Everything to know about Neil Patrick Harris’ new game show: ‘What’s in the Box?’
Suit up, readers… It’s story time. Remember that How I Met Your Mother moment when Marshall walks in with a box and Robin instantly drops the classic Brad Pitt line from Se7en: “What’s in the box?”
It felt like a random joke back then, but now it almost looks like a tiny hint at Neil Patrick Harris’ future. Because years later, Barney Stinson himself is hosting a whole Netflix game show based on that exact question.
Yes, you heard that right. NPH, the man who can host an award show like it’s a magic trick, is back on your screen with What’s in the Box?. And if the HIMYM connection already has your brain buzzing, here is another fun fact: that show also played a tiny role in inspiring Cobra Kai. But we’ll let you go down that rabbit hole on your own.
Back to What’s in the Box? Netflix’s newest guessing-game-meets-chaos format, where contestants stand in front of giant boxes and try to outsmart each other while Neil Patrick Harris watches it all unfold with that perfect “I know something you don’t” smile. The rules look simple at first, but the game starts twisting the moment people get comfortable.
Before you jump into the alliances, surprises and messy decisions waiting inside the show, here is everything you need to know about What’s in the Box?.
What is What’s in the Box? and how does it work?
Basically, What’s in the Box? is a mystery competition where contestants stand in front of enormous boxes that hide prizes, traps and twists. Each round asks them to guess what’s inside, but the show doesn’t make it that easy. Contestants have to get through quick trivia challenges to earn their chances, and once they reach the box, the guessing becomes a mix of instinct, bluffing and reading the room.
The gameplay keeps shifting as the episode moves forward. One round encourages teamwork, the next one pushes people into sudden tension, and the boxes reveal things that can instantly change who is winning and who is about to lose everything. It is the kind of setup where people start confident and slowly realise that every choice can be used against them. By the time the final reveal hits, the whole group looks completely different from how they started, and honestly, that is the fun.
Who’s in and behind the show?
Neil Patrick Harris leads the show with the same playful energy he brings to award shows. He will host the competition and keep the contestants on their toes, all while adding loads of mischief. It feels like he enjoys watching people guess as much as the audience does.
Behind the scenes, the show comes from Rollercoaster Television, a British production team known for high-energy formats. The series is executive produced by James Fox, Dom Waugh, Wes Kauble and Leanne Witcoop.
Is there a trailer available?
Not yet. Netflix has announced the show, but they’re still keeping the actual footage under wraps for now. You’ll have to wait a little longer to see the boxes, the reveals and Neil Patrick Harris in full host mode.
When does it release on Netflix?
What’s in the Box? arrives on Netflix on December 17th. It will be available on all Netflix plans, so once it drops, you can press play without any extra steps.