how did nate bargatze do on emmys

Nate Bargatze, the first-time host of the 2025 Emmy Awards, had a mixed and somewhat controversial reception for his performance. He brought a family- friendly, apolitical style to the event, avoiding heavy political content and opting instead for lighter humor. One of his central gimmicks was a challenge to keep acceptance speeches under 45 seconds, tying this to a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America where $1,000 would be added or deducted depending on whether winners stayed under or went over the time limit. This concept, while innovative, was seen by many as poorly executed and disrupted the flow of the show, with some critics calling the bit clumsy and the overall hosting dull or underwhelming. His comedy included a sketch where he played Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of television, with members of the "Saturday Night Live" cast, which had mixed reactions. Bargatze generally kept the tone light and avoided controversy, but the hosting did not showcase strong energy or a memorable comedic impact, with some finding his approach lackluster compared to seasoned Emmy hosts. Despite criticisms, the donation challenge raised a notable sum of $350,000 for charity by the end of the night, surpassing initial expectations. However, many felt Bargatze's hosting style lacked the dynamism and engagement expected from a major awards show host, and his recurring joke about the speech time limit was seen as a distraction that slowed down the ceremony's momentum.