“Nate Bargatze’s Emmys 2025 Opening Monologue Stirs Mixed Reactions: Comedian’s Gentle Jabs at ‘Severance,’ ‘The Bear,’ and More Fall Flat in Sketch-Style Return to ‘SNL’-Inspired Humor”
When Nate Bargatze took the stage as host of the 2025 Emmy Awards, expectations were sky-high. Known for his laid-back, clean brand of comedy, the Tennessee-born stand-up was tapped to bring a fresh, family-friendly energy to television’s biggest night. But while audiences hoped for a breakout moment, Bargatze’s carefully written monologue—peppered with soft-edged barbs aimed at nominated shows like Severance, The Bear, and Succession—drew more polite chuckles than belly laughs.
The comedian, who has built a reputation on Netflix specials and late-night appearances, leaned heavily into observational humor that echoed the format of an SNL cold open. Dressed in a classic tux and exuding his trademark calm demeanor, Bargatze kicked things off with a line about the confusing premise of Severance, joking that “even my parents think they’ve been severed every time I explain what I do for a living.” While clever, the bit failed to land with the sharp punch many viewers expect from an awards show opener.
Bargatze also poked fun at The Bear, quipping about the stress-inducing kitchen chaos of the hit Hulu series. “It’s the only show that makes me feel like I should apologize to my microwave for not cooking fast enough,” he said. While the audience chuckled, social media was quick to label the monologue “lukewarm” and “more dad-joke energy than Emmy night flair.”
Critics noted that Bargatze’s routine lacked the cutting satire often associated with awards hosts like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, or Ricky Gervais. Instead, his monologue resembled a toned-down SNL sketch—safe, structured, and largely uncontroversial. Some fans appreciated the lightheartedness, calling it “refreshing not to see mean-spirited roasts,” while others complained it “felt like a rehearsal rather than a live show.”
One of the monologue’s highlights came when Bargatze joked about the sheer number of reboots and revivals dominating television. “At this rate, by the time I host again, there will be Friends: The Retirement Years and Law & Order: Metaverse Unit,” he teased. The line drew one of the night’s bigger laughs, proving Bargatze’s understated charm could still connect when the material struck the right balance.
Still, the overall consensus was that Bargatze played it too safe for a stage that often rewards boldness. While he succeeded in avoiding controversy—something past Emmy hosts have not always managed—he also failed to deliver the kind of memorable comedic moment that becomes an instant pop culture talking point.
In the end, Bargatze’s monologue reflected his personal style: mild, relatable, and low on sting. Whether that was the right fit for a star-studded, high-stakes broadcast like the Emmys remains up for debate. For some viewers, it was a breath of fresh air in an era of biting sarcasm. For others, it was a reminder that safe humor doesn’t always make for electrifying television.
