Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze, known as the "Nicest Man in Stand-Up" and the "King of Clean Comedy," has rapidly ascended to the top of the comedy world through a slow-burn, observational, and relatable style. Born in Old Hickory, Tennessee, to a magician father, Bargatze’s early career included working as a FedEx driver and a waiter before moving to Chicago and then New York City to pursue stand-up. His career began to gain momentum after a decade of grinding in small clubs and, significantly, after watching the Jerry Seinfeld documentary Comedian, which inspired him to move to New York. Early recognition came from appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Conan. His debut album, Yelled at by a Clown (2014), hit the Billboard Top Ten, and his first half-hour Netflix special, The Standups, was released in 2017. The turning point was his 2019 Netflix hour-long special, The Tennessee Kid, which brought him into the mainstream. Following this, his 2021 special, The Greatest Average American, earned a Grammy nomination. His 2023 special, Hello World, was highly successful, leading to a sold-out arena tour and a historic hosting spot on Saturday Night Live in October 2023, where his "Washington’s Dream" sketch became viral. In 2024, Bargatze made history by becoming the highest-grossing stand-up comedian in the world, raking in over $82 million, selling over 1.2 million tickets, and setting arena attendance records. He operates his own production company, Nateland Entertainment, and hosts the popular Nateland podcast. His comedy focus remains on everyday, family-friendly life experiences rather than shock value, which has garnered him a broad, loyal audience. As of late 2025, he has expanded into feature films, recently completing his first, The Bread Winner.

Comedian Nate Bargatze, known for his clean, family-friendly style and open commitment to his Christian faith, recently showcased his philanthropic side through a notable, albeit comedic, charitable effort at the 77th Emmy Awards in September 2025. As the host, Bargatze designed a, running bit to keep acceptance speeches under 45 seconds, which directly benefited the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. During the ceremony, Bargatze announced an initial $100,000 donation to the organization. The premise was that $1,000 would be deducted for every second a winner exceeded their allotted time, while $1,000 would be added for every second they stayed under. Although this bit garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some finding it under-thought, Bargatze explained it was intended as a lighthearted way to keep the show on schedule and was rooted in a genuine desire to give back. Despite the "guilt-tripping" premise and the donation total fluctuating throughout the night—even dipping into the negative at one point—Bargatze ensured the organization received a significant contribution. By the end of the evening, he declared the final, fluctuating amount "embarrassing" and increased his personal donation significantly. Ultimately, Bargatze contributed $250,000 of his own money, while broadcaster CBS added another $100,000, bringing the total donation to $350,000. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America praised the move, noting that the exposure and funds were incredibly impactful. The initiative reflected Bargatze's approach to comedy—entertaining, and, as he described it, a way to make the night about "giving".