

As Nate Bargatze prepares to host the Emmy Awards, the pressure is undoubtedly immense. Yet, the comedian, known for his unassuming, observational style, isn't letting the weight of the occasion drastically alter his approach. His mantra? "Just do you." This isn't just a throwaway phrase for Bargatze; it's a reflection of the core of his comedic persona. He's not a bombastic, in-your-face performer. He's a storyteller, weaving relatable anecdotes about everyday life with a quiet, self-deprecating humor that resonates deeply with audiences. He finds the funny in the mundane, the awkward, and the slightly off-kilter aspects of existence – things everyone can connect with. The "just do you" philosophy, in Bargatze's case, translates to a commitment to authenticity. He's not trying to be someone he's not, attempting edgy material or relying on shock value. He's simply sharing his perspective, his experiences, and his uniquely quirky worldview. This approach has been the cornerstone of his success, building a loyal following that appreciates his genuine and unpretentious style. Hosting the Emmys presents a unique challenge. The audience is a diverse mix of industry insiders and viewers at home, demanding a blend of sharp wit, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate potentially tricky situations with grace. However, Bargatze’s strategy of remaining true to himself suggests he’ll approach the gig with the same grounded, relatable charm that defines his stand-up. He won't be trying to force jokes or adopt a persona that feels disingenuous. Instead, he'll likely leverage his observational skills to comment on the spectacle of the event itself, finding humor in the absurdity and high-stakes nature of the awards ceremony. Ultimately, Bargatze's decision to "just do you" isn't about arrogance or complacency. It's a strategic choice informed by years of honing his craft and understanding his strengths. It’s a bet on the power of authenticity, a belief that his unique voice, even on a stage as grand as the Emmy Awards, will resonate and connect with the audience. And for a comedian who built his career on relatable observations, that’s a very smart bet indeed.

Comedian Nate Bargatze sold more than 1.2 million tickets to his "The Be Funny Tour" last year, making him the highest-grossing comedian in the country. Now, he's taking on a new challenge: Hosting the 77th Emmy Awards on CBS.
"This is the first I'm thinking about it, was this week," the 46-year-old jokingly said about his preparation for Sunday's show.
He described his comedy style, saying while there will be jokes about the shows, it will be done "in a way that is not mean."
"I was like trying to think of like how, which way you want to go and it's like … even we've had stuff written that I think was a little more roast stuff and then it's like after you think about it a couple of days, I'm like 'nah let's go back another way.' We have some fun stuff though that's planned," Bargatze told "CBS Mornings."
The stand-up comedian has also previously hosted Saturday Night Live.
"I'm used to performing in front of live people, not an audience like this of all the people that you know. So, it will be fun to get in there, get on stage, get that first joke, hear that first laugh and then just get running and just really make your own of it."
Bargatze said he's honored and excited to host the awards show, saying, "you kind of dream of like hosting some kind of award show … it's very flattering to even get asked to do it."
As for who he's relied on to help him prepare, Bargatze named several top comedians who gave him some tips.
"I talked to Conan about it. Everybody is just kind of like you just have to do you. It's hard to take exact advice – but like Colbert, Fallon, I talked to Lorne Michaels a little bit about it. You just kind of take it all in … but it all comes back to like just do you. Do what you know to do," he said.
The 77th Emmy Awards air Sunday Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
