Carson Daly Defends Nate Bargatze’s Emmys Hosting Amid Backlash: A ‘Great Call’ or a Total Flop?

Carson Daly of the Today Show didn’t hold back when asked about Nate Bargatze’s Emmy Awards performance. In the latest episode, Daly offered a candid assessment after waves of criticism from fans and critics alike targeted Bargatze’s hosting skills. His remarks added a new layer to the heated debate over whether Bargatze truly flopped or was unfairly judged. As the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, faded into the rearview, Daly’s two-word verdict—”great call”—stood out as a beacon of positivity in an otherwise stormy sea of reviews.

The Emmys, broadcast live on CBS, promised to be a glamorous escape from the week’s turbulent news, including the shocking assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which went unmentioned during the ceremony. Bargatze, the 46-year-old stand-up sensation known for his clean, relatable humor, kicked off the night with an SNL-style sketch portraying TV inventor Philo T. Farnsworth, joined by Saturday Night Live stars Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson. He poked fun at the industry’s quirks, joking about shows like The Bear not truly being comedies and the rise of streaming services. But it was his signature bit—a $100,000 donation pledge to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with $1,000 deducted for every second an acceptance speech exceeded 45 seconds—that ignited the controversy.

What started as an innovative way to keep the three-hour show on track quickly soured. Winners, including Severance’s Tramell Tillman and The Pitt’s Catherine LaNasa, rushed through their speeches as a visible ticker counted down the charity pot on screen. Critics and viewers alike slammed the gimmick as uncomfortable and crass. Time magazine declared Bargatze “blew it,” calling the telecast a “dull three-hour mock-telethon.” The Hollywood Reporter’s Daniel Fienberg described it as a “failed time-saving gag” that upstaged worthy winners like those from The Pitt, The Studio, and Adolescence. IndieWire noted how the bit “sucked all the energy out” of the evening, while Rolling Stone labeled it a “cruel charity gimmick” that disrupted heartfelt moments. Vulture criticized Bargatze for awkwardly straddling the line between celebrity outsider and insider, ultimately falling flat.

Social media erupted with real-time backlash. One X user posted, “This might be the unfunniest host they’ve ever had,” echoing sentiments from others who called him “awful” and “a chop.” Comparisons to going to the dentist were rife, with one viewer tweeting, “A bad Emmys host is worse than going to the dentist.” The bit’s repetition—Bargatze quipping about lost or saved money nearly 20 times—drew ire for gamifying philanthropy and pressuring stars during their once-in-a-lifetime moments. Even The Big Bang Theory creator Bill Prady tweeted that it was “just awful and uncomfortable,” urging producers to abandon it. Fans suggested Jennifer Coolidge, who presented the Lead Actress in a Comedy Series award with her signature rambling charm, take over next year, with petitions circulating online.

Despite the negativity, not everyone agreed. The Los Angeles Times praised Bargatze for keeping the show running smoothly with his low-key style, noting how some winners played along to “put money back on the board.” In the end, the comedian tripled the donation to $350,000, with CBS adding $100,000, turning a potential PR disaster into a charitable win. AP News highlighted his creative speech-shortening tactic and family-friendly appeal, while USA Today reported mixed reactions, with some lauding the donation idea.

Enter Carson Daly, the veteran Today Show co-host whose endorsement cut through the noise. During Monday’s episode, as the panel recapped the Emmys, Savannah Guthrie called Bargatze’s donation bit “fun.” Daly doubled down, saying, “His family-friendly humor made him a great call for the Emmys. And they even had children from the Boys & Girls Club there.” Daly’s support resonated with Bargatze’s core fans, who appreciate his “comedy Xanax”—dry, apolitical delivery focusing on everyday absurdities. Since launching his career in 2002, Bargatze has released Netflix and Amazon specials, hosted SNL in 2023, and co-hosts the Nateland podcast. His 2024 tour grossed over $100 million, making him the top-selling comedian that year.

Daly’s defense highlights a broader divide: Was Bargatze’s wholesome approach a breath of fresh air in an era of edgy hosts like Jo Koy at the Golden Globes, or did it fall short for the glitzy Emmys stage? Critics argue the bit overshadowed surprises like Seth Rogen’s first win and reunions from shows like Gilmore Girls. Yet, in a polarized climate, Bargatze’s refusal to touch politics—joking instead about Sydney Sweeney’s jeans ad scandal—provided the “escape” he promised. As Deadline quipped, the ceremony felt like a “safety-first” affair, with Bargatze’s minimalism ensuring it wrapped slightly early.

Ultimately, Daly’s verdict underscores Bargatze’s strengths: accessibility and goodwill. While the hosting gig may not propel him to awards-show royalty, it amplified his clean-comedy brand. For fans like those on Today, it was indeed a “great call.” As the dust settles, one thing’s clear—the Emmys debate rages on, proving TV’s biggest night is as much about the host as the honorees. Whether Bargatze returns remains to be seen, but his charitable twist ensured the real winners were the kids at Boys & Girls Clubs.