Nate Bargatze, the Tennessee-born comedian tapped to host Sunday’s 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, said he will not hide his Christian upbringing as he aims to keep television’s biggest night family-friendly and inclusive.
In an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of the live broadcast, Bargatze said his faith has long shaped his comedy and that he intends to lean on the same clean, observational style that brought him success rather than adopt meaner or political humor.
"I want it to be a night that's fun," Bargatze said. "The comics that [make controversial jokes], they're great at it and I can't do what they do. And so I just want this night to be — I hope that it's just, I don't know, as relaxing as it can be." He added that he does not want winners' speeches to leave guests feeling uncomfortable and that he hopes viewers at home will be able to relax and enjoy the evening.
Bargatze, who has hosted "Saturday Night Live" twice and has released several Netflix specials, said his Christian faith guides his approach but is not meant to exclude anyone. "You don't shy away from it. I am a Christian. I do believe I'm being asked to do all these things, and you just feel guided in what you're trying to do, but you're trying to bring everybody in to have a great time," he told Fox News Digital. He also told CBS Sunday Morning earlier this year that he views his comedy career as a "religious calling." He said he attends church "as much as I can."
The comedian said his upbringing explains his preference for "clean" comedy. "I never wanted to — I could never imagine my parents being embarrassed to tell someone to come watch me," he said, noting that he writes material with his family in mind. He acknowledged that some comics who use edgier or political material can advance quickly, but said he has remained committed to his style and has watched it pay off professionally.
Bargatze also announced a charitable pledge tied to winners' speeches. He plans to donate $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of America but said the funds could be reduced based on how much acceptance speeches exceed a 45-second limit. "For every second they go over, the kids will get $1,000 less," he said, adding that representatives of the organization will be in the audience to see the trade-off.
Asked about the pressures of hosting live television, Bargatze said he will rely on more than two decades of stand-up experience and instincts. "The hard part is the jokes because I'm not going to get to run the jokes like I would stand up. And so you got to just trust your instincts that you know what jokes are going to work," he said.
Bargatze has risen to prominence in recent years, becoming one of the country's top-grossing comics while maintaining a reputation for family-friendly material. He discussed his faith and career in conversations this year with CBS Sunday Morning and The New York Times' "The Interview" podcast, telling the latter that his work is "driven by a bigger purpose" while emphasizing a desire to create a welcoming atmosphere for diverse audiences.
As host of the Emmys, Bargatze said he will aim to balance humor and warmth. "I'm trying not to get too — I don't want to be too mean," he said. "I would like to be able to, when I see anybody afterward, it's not uncomfortable." He will take the stage Sunday as television's nominees and winners gather for the annual ceremony.