Emmys host Nate Bargatze has a genius plan to keep thank-you speeches short this year

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It’s unlikely that many people anticipated Nate Bargatze as the Emmys host, but perhaps that’s why he was chosen. Originating from Tennessee, Bargatze is a comedian who seems genuinely kind and considerate towards others. While it might be surprising how he landed the role, much like his portrayal of George Washington on Saturday Night Live, the appeal of his humor seems hard to quantify yet relatable to the average American.

Bargatze brings a unique brand of comfort to comedy when the world seems overwhelmingly bleak. It’s evident during our conversation preceding the 77th award ceremony that his primary objective is to amuse, bring smiles, and maintain the pace. However, beneath this straightforward mission lies a remarkable talent in his laid-back, Southern gentleman character, which has earned him the title of America’s top-grossing stand-up comedian. In fact, he’s performing two consecutive arena shows in Denver prior to the awards show as a sort of prelude.

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Under his rapidly growing comedy production company, Nateland, Bargatze maintains a clean humor reputation and provides a secure environment for other comedians. This gentle success of his continues unabated. While viewers may lose interest in award shows, they still tune in to support him, hoping for more of his kind-hearted act.

Bargatze shared with The Times his strategy for hosting the event, emphasizing the role of the award ceremony in promoting stand-up comedy. He also revealed a brilliant idea he has to ensure that the acceptance speeches during the Sunday show will be kept brief and concise.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

Have you ever watched the Emmys?

To be sure, I did catch the Emmy Awards this year. I believe I did, at least.

I would probably say that too.

[Laughs] Yes, I did catch the Emmys, and I even revisited them afterwards. But what stands out to me is that I watched most of them while growing up. During those times, shows like “Breaking Bad” were airing, marking a significant shift in TV entertainment as these productions gained immense popularity and became cultural phenomena.

I’m curious about this because your fans appear to be distinct from typical Emmy viewers, making it intriguing that CBS chose you as the host given this crossover.

Absolutely, I felt the same way when they posed that question to me. It’s quite a sensitive matter. I must admit, everyone’s accomplishments truly impress me, knowing the effort involved in creating such works. Award ceremonies are indeed thrilling events. Frankly, I enjoy them and believe most people in our country do too. The anticipation of whether your favorites will take home the prize is quite enjoyable. In fact, I eagerly wait for these events. You could say award shows are live, entertaining competitions that can rival sports in excitement. And so, it should be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Voices

Commentary: Nate Bargatze is an odd choice to host the Emmys, but he may be the night’s only real surprise

Could the unconventional stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze breathe new life into the Emmy Awards with his unique approach?

In a natural and easy to read manner: “After delivering stand-up comedy in numerous venues, you’re now actually performing in those arenas. However, what makes crafting jokes for an awards show unique compared to other performances?

You understand that it’s all about striking a balance, right? To clarify, I haven’t had a chance to watch all the series yet, so I can’t claim to be an expert on each one, but I have faith in the writers for this awards show. However, I don’t want to disrespect any of the shows because ignorance about them might be on my part. It’s not about thinking I’m superior to these shows. After all, people don’t get a chance to see everything, just like not everyone has seen my stand-up acts. So, I aim to be courteous to everyone in the audience, but at the same time, we can have a good laugh because not everyone attending the Emmys might have watched every show either.

Were you among the nominees for this year’s Creative Arts Emmys, but ended up not winning either category… do you believe a mistake was made?

They messed up, man. I thought it was guaranteed since I was hosting.

I thought for sure they’d throw you a bone, right?

As most people will say … it’s nice to be nominated.

However, your nomination raises an intriguing point as the categories you were recognized in fell under “outstanding variety special.” In light of comedy’s current prominence, do you believe it’s time to establish a separate category for stand-up specials now?

Without a doubt, I endorse this statement. Stand-up comedy is rapidly gaining popularity and I believe it deserves a unique classification all its own. In the category of exceptional writing for a special, I’m going head-to-head with “SNL 50,” which is a collective effort from their team of writers.

As a movie enthusiast, I firmly believe that stand-up comedy deserves its own unique category when it comes to awards shows, much like the Mark Twain Prize ceremony or grand productions. Stand-up is an entirely different experience, and I feel strongly that it should be recognized separately. The growing adoration for stand-up comedians has become quite evident, and people are eager to support their favorite artists in this field. Comedians serve as a unique voice for the nation, providing a much-needed perspective on life through humor.

Considering the comic tone, what makes you believe that the humor you’re employing for this awards show is particularly needed at this moment by the nation? Is it a consideration that crosses your mind while performing?

I simply follow my own path, and it seems like things are aligning perfectly – me and the current moment seem to fit harmoniously. I don’t feel like I’m consciously seizing these opportunities; I would have made the same choices even without them. However, what draws me to stand-up comedy specifically is its novelty in today’s context. I want upcoming comedians to understand that they can pursue a career in stand-up. If they wish to venture into movies and television, they certainly can, but they should also know that they can build a successful career solely through stand-up performances.

Initially, I followed in the footsteps of Brian Regan, Jim Gaffigan, and Sebastian Maniscalco, among others, who all sought greater opportunities beyond stand-up comedy – TV shows, movies, or whatever lay ahead next. However, over time, stand-up has evolved to a point where it can thrive independently, much like music does for musicians. Nowadays, stand-up comedy is an art form in its own right that doesn’t require validation from other mediums. I believe we should appreciate and acknowledge the unique talent of stand-up comedians without the need for them to diversify their skills elsewhere. Writing, directing, and performing are all integral parts of being a stand-up comedian. When we have the opportunity to incorporate stand-up comedy into other projects, it’s always a delight because they’ve already accomplished so much in their respective careers.

As I continue to develop both as a performer and a platform builder for fellow comedians, what’s proven most beneficial for me is the journey towards clean comedy. How has it become so valuable? It provides a unique, positive, and inclusive approach that resonates with a wide audience while maintaining high-quality entertainment standards, making it an enriching path for personal growth as well as fostering a supportive community for fellow comedians.

I aim to establish credibility with my audience so they know what to anticipate- I don’t want to catch them off guard. While I want to captivate them with the content, I don’t wish to stray from the approach that led me here. My goal is to create a consistent product with Nateland that audiences can rely on and recognize as mine. Many people may be initially wary of comedy due to its reputation for being offensive or cruel. By introducing them to it, they can then explore what truly interests them since there’s such a vast array of options out there. The primary objective is to draw in newcomers and raise their awareness about comedy. I hope this encourages the next generation to continue the tradition of stand-up.

Awards

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Were you faced with any expectations to weave political or contentious topics into your Emmy monologue? Alternatively, was it more a case of making a decision to focus solely on yourself and your style instead?

The text can be rephrased as follows:

I’ve come across a few jokes, written especially for me, that made me hesitate, thinking “should I really say this?” However, it was obvious to everyone that I wouldn’t. It’s all about choosing the right words when addressing sensitive topics, but sometimes the question is whether or not to address them at all. People may want to express their opinions freely on such issues and go ahead and do so. In my case, though, my role is to provide a refreshing break between potentially controversial discussions. My personal views or beliefs are irrelevant for the purpose of my job, which is to entertain and keep the show flowing smoothly. So, I’ll just be myself.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If it breaks, then I’ll change it.

Is there advice you may have gotten about hosting awards shows from other comedians?

They advised me to ‘stay true to myself, simply do what I do best, and have faith in my abilities.’ Last night, I spoke with Nikki Glaser, Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel, who was incredibly helpful. He prepared several notes and gave careful thought to the situation, suggesting that if something unexpected occurs, I should step up as the host without hesitation. Though I hope nothing unusual happens (fingers crossed), it’s crucial to remind people of my identity as a stand-up comedian, especially since not everyone may recognize me. The goal was to make the audience in the room laugh, which would also amuse those at home, creating an overall comfortable atmosphere.

It seems that your hosting style might give off a more authentic or low-key atmosphere compared to typical Hollywood productions, sparking curiosity among viewers who are interested in seeing how the show will unfold with your unique approach.

Absolutely, I’m optimistic about that. We’re aiming to bring a fresh perspective. I’ve written shows and experienced the glitz of Hollywood, but now we’re venturing into filmmaking. Although I respect the Hollywood system, I’ve largely been an outsider, often on the move, residing in Nashville. Being detached from it naturally allows me to offer something unique. One of the reasons I chose Nashville was because stand-up comedy should reflect one’s personal life. I didn’t want mine to mirror everyone else’s, as that leads to discussing the same topics. To avoid this repetition, I felt the need to move somewhere new and gather distinct experiences to discuss.

Television

Here’s a rundown on the 2025 Emmy Awards: Find out how to tune in for the event, discover who’ll be presenting, and get tips on potential winners!

Get ready for the 2025 Emmy Awards! Learn about the broadcast details, the hosts, and contenders for the big wins.

How would you describe the significance of Nashville, both in your comedic work and through Nateland, a project you’re keen on developing as a local theme park? Could you share what this connection represents for you personally?

As a movie reviewer reflecting on my childhood memories, I’ve been inspired to envision a theme park of my own – much like the magical Opryland we knew back in Nashville. This dreamed-up wonderland would be a place where parents could entrust their children for carefree adventures, just as our own parents did with us.

In today’s world, it’s all too easy to feel overprotective and anxious about the wellbeing of our kids. The idea behind Nateland is to create an environment that empowers them to experience a sense of freedom while ensuring their safety. Essentially, I want to foster an atmosphere where your children can embrace their youthful energy without any worries on your part.

In short, trust and reliability are the cornerstones of Nateland. Though I’m far from perfect, my aim is to ensure that you can depend on me to provide a space that fosters growth, fun, and most importantly, peace of mind for both children and their parents alike.

You not only create podcasts and specials under the Nateland label, but you’ve also played a significant role in supporting the careers of other comedians. Can you share why this aspect is particularly meaningful to you?

Reflecting on my journey, I’d say I hit the comedy jackpot early on with Jimmy Fallon, Marc Maron, and Jim Gaffigan extending a helping hand. The industry isn’t always so welcoming, though. You encounter obstacles where you feel like everyone is trying to make their way while pushing you aside. It wasn’t always a smooth ride, as opportunities didn’t always align or present themselves when I needed them.

Back in the day, a comic would try to land a sitcom and move to L.A., but things seemed to come to a standstill for many of us. We found ourselves stuck in an unchanging system. It was then that the alt-comedy scene emerged as a way for us struggling comedians to find opportunities beyond traditional club performances. The system was clogged, overcrowded with talent, much like a river unable to flow freely.

Looking back now, it’s frustrating to see how things were back then. I’ve graced stages in front of one person and sold-out crowds of 20,000. As someone who has been there, done that, all I want is to pass on the wisdom and opportunities I’ve accumulated to the next generation of comedians. So, I keep an eye out for them and try to lend a helping hand whenever possible.

What is your barometer for how well you perform on Sunday night?

They inquired if I had an innovative method to maintain speeches concise, apart from simply cutting people off with music, since it’s not effective. So, I devised a plan where I will donate $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of America and, for each speaker, everyone gets 45 seconds for their thanks. For every second over that limit, we will deduct $1,000 from the donation to the Boys & Girls Club.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share an exciting twist in tonight’s event: Some incredible young minds from the Boys & Girls Club will be joining us shortly. With that in mind, I invite you all to engage with them and share your time. Here’s an engaging idea to encourage donations: A 20-second speech could earn $25,000 on top of our current total! This little challenge can serve as a unique gauge of the evening’s enjoyment. I aim for this creative approach to fundraising to stand out from the norm. You see, I need to allocate these funds, so will it be $10,000 or much more? I hope everyone just has a blast, and I believe this interactive element could make the experience more fun – if not for me, then for you. I respect all the hard work that’s gone into this event and would have loved to express my gratitude, but alas, I lost. If the feedback is positive, like “That was fantastic! Such a thrilling experience,” it will be my cue to express thanks and to know I’ve done my best to entertain everyone. This role, the best one ever, by far, is all about providing joy and entertainment to you all.

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2025-09-12 13:32