Nate Bargatze’s Emmy Hosting Stumbles: What Went Wrong?
UPDATE: The 2025 Emmy Awards, held on September 2025, saw host Nate Bargatze struggle to make a significant impact during his highly anticipated monologue. As the night unfolded, viewers were left questioning the choice of Bargatze, who has recently surged in popularity but faltered under the Emmy spotlight.
Just hours ago, the ceremony kicked off with a comedic sketch featuring Stephen Colbert and a win for Seth Rogen as lead comedy actor, setting a high bar for the host. When Bargatze finally took the mic, he opened with a self-deprecating quip, “A lot of people are wondering, like, why am I hosting?” Many viewers echoed that sentiment after a monologue that felt more like a telethon than a celebration of television.
Bargatze, celebrated for his clean, family-friendly humor, has become a household name after his viral Saturday Night Live appearance in 2023. However, the Emmy stage presented a critical challenge for the comedian, who has been labeled the “most successful touring comedian in the world” by the Hollywood Reporter. His recent book, Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind, remained on the New York Times best-seller list throughout summer 2024, showcasing his growing influence.
As the ceremony progressed, the host introduced a peculiar gimmick: he pledged $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with a twist. For every second a winner’s acceptance speech exceeded 45 seconds, Bargatze would deduct $1,000 from the pledge; conversely, he would add $1,000 for each second under the limit. Unfortunately, this idea fell flat, turning the evening into a game of financial tension rather than entertainment.
Critics noted that the monologue lacked engaging content, with stale jokes and an overwhelming focus on the money gimmick, which ultimately led to a negative balance of -$26,000 by the end of the telecast. Bargatze himself admitted, “The number, I’ll be honest with you, was embarrassing,” prompting him and CBS to pledge a combined total of $350,000 to the charity.
Despite the awkwardness, the awards featured some uplifting moments, including heartfelt wins and notable speeches. However, the overall impression left by Bargatze’s hosting was one of missed opportunity, as many viewers expressed disappointment in what was expected to be a highlight of the evening.
As the dust settles on this year’s Emmys, the question remains: Can Nate Bargatze transition from beloved standup comic to a successful awards show host? Viewers will be watching his next moves closely as he prepares for his big-screen debut in The Breadwinner, alongside his endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and what it means for the future of awards shows and their hosts.
