NBC sportscaster Bob Costas has been brought in to host a new biography series for CNBC that had originally been planned as a show for Matt Lauer.

The series, “In Profile,” will debut later this month or in early August, insiders say.

The one-hour show is slated for a prime-time slot on CNBC’s weekend lineup – most likely Saturday – and will profile business, sports and entertainment personalities in the vein of A&E’s popular “Biography” series.

“We’re delighted that Bob Costas is hosting the series,” said a CNBC spokesman.

Originally, “In Profile” was supposed to be a vehicle for “Today” show co-host Lauer.

Nearly 60 episodes – profiles of everyone from magazine owner Malcom Forbes to Cary Grant – were produced in anticipation, insiders say.

But plans for the show were scrapped and production staffers laid off last spring when the network couldn’t find a place for the show on its schedule.

Lauer will now host another biography series, “Headliners and Legends,” for sister cable network MSNBC. That show is scheduled to debut this fall.

“When ‘Headliners’ became a reality for MSNBC … Costas became pretty interested,” said one insider. “He’s a pretty diverse guy and a good guy to tackle this.”

Insiders say “In Profile” could find its way onto CNBC’s weeknight prime-time schedule if it pulls solid ratings. The network will also debut its “National Geographic Explorer” series in prime-time this fall.

Costas hosted NBC’s late-night interview program, “Later with Bob Costas” from 1998-94, and was succeeded by Greg Kinnear, who’s since gone on to an Oscar-nominated movie career (“As Good As It Gets”).

Costas has occasionally returned to “Later” as a substitute host.