Netflix is inviting viewers to play along with a brand-new mystery competition series, and this time Neil Patrick Harris is at the center of the chaos. The streamer announced that “What’s In the Box?”, a six-episode game show hosted by the Emmy-winning actor, will premiere December 17.
The series is produced by Rollercoaster Television, a British company under the ITV Studios umbrella. Known for creating high-energy formats in the U.K., the company is making its mark on Netflix with a show built around one simple question, yet countless surprising outcomes.
In “What’s In the Box?”, contestants face off in pairs as they try to outsmart one another and uncover the secrets hidden inside giant, larger-than-life boxes. Each box conceals something different, from valuable prizes to unexpected twists. Players compete in trivia rounds to earn chances to guess what’s inside, but that’s only the first layer of the game. As the competition unfolds, shifting alliances, strategic gambles and sudden curveballs force contestants to decide who they can trust, and how far they’re willing to go to protect their winnings.
Harris, long beloved by queer audiences and allies alike, brings a mix of sharp wit, theatrical flair and warm charisma to the high-stakes format. For many fans, the series marks a welcome return to hosting for the “How I Met Your Mother” and “Uncoupled” star, who has previously helmed major televised events including the Tony Awards, the Emmys and NBC’s variety competition “Best Time Ever.”
The project arrives during a wave of new unscripted content at Netflix, which has spent the year expanding its slate of reality and competition series. Among the titles joining “What’s In the Box?” are the dating show “Let’s Marry Harry,” hosted by reality personality Harry Jowsey; “Simon Cowell: The Next Act,” premiering next month; “Age of Attraction,” hosted by Nick Viall and Natalie Joy; “Members Only,” a reality series set in Palm Beach and also debuting in December; and “Calabasas Confidential.”
“What’s In the Box?” is executive produced by James Fox, Dom Waugh, Wes Kauble and Leanne Witcoop. The creators promise a format that blends mental skill, physical stamina and the kind of interpersonal drama that has helped turn reality competitions into global streaming staples.
For Harris, the new series continues his longtime relationship with Netflix, following his role in the comedy “Uncoupled,” which earned praise for its authentic portrayal of gay dating life in midlife. His return to the platform adds another high-profile credit to a career that has long balanced acting, producing and hosting.
With oversized boxes, big reveals and Harris’ signature charm, “What’s In the Box?” aims to offer a fresh, family-friendly binge for the holiday season—and a mystery viewers can unwrap one episode at a time.
