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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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4

Enter Doogie: Can He Save the Emmys?

Slipping awards show hopes Neil Patrick Harris can fend off football

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(Newser) – Last year's Emmys rated the worst in the show's 60-year history—so executive producer Don Mischer is working under a little, ah, pressure to turn things around. "All awards shows have been sliding in the ratings," he tells the Christian Science Monitor, and adds that on-set control room, live band, choreography, and host Neil Patrick Harris will spark enough pizzazz to compete with Sunday Night Football.

One earlier solution—to skip the awards many viewers consider boring—was nixed by the creative unions. Enter Harris, who jazzed up the Tony Awards and hopes to do the same here. One key challenge: Doling out the show’s 28 awards while keeping the ceremony festive. “That's a lot," Mischer laughs, "but we will do our best to let everyone have their moment in the spotlight."

Worker Kristen Merlino places a picture of actress Holly Hunter into assigned seating inside the Nokia Theatre prior to the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.
Worker Kristen Merlino places a picture of actress Holly Hunter into assigned seating inside the Nokia Theatre prior to the 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Neil Patrick Harris hosts the TV Land Awards on Sunday April 19, 2009 in Universal City, Calif.
Neil Patrick Harris hosts the TV Land Awards on Sunday April 19, 2009 in Universal City, Calif.   (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Neil Patrick Harris is seen at the sixth annual Video Game Awards at Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, Calif., on Sunday Dec. 14, 2008.
Neil Patrick Harris is seen at the sixth annual Video Game Awards at Sony Picture Studios in Culver City, Calif., on Sunday Dec. 14, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Actor Neil Patrick Harris smiles while being interviewed by Access Hollywood in Los Angeles.
Actor Neil Patrick Harris smiles while being interviewed by Access Hollywood in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Neil Patrick Harris is seen at the sixth annual Video Game Awards.
Neil Patrick Harris is seen at the sixth annual Video Game Awards.   (AP Photo)
In this June 7, 2009 file photo, actor and host, Neil Patrick Harris arrives at the 63rd annual Tony Awards in New York.
In this June 7, 2009 file photo, actor and host, Neil Patrick Harris arrives at the 63rd annual Tony Awards in New York.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file)
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4 comments
VIEWING:
 
Mad
Sep 19, 09 4:56 PM CDT
Maybe if TV had anything worthy of an award, that might help. My Mother complains of having 177 channels, and you just know what she says: "There's nothing to watch" Reply
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+3
IN RESPONSE:
Cat-Lover
Sep 19, 09 9:25 PM CDT
I know someone who just keeps his TV tuned to FOX News 24/7. Talk about, "Nothing to watch."
Vote up! Vote down!
+2
oldgoat
Sep 20, 09 1:48 AM CDT
Why should anybody care to watch these awards shows? They mean little to the public and usually are pretty much a joke. Reply
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Todd_English
Sep 20, 09 4:21 AM CDT
Only one ill watch is the Oscars.
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
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