Nate Bargatze Takes the Stage as a Game Show Host
Jimmy Kimmel’s Game Show Enthusiasm Shines in Nate Bargatze’s New Series
Jimmy Kimmel, a longstanding superfan of Huey Lewis and The News, recently demonstrated his knowledge of the band during an episode of The Greatest Average American, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. Kimmel, who has celebrated milestone birthdays with the band and made an appearance in their “Her Love Is Killin’ Me” video, faced a challenge when Bargatze asked him to name as many Huey Lewis songs as possible in just 60 seconds. While Bargatze anticipated he could name 24, and Kimmel’s sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez predicted otherwise, Kimmel ultimately managed to name only 12.
This segment is part of a broader game format on Bargatze’s show, where contestants answer various trivia questions, including one round reminiscent of Family Feud, where they guess responses likely provided by 100 average Americans. One humorous poll asked what opinion 100 grandmothers might have of Bargatze, resulting in “Who?” as the leading response. "I don’t know who I am sometimes," he remarked.
In a competitive twist, the audience’s responses factor into the final round, with contestants striving to match these opinions. The stakes are significant, with a potential prize of $67,920—an amount reflecting the average American salary. This marks Bargatze’s second televised effort to distribute money, following his recent charitable initiatives at the Emmys.
Reflecting on the pressure of the game, Bargatze commented, "I think I forgot about just how much [money] it is." He described the tension felt by contestants as they vie for the cash, noting, “this is real.” Contestants who don’t win still benefit, receiving $10,000, alongside an additional amount for tax coverage.
Bargatze humorously noted, “Everybody that’s ever been on any game show… says, ‘What were the taxes?’ We’re giving them a little extra money… but good luck on the audit.” He confirmed that Nateland Entertainment, his company, is not venturing into the accounting business.
The show, set to premiere on February 25 at 9 PM, draws its name from one of Bargatze’s stand-up specials. The concept originated during his travels with fellow comedians, evolving from a joke into a full-fledged game show. Initially envisioned for YouTube, Bargatze’s team eventually partnered with ABC to produce the series.
Bargatze credited John Quinn, known for his work on The Price Is Right and other iconic game shows, for helping refine the show. He aims to recreate the excitement he experienced as a child watching game shows that captivated audiences. “It was just so exciting… They’re fun to watch,” he noted, emphasizing his desire to cultivate a similarly enjoyable atmosphere for viewers.
The Greatest Average American, produced in collaboration with Walt Disney Television Alternative and Da Da Production, emphasizes family-friendly content. Bargatze’s company is also set to release the comedy feature The Breadwinner, which centers on a woman’s unexpected success on Shark Tank.
Acknowledging the current entertainment landscape, Bargatze expressed a need for light-hearted programming, stating, “You’re kind of getting pounded in all directions… You need those moments when you go home.” He pointed out the enduring popularity of shows like Friends, highlighting the comfort and familiarity they offer.
Looking ahead, Bargatze sees Nateland as a platform for creating humor-driven shows, reflecting on the surprising scarcity of contemporary sitcoms that resonate as classics. “There should already be another Friends,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of generating content that resonates widely.
Filmed in Nashville, The Greatest Average American strives to appeal to a diverse audience. “I didn’t want this to feel like it’s a southern show… I want it to feel like it’s for everybody,” he explained. Joined by comedian friends such as Greg Warren and Julian McCullough, Bargatze expressed his hope for the show’s longevity and its potential to create joy among viewers. “No one’s going to get mad or upset. It’s just a fun, happy, silly gameshow,” he concluded.
The Greatest Average American (Disney/Connie Chornuk)
