UPDATE: The 2025 Emmy Awards hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze faced backlash after his lackluster performance during the ceremony on September 24, 2025. Despite being hailed as a rising star in stand-up comedy, Bargatze’s hosting skills left many viewers questioning his selection for the prestigious role.
The Emmy Awards opened with a sketch featuring Bargatze, a nod to his previous successful appearances on Saturday Night Live. However, the excitement quickly fizzled. Bargatze’s self-deprecating humor fell flat as he asked the audience, “A lot of people are wondering, like, why am I hosting?” His performance was marked by a gimmick that felt more like a telethon than an awards show, prompting an outcry from fans and critics alike.
Known for his clean and family-friendly comedy, Bargatze had been a popular choice following his viral SNL success. His recent profile in The Hollywood Reporter labeled him “the most successful touring comedian in the world,” surpassing even Jerry Seinfeld in ticket sales. Yet, the Emmy stage proved to be a challenging environment for the comedian, as he struggled to connect with the audience amidst a lack of engaging material.
During his monologue, Bargatze introduced a controversial running gag: for every second a winner exceeded their allocated 45 seconds for acceptance speeches, he pledged to donate $1,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, up to a total of $100,000. Unfortunately, the joke did not land well, leading to an evening filled with awkward moments and a sense of discomfort.
As the night progressed, the total amount owed to Bargatze’s charity continued to drop, reaching a staggering -$26,000 by the end of the telecast. In a surprising twist, Bargatze and CBS pledged to donate a combined total of $350,000 to the organization, attempting to salvage the situation.
The Emmys, which occurred at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, were marked by significant wins, including a heartfelt acceptance speech by Jeff Hiller. However, Bargatze’s hosting overshadowed these moments, leaving audiences with a sense of disappointment.
With the awards show clocking in at just over three hours, many viewers expressed a preference for a more entertaining, longer ceremony rather than the dull format presented. The evening’s energy was stifled by the awkward pacing and lack of engaging content, ultimately leading to a perception of the event as a poorly executed charity telethon.
As the dust settles from this year’s Emmys, Bargatze’s next steps remain to be seen. His upcoming film, The Breadwinner, set to debut in 2026, could provide him with another opportunity to establish his Hollywood credentials. However, the mixed reviews from this year’s hosting gig may linger in the minds of industry insiders and fans alike.
What’s Next: The entertainment world will be watching closely as Bargatze attempts to navigate the fallout from his Emmy hosting experience. With his big-screen debut on the horizon, can he reclaim his comedic momentum? Only time will tell.
For now, the 2025 Emmy Awards serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in hosting live events and the fine line comedians must walk to engage and entertain diverse audiences.
