Nate Bargatze’s Emmy Hosting Debut: Inside His Comedy Approach and Big Night

Nate Bargatze: From Sold-Out Tours to Emmy Spotlight

In the world of stand-up comedy, few names have risen as quickly and decisively as Nate Bargatze. Last year alone, Bargatze sold more than 1.2 million tickets on his “The Be Funny Tour”—a feat that made him the highest-grossing comedian in the United States, according to CBS News. But as the curtain lifts on the 77th Emmy Awards, Bargatze finds himself navigating a new kind of stage: one filled with television’s brightest stars and watched by millions.

Hosting the Emmys: A Dream Realized

“You kind of dream of hosting some kind of award show… it’s very flattering to even get asked to do it,” Bargatze admitted in a recent interview. The excitement in his voice is unmistakable. For many comedians, hosting a major award show is both an honor and a high-wire act. The stakes are high, and the audience—composed of both Hollywood’s elite and viewers at home—expects a delicate balance between sharp wit and respect for the nominees.

Preparing for the big night, Bargatze confessed, “This is the first I’m thinking about it, was this week,” with a self-deprecating laugh. Yet, beneath the humor lies a focused approach: he’s determined to make the Emmys feel inclusive, fun, and—most importantly—kind.

Gentle Jokes, Not Roasts: Bargatze’s Signature Style

Unlike the roast-heavy monologues that have defined some award shows in the past, Bargatze intends to keep things light. “I was trying to think of which way you want to go… even we’ve had stuff written that I think was a little more roast stuff and then after you think about it a couple days, I’m like ‘nah let’s go back another way.’ We have some fun stuff though that’s planned,” he explained.

His comedy is rooted in a style that finds humor without cruelty—a philosophy that has earned him a loyal following. “There will be jokes about the shows, but it will be done in a way that is not mean,” Bargatze assured, emphasizing a commitment to good-natured fun rather than pointed barbs.

Learning from Legends: Advice for the Big Stage

Hosting the Emmys is a challenge, even for someone accustomed to sold-out arenas. Bargatze sought guidance from some of the industry’s top comedic minds. “I talked to Conan about it. Everybody is just kind of like you just have to do you,” he shared. The list of names—Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and even Lorne Michaels—reads like a who’s who of comedy royalty. Their advice? Be yourself, and trust what you know.

“It’s hard to take exact advice… but it all comes back to like just do you. Do what you know to do,” Bargatze summarized. The sentiment speaks to the heart of his comedic philosophy: authenticity connects, even when the spotlight is brightest.

Facing a New Audience: The Challenge and Thrill

Though Bargatze has previously hosted Saturday Night Live, the Emmys present a different dynamic. “I’m used to performing in front of live people, not an audience like this of all the people that you know. So, it will be fun to get in there, get on stage, get that first joke, hear that first laugh and then just get running and just really make your own of it,” he remarked.

The anticipation is palpable—not just for Bargatze but for the viewers who have come to appreciate his understated, everyman style. There’s a quiet confidence in his approach, a sense that he’ll bring both the warmth of a stand-up show and the gravitas the occasion demands.

What to Expect: Emmy Night with Bargatze

The 77th Emmy Awards, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on September 14, will be Bargatze’s opportunity to showcase his unique brand of comedy to a global audience. With planned material leaning away from harshness and toward inclusivity, he’s poised to offer a fresh take on the traditional hosting role.

Bargatze’s journey from selling out arenas to hosting television’s biggest night underscores a broader shift in comedy—one that values heart over harshness and connection over controversy. As viewers tune in, many will be wondering: can the gentler touch land just as powerfully as the classic roast?

Bargatze’s approach to the Emmys signals a meaningful evolution in award show comedy—an embrace of humor that welcomes rather than divides. By leaning on advice from industry legends and trusting his own instincts, he’s set to deliver a hosting performance that’s both genuine and memorable.