Nate Bargatze, Stand-Up Darling, Joins Advisory Board of Directors at National Comedy Center

Nate Bargatze has another gig to add to his wildly successful stand-up career and new status as go-to Saturday Night Live host. The comic has joined the advisory board of directors at The National Comedy Center. 

Opening in Jamestown, New York, less than a decade ago, The National Comedy Center is America’s official museum and national archive dedicated to the art of comedy. In his new role, Bargatze will help guide the nonprofit’s mission to present the story of comedy and provide education on the comedic arts while working to preserve its heritage for future generations. 

“I’ve immersed myself in the exhibits for hours each time I’ve explored the National Comedy Center in Jamestown,” said Bargatze in a statement. “It’s the only place that truly celebrates the essence of what we do. For an artist, it’s a tribute to this thing we work so hard at, and for the average visitor, it pulls back the curtain on what elevates it to being an art. The experience is just awesome.

As a member of the advisory board of directors, Bargatze joins 2022 addition Amy Poehler as well as such humorous heavy-hitters as W. Kamau Bell, Lewis Black, Tiffany Haddish, Paul Feig, Loraine Newman and Jim Gaffigan. “Stand-up means so much to me,” Gaffigan said of the news, “so I’m happy to be welcoming my good friend Nate, who shares that feeling, and who also supports the Comedy Center’s work to preserve the history of our craft while showcasing the process.”

Prior to dominating the mainstream not a while ago, Bargatze was long considered by many — to reference Chappelle Roan and Sasha Colby — ”your favorite comic’s favorite comic.” He returns to host Saturday Night Live this Oct. 5, following his first time on the Studio 8H stage not a year ago. He’s released multiple stand-up specials on Netflix and, most recently, Prime Video. And, this December, his first primetime special will premiere on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

“The story of comedy is vast, and Nate has demonstrated a commitment to our mission to preserve that vital story,” stated National Comedy Center executive director Journey Gunderson. “He is influencing the comedy of the present and setting precedent with his accomplishments and dedication to the craft, while being equally dedicated to honoring the legacies of the long line of artists who came before him.”

In 2023, Bargatze launched Nateland Entertainment, a family friendly content company where he produces standup specials, showcases, sketches and scripted content for film, television, podcasts and music as well as his own The Nateland Podcast.