Comedian Nate Bargatze is Planning a Big Career Change

Comedian Nate Bargatze has been cracking jokes for more than two decades, working his way up to the top of his field.

However, the 46-year-old Bargatze, who was the highest-grossing standup comic of 2024, is eyeing a move to another medium. In a new interview, Bargatze says he wants to take on the silver screen.

"I don't plan on touring and doing stand-up forever. I want to make movies," Bargatze told The New York Times. "People can think, If you get too big, are you going to change? The audience is very much in mind with everything that I will make. Again, I try not to do it for me. It's for you. I want them to be able to trust that."

Since his 2011 appearance on Comedy Central Presents, Bargatze has released five comedy specials. Three have been on Netflix, including 2024's Your Friend, Nate Bargatze, his most recent production, with one one Amazon Prime Video and another on Comedy Central.

According to Bargatze, he's planning on filming two more specials before making the jump to movies.

"I don't want to overstay my welcome," he explained. "I also want to get out of the way. I need to let the next wave of comedians come up. I got this tour and then maybe one more."

Bargatze, who had his comedic breakthrough in 2008 when he appeared on Live at Gotham and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, will host the 77th Emmy Awards on CBS this fall.

"It’s a huge honor to be asked to host such an iconic awards show and I’m beyond excited to work with CBS to create a night that can be enjoyed by families around the world,” Bargatze said in a statement last week.

The Nashville, Tennessee native also hosted Saturday Night Live for the second time last fall and is set to star in the upcoming comedy The Breadwinner for TriStar Pictures.