History of Nate Bargatze in Timeline

Nate Bargatze is an American stand-up comedian known for his clean comedy and deadpan delivery. His understated style has resonated with audiences, leading to widespread popularity and critical acclaim. In 2024, Bargatze achieved significant success, becoming the highest-grossing stand-up comic with over a million tickets sold, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the comedy scene.

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Full Timeline

March 25, 1979: Nate Bargatze's Birth

On March 25, 1979, Nathanael Bargatze was born. He would later become a successful American stand-up comedian known for his clean comedy and deadpan delivery.

1997: Graduation from Donelson Christian Academy

In 1997, Nate Bargatze graduated from Donelson Christian Academy in Nashville, where he had attended after transferring from DuPont Elementary.

1997: Closure of Opryland USA

In 1997, Opryland USA closed. Nate Bargatze worked there as a teenager.

2002: Influence of Jerry Seinfeld's 'Comedian'

In 2002, Jerry Seinfeld released a documentary called Comedian which Bargatze called life changing. It was a big reason why he moved to New York.

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2002: Beginning of Comedy Career

In 2002, Nate Bargatze began his comedy career and moved to Chicago to attend The Second City, an improvisational comedy troupe, before enrolling in Jim Rauth's Comedy College to focus on stand-up comedy.

2004: Move to New York City

In 2004, Nate Bargatze moved to New York City and worked as a barker for the Boston Comedy Club while supporting himself with jobs as a dog walker and FedEx delivery driver.

October 13, 2006: Marriage to Laura Blair

On October 13, 2006, Nate Bargatze married Laura Blair, whom he met while working at an Applebee's in Nashville.

2008: Breakthrough Year

In 2008, Nate Bargatze had a breakthrough year, featuring on Comedy Central's stand-up show Live at Gotham, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal. He also toured extensively with the USO.

2009: Co-hosting It Could Be Better podcast

In 2009, Nate Bargatze began co-hosting the podcast It Could Be Better with Chris Laker and Yannis Pappas.

2010: Wins Comedy Festivals

In 2010, Nate Bargatze won both New York’s Comedy Festival and the Boston Comedy Festival.

2011: Comedy Central Presents Release

In 2011, Nate Bargatze released his first 30-minute special as part of an episode of Comedy Central Presents.

2012: Move to Los Angeles and Album Release

In 2012, Nate Bargatze moved to Los Angeles and released his first comedy album, Yelled At By A Clown, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Charts.

2013: End of 'It Could Be Better' podcast

In 2013, Nate Bargatze stopped co-hosting the podcast It Could Be Better with Chris Laker and Yannis Pappas.

2013: Appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

In 2013, Nate Bargatze was booked on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and was part of Jimmy Fallon's Clean Cut Comedy Tour.

2014: Development Deal and Daily Show Audition

In 2014, Nate Bargatze developed a deal with NBC Universal to create a sitcom based on his life, with Fallon as producer, but the project was scrapped. He also auditioned for The Daily Show but was not hired.

2015: Release of 'Full Time Magic'

In 2015, Nate Bargatze's first hour-long special, Full Time Magic, was released by Comedy Central. The album version reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Charts.

2017: Netflix's 'The Standups' Launch

In 2017, Nate Bargatze was featured in the first episode of Netflix's The Standups, which he credited with significantly increasing attendance at his gigs.

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2018: Decision to Stop Drinking Alcohol

In 2018, Nate Bargatze stated he stopped drinking alcohol because he knew it was sabotaging his career.

2018: Induction of Ronnie Bargatze into TSSAA Hall of Fame

In 2018, Nate Bargatze's second cousin, Ronnie Bargatze, was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame.

2019: Release of 'The Tennessee Kid' and Sitcom Pilot

In 2019, Nate Bargatze released an hour-long special, The Tennessee Kid, on Netflix, which was named the best comedy special of the year by Forbes. He also filmed a pilot of a sitcom for ABC, which was not picked up.

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2020: Start of 'The Nateland Podcast'

In 2020, Nate Bargatze began hosting The Nateland Podcast along with Brian "Breakfast" Bates and Aaron Weber.

2021: Release of 'The Greatest Average American' and Atlantic Article

In 2021, Nate Bargatze released his stand-up special, The Greatest Average American, on Netflix, which was nominated for a Grammy. He was also featured in an article in The Atlantic called "The Nicest Man in Stand-Up".

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2022: Joins Aperture Desk Job

In 2022, Nate Bargatze voiced the character Grady in the Portal spinoff game Aperture Desk Job.

January 2023: Release of 'Hello World'

In January 2023, Nate Bargatze's stand-up special Hello World was released on Amazon Prime Video, setting a record for Amazon’s most-streamed original comedy special with 2.9 million viewers in its first 28 days.

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April 15, 2023: Record-Breaking Performance at Bridgestone Arena

On April 15, 2023, Nate Bargatze drew 19,365 attendees to a performance at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, breaking the venue's all-time attendance record.

October 28, 2023: First Time Hosting Saturday Night Live

On October 28, 2023, Nate Bargatze hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time, attracting attention for his portrayal of George Washington in sketches.

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2023: Participation in Golf Events

In 2023, Nate Bargatze participated in the pro-am of the Simmons Bank Open and competed in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he was listed as a 7 handicap.

October 5, 2024: Second Time Hosting Saturday Night Live

On October 5, 2024, Nate Bargatze hosted Saturday Night Live for a second time, attracting attention for his portrayal of George Washington in sketches.

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2024: Highest-Grossing Stand-Up Comic

In 2024, Nate Bargatze became the highest-grossing stand-up comic, having sold over a million tickets across his shows.

2024: Donation to Donelson Christian Academy

In 2024, Nate Bargatze contributed $1.15 million to the development of an indoor athletic facility at Donelson Christian Academy, his alma mater, which was subsequently named in his honor.

2024: Avoiding Political Commentary

In 2024, Nate Bargatze explained his decision to avoid discussing politics in his comedy, emphasizing that he wants to stay in his lane.

2024: Reflections on Sitcoms

In 2024, Nate Bargatze reflected on the lack of entertainment made for people not on the coasts during the period his sitcom pilot was rejected, and expressed uncertainty about doing a sitcom now despite renewed interest.