You might recognize him as George Washington from the hit sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live," but the beloved stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is now embarking on one of the most challenging endeavors in the glamour world of show business. On September 14th, Bargatze will take the helm as the host of the prestigious 77th Emmy Awards at the iconic Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, as reported by the Associated Press.
"Nate stands tall as one of the hottest properties in the comedy circuit," remarked Cris Abrego, the chairman of the Television Academy, which oversees the Emmy Awards. Abrego further added that Bargatze possesses "a hilarious and relatable brand of comedy that strikes a chord with audiences spanning multiple generations across the globe."
A seasoned stand-up comedian, Bargatze has been making waves in the industry since the early 2000s. Born in 1979, the 46-year-old finds himself nestled in the intriguing limbo of the Xennials generation—neither fully embodying the traits of Generation X nor the millennials. Much of his deadpan humor revolves around his age and relatable, down-to-earth everyday scenarios, drawing comparisons to comedy legends like Jim Gaffigan and Jerry Seinfeld.
Dubbed "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up" by The Atlantic, Bargatze hails from Nashville and often weaves tales of marriage, parenthood, and his unique brand of laid-back masculinity into his comedy. His career skyrocketed in 2017 with his appearance on Netflix's "The Standups," leading to three highly successful Netflix specials and one on Amazon Prime.
For those less inclined towards dad-centric stand-up comedy, Bargatze is perhaps best known for his two stints as the host of "SNL." In 2023, he made his debut as the host, and in 2024, he returned to deliver another round of laughs. Both appearances featured a hilarious sketch where George Washington outlines his vision for America, complete with quirky elements (such as American units of measurement) that left audiences scratching their heads in amusement.
Bargatze's appointment as the Emmy Awards host is a strategic move that promises to elevate the awards ceremony. Not only is he sidesplittingly funny, but he also maintains a relatively inoffensive demeanor. It's hard to picture the fiery Bill Burr hosting the Emmys without running into controversy. However, with Bargatze at the helm, the evening is poised to sail smoothly, leaving audiences in stitches.
