Steve Harvey Replaced as ‘Little Big Shots’ Host

Little Big Shots (Credit: NBC)

Steve Harvey just got another round of bad news.

Just days after the comedian’s daytime talk show Steve was officially cancelled, Harvey has been replaced as host of Little Big Shots.

NBC announced Sunday that actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy will take over hosting duties for a “new version” of the series when it returns for a fourth season in early 2020.

“I think it’s a real refresh for a brand that’s done very well for us,” NBC Entertainment Co-Chairman Paul Telegdy said on a call with reporters while discussing the network’s 2019-20 schedule.

Telegdy went on to describe McCarthy as the perfect fit for the variety show, which features children with unique talents.

“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,” he said.

Read More: Steve Harvey’s Daytime Talk Show to End After Months of Uncertainty

Melissa McCarthy (Credit: Deposit Photos)
Melissa McCarthy will host season 4 of “Little Big Shots.” (Credit: Deposit Photos)

Little Big Shots debuted in 2016 with Harvey as host. However, The Hollywood Reporter noted Sunday that the series has suffered ratings declines over the past couple of years.

On Thursday, Harvey taped the last episode of Steve, which was distributed by NBCUniversal Television.
That episode and other pre-taped editions will run through June.

After five seasons, Harvey re-branded the daytime strip in 2017, giving it a new name and a new home in Los Angeles. He also shifted the format to focus more on celebrity guests and changed production partners.

NBC decided last year to end its relationship with Steve.The network is giving the series’ timeslot to Kelly Clarkson’s upcoming talk show. The Kelly Clarkson Show will debut on NBC’s owned-and-operated stations in the fall.

Steve was shopped around for another TV home, but apparently, there were no takers and the show was cancelled.