Everyman comedian and Emmys host Nate Bargatze vows he will avoid political commentary during TV’s biggest night, saying the show is an “escape” during “heartbreaking” national events.
Those familiar with Bargatze’s comedy specials and comic tone will find this as no surprise, as such was the plan even prior to the assassination of ultra-conservative political pundit and organizer Charlie Kirk.
When asked how political this year’s ceremony will get, Bargatze told Entertainment Weekly, “Not at all.” He continued, “I know there’s heartbreaking stuff that’s been happening right now, but I want this night to be an escape and I think that’s why I was brought on.”
The Emmy and Grammy-nominated comic referred to his reputation for clean humor, saying he wants to deliver on what viewers expect from his hosting duties: “I think a lot of people are watching, I know they watch my stand-up for that reason, so I just don’t wanna break that trust that I have in them, and just make the night be a fun night.”
He concluded, “We were never gonna really do anything [political] to begin with, and so it was really just trying to stay in the lane that we’re in. I’m not above anything, it’s beyond me. It’s the saddest thing in the world, so let’s let this night just be this night, and everybody has to deal with that stress all day long, so I just want to be that one escape where they can turn something on and hopefully relax.”
Later on, Bargatze told EW he will also keep the celebrity teasing to a minimum and respectable level, saying he wants the fete to be a “silly night” and wouldn’t want to ruffle the feathers of any stars he might see after the show’s over.
The first-time host noted he received advice from colleagues like Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Nikki Glaser and Jimmy Kimmel, all of whom have recently hosted prominent awards shows. The latter, in particular, told him to get rest when he can offstage and be prepared should any unexpected snafus occur.
As Deadline exclusively reported, security at the Emmys — taking place in Downtown Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater — has been ramped up in the wake of Kirk’s killing.
Audiences can tune into the Emmys on CBS and Paramount+ with Showtime beginning at 5 p.m. PT.
The post Nate Bargatze Vows To Avoid Politics During Emmys; Show Will Offer “Escape” Amid “Heartbreaking” Events: “That’s Why I Was Brought On” appeared first on Deadline.
