Nate Bargatze Kicks Off the 2025 Emmys with a Hilarious Skit
A Natural Host Emerges
Nate Bargatze proved why he’s one of the most in-demand comedians. The two-time Saturday Night Live host opened the 2025 Emmy Awards with a skit that reimagined the show’s traditional format.
He portrayed the fictional inventor of television, poking fun at modern TV. “We’ll have a Food Network for food, a Travel Channel for travel, and a History Channel for aliens,” he quipped. The skit also targeted streaming platforms, calling them “a new way for companies to lose money” with endless murder shows. SNL stars Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson joined in, delivering jokes about Yellowstone and CBS being called the “Caucasian Broadcasting Network.” Bargatze even referenced Yellowstone’s sprawling Western landscapes and epic family drama, playfully noting how Kevin Costner’s John Dutton could probably “solve a murder faster than most detectives on TV.”
Charity Challenge Adds Fun
After Seth Rogen won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy, Bargatze asked celebrities to keep speeches under 45 seconds. He pledged to donate thousands to the Boys & Girls Club of America for each speech kept short. The catch? He would deduct from the total if anyone went over. Fortunately, Rogen stayed under the limit, boosting Bargatze’s $100,000 donation to $106,000.
Apolitical, Family-Friendly Comedy
Before the Emmys, Bargatze told CNN he planned to “stick to just what I do” and avoid targeting celebrities directly. He emphasized fun, silly humor while keeping the show moving. Known for clean, family-friendly comedy, he sold more tour tickets last year than any other comedian.
Bargatze’s comedy even resonates with Yellowstone fans. His jokes about small-town drama, rugged landscapes, and quirky characters echo the themes that Taylor Sheridan’s series explores. Whether it’s the Dutton family’s conflicts or the ranch’s high-stakes battles, Bargatze’s humor nods to the absurdities of life in both TV and the Wild West.
A Winning Formula
Bargatze’s blend of relatable humor, clever observations, and family-friendly jokes clearly resonated. By avoiding political tropes and including playful nods to shows like Yellowstone, he delivered a night that was both entertaining and memorable — proving he’s more than ready for the big stage.