Who Is Nate Bargatze? What to Know About the Emmys 2025 Host

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Nate Bargatze can recall the precise moment—live from New York—that his career skyrocketed. 

Jimmy Fallon suggested comedian Nate Bargatze host *Saturday Night Live* in October 2023 while many in Hollywood were striking. At the time, the 46-year-old Bargatze had already performed five comedy specials, including his 2021 Netflix special, *The Greatest Average American*, which earned a Grammy nomination. He is also scheduled to host the 2025 Emmys on September 14th.

He recently told *The Hollywood Reporter* that he’d just finished a sold-out show in Oklahoma City, but he didn’t expect special treatment. He understood the audience was different and that he needed to give a powerful performance.

And he slayed, Bargatze opening his monologue with his signature brand of self-deprecation. 

He admitted he was just as surprised to be there as anyone in the audience, joking that he felt like he was from a different era. He then spent about ten minutes telling stories about his childhood, comparing the old county fair rides to modern ones that seemed to travel the highways.

The latest episode, featuring Nate Bargatze’s incredibly popular “Washington’s Dream” sketch, brought in the show’s best viewership in almost a year.

Bargatze followed up his successful SNL hosting appearance by landing a second gig the following year. He also secured a book deal for his upcoming book, Big Dumb Eyes, and sold the screenplay for his 2026 movie, The Breadwinner, in which he’ll star alongside Mandy Moore.

Additionally, he consistently sold out shows, attracting growing crowds eager to experience his relatable and wholesome personality in person.

“I was doing arenas before,” he told THR, “but I joke that SNL added the second arena.”

Following his hosting job at the Emmys in Los Angeles, Nathan Fielder is seriously planning to build a Disney World-style theme park. The location? The site of the former Opryland, which would become part of his growing entertainment business that already includes specials, podcasts, merchandise, and movies.

Bargatze jokingly wondered to *The Hollywood Reporter* how he managed to get as far as he has in his career. He imagined thinking, ‘You had everything I wanted, so why wouldn’t you include me? Why didn’t anyone notice me?’ He admits there’s still someone in Hollywood asking, ‘Who is this guy? Oh right, the comedian.’

If you only know this comedian from his idea to shorten Emmy acceptance speeches – where he’d deduct money from a $100,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club for every speaker who goes over time – then this is the simple guide for you.

Who is Nate Bargatze?

Born and raised in Old Hickory, Tennessee, Nate Bargatze grew up in a strongly religious Christian home with his two siblings. His mother, Carole Bargatze, worked at the Vanderbilt University ticket office, and his father, Stephen Bargatze, is a magician and former clown who now travels with Nate on tour.

In his 2023 Amazon Prime special, Hello, World, the comedian joked about being raised by very religious parents, saying, ‘I had Christian parents from the ’80s and ’90s – that’s about as Christian as you can get! I think Jesus probably enjoyed life more than I did.’

After leaving Western Kentucky University, Nate worked at Applebee’s – where he met his future wife, Laura Bargatze – and as a meter reader. Eventually, he decided to pursue his long-held dream of becoming a comedian.

Nate Bargatze is a comedian famous for his family-friendly jokes and dry, understated style. He often makes fun of himself, and self-deprecating humor is a big part of his act. He’s well-known for stories like the one about his difficulty ordering coffee at Starbucks.

He told *The New York Times* that while his work often centers on his own experiences and includes self-deprecating humor, it’s all meant for the audience. He aims to make people laugh, whether they laugh *with* him or *at* him, and he understands they’ll either connect with his material or find it silly. Ultimately, his goal is to provide entertainment.

Why was Nate Bargatze tapped to host the Emmys?

Bargatze believes his popularity comes from staying out of politics, having broad appeal for families, and not living on the East or West Coast.

He wondered aloud to *Esquire* in May why he was chosen for the job, suggesting the recent election likely played a role. He figured producers were probably looking for someone not based in Los Angeles and who had an open schedule.

However, Marc Maron believes Dave Chappelle’s success transcends current social issues. He told the magazine that Chappelle’s talent, unique comedic style, and perspective would have made him a star in any cultural climate.

Why was Nate Bargatze tapped to host the Emmys?

Bargatze believes a key to his popularity is staying out of politics, being relatable to all ages, and not living in either New York or California.

He wondered aloud to *Esquire* in May why he was chosen for the project, suggesting the recent election likely played a role. He figured producers were probably looking for someone not based in Los Angeles and who had an open schedule.

Comedian Marc Maron believes that Dave Chappelle’s talent and unique comedic style would have made him a star regardless of current social issues. He feels Chappelle is simply too gifted and has too strong a perspective to be affected by the cultural climate.

Is Nate Bargatze on tour?

For years, Nathan Bargatze worked hard to make it in comedy. Over two decades, he tried to develop several sitcoms – pitching about ten and even filming a pilot – and came close to becoming a correspondent on *The Daily Show*.

He recalled to *Esquire* that he never appeared on *Letterman*. Someone told him he was too ordinary, a word he even had to look up, and it clearly bothered him.

And now that he’s outselling his peers, he’s ready to exit stage left. 

While currently touring with his ‘Big Dumb Eyes’ show (including performances in Denver just before the Emmys), the comedian said he plans to do one more major tour. He estimates he’ll retire within the next five years, though he might occasionally perform at clubs like Zanie’s in Nashville or the Comedy Cellar in New York.

He explained to *The Hollywood Reporter* that he views filmmaking as more of a passion project than a full-time career. He believes achieving success in movies requires the same level of dedication as his stand-up career, and he doesn’t want to spread himself too thin. He feels he couldn’t give both the attention they deserve, and doesn’t want to compromise the quality of his work.

When I joke about my marriage, it’s important to show that I care about my family,” Bargatze explains. “If I talk about them, people need to believe I love them, or it just makes me sound terrible.

The couple shares a 13-year-old daughter named Harper, who has become known for introducing Nate Bargatze in his comedy specials. Laura Bargatze shared on *The Nateland Podcast* in 2020 that she always believed their relationship would succeed, regardless of Nate’s career path, whether he continued with comedy or pursued something else.

Before Bargatze takes to the stage, check out the nominees he’ll be introducing. 

Is Nate Bargatze married?

When Nate Bargatze met his future wife, Laura, at an Applebee’s, he won her over by confidently playing a song from *The Little Mermaid* after work. As he later joked in his stand-up special, *The Greatest Average American*, she never thought they’d end up where they are now. She admitted that when she first met him, he was a host and she didn’t even think he was capable of being a server, let alone achieving everything he has.

He proposed in Central Park in New York City in 2005, and they married on October 13, 2006. Joking about the date in his 2019 book, *The Tennessee Kid*, he said, “We got married on Friday the 13th. Got a pretty sweet deal on that.”

Beyond his roles as an executive producer for *The Nateland Podcast* and a talent manager at Bargatze Enterprises, he also contributes a lot of the funny stories and ideas for the show, drawing from his previous experience planning corporate events.

When I joke about my marriage, it’s important to show that I care about my wife and family,” Bargatze explains. “If I talk about them, people need to believe I love them, otherwise it just makes me sound awful.

The couple share a 13-year-old daughter named Harper, who has become known for introducing Nate Bargatze in his comedy specials. Laura Bargatze shared on *The Nateland Podcast* in 2020 that she always believed their relationship would succeed, regardless of Nate’s career choices. She felt confident they would make it work even if he hadn’t pursued comedy or had chosen a different profession.

Before Bargatze takes to the stage, check out the nominees he’ll be introducing. 

After six seasons, *The Handmaid’s Tale* ended in May with a dramatic finale. Despite its success – the show earned a total of 77 Emmy nominations and 15 wins, including a prize for Outstanding Drama Series – the final episodes weren’t nominated for any Emmys, which came as a surprise to many.

As a longtime observer of Hollywood, it’s always fascinating to see established figures try something new! Everyone knows Francis Ford Coppola as the brilliant director of *The Godfather*, but you might be surprised to learn he just landed his very first acting nomination – and it’s for a guest appearance on *The Studio*. It just goes to show, you can always reinvent yourself!

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Since its debut in 2011, *Black Mirror* has been recognized with several Emmy nominations. However, Rashida Jones was the first actor from the show to be nominated for a Lead Actress Emmy in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Movie.

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2025-09-14 16:18