedy-variety series.
The new show is based on the successful British TV format "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway." NBC didn't announce an official title or premiere date for its adaptation, which will air for 10 episodes.
The series will feature comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows and appearances by A-list stars, NBC said. It will film in front of a live audience.
Harris has previously served as host of both the Emmys and Tony Awards. He was recently announced as host of the 2015 Academy Awards.
The versatile performer starred for nine seasons in the CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother." He is currently co-starring in the suspense film "Gone Girl."
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion โฆ could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
