Nate Bargatze Plans to Shift from Stand-Up to Acting

LOS ANGELES, April 20, 2025 — Comedian Nate Bargatze is transitioning from stand-up to acting, revealing that his upcoming comedy tours and specials might be his last. In a recent interview with The New York Times, the 46-year-old comedian expressed a desire to let the next generation of comedians shine. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome… I need to let the next wave of comedians come up,” he said.

Bargatze, who gained fame in the late 2000s through performances in Chicago and New York, has released five comedy specials and also hosted Saturday Night Live twice. He is recognized for his clean, family-friendly humor, which has earned him a dedicated following and significant success. His move into acting comes alongside the announcement of starring in the family-friendly comedy film ‘The Breadwinner‘, which he is also producing.

Despite stepping back from stand-up, Bargatze is set to release a new special on Netflix and hinted at possibly one more after that. “I want to make movies,” he stated, affirming that any new projects would consider the audience’s perspective as well. He aims to maintain the trust of his fans while exploring new creative avenues.

Recently awarded for his achievements, Bargatze broke attendance records across multiple arenas and was recognized by Pollstar as the top-earning comedian globally. His Netflix specials have garnered critical acclaim, particularly his recent release ‘Your Friend, Nate Bargatze,’ which became the most-watched stand-up special on the platform in the past year.

The comedian is preparing to host the upcoming Emmy Awards in September, a role that many believe he is well-suited for due to his relatable style. As he transitions into this new chapter, Bargatze continues to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry.