WASHINGTON—Who said nice comics finished last? Nate Bargatze, dubbed the “Nicest Man in Stand-Up” by The Atlantic, will hit a different stage at April’s NAB Show, when he takes the Main Stage to receive 2026 NAB Television Chairman’s Award.
The chairman's award will be presented to Bargatze—whose 2025 comedy tour, “Big Dumb Eyes,” was ranked as the No. 1-grossing tour in the world by Pollstar—on Wednesday, April 21, during the “We Are Broadcasters” event, where he’ll also take part in a fireside chat and Q&A.
The award honors Bargatze’s cultural impact, record-breaking rise and uniquely unifying brand of comedy, NAB said. His deadpan, self-deprecating, observational style has helped him succeed as a “clean” and apolitical comic, NAB noted, adding that Bargatze has embraced that distinction as unifying in a deeply divided nation.
“Nate Bargatze’s rise underscores the continued ability of broadcast television to build a sense of community and reach large audiences at a time when viewing habits are rapidly changing,” Curtis LeGeyt, NAB president and CEO, said. “His power to create and deliver widespread appeal among the broader public is central to what NAB Show represents and why Nate is such a fitting honoree.”
Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes” tour grossed a reported $77.5 million, according to Pollstar, topping a list including such other top comics as Kevin Hart, Nikki Glaser, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle. In 2024, according to Billboard, his $82.2 million one-year gross set a comedy record.
Bargatze has broken multiple venue records; hosted the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, the highest-rated Emmys telecast in four years; and hosted two episodes of “Saturday Night Live.” His book “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories For a Simpler Mind” was No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list, remaining on the list for 11 weeks. He also recently won a Grammy Award for his Netflix special and comedy album “Your Friend Nate Bargatze.”
Bargatze’s footprint is about to grow even more with the Feb. 25 premiere of “The Greatest Average American,” a comedy game show on ABC and Hulu that he will host and executive produce. He also produced and stars in “The Breadwinner,” his feature-film debut, set to be released May 29.
“Nate Bargatze has become one of the most important figures in American entertainment by making comedy that resonates across generations and platforms,” Nick Radziul, NAB Television Board Chair Nick Radziul said. “His work demonstrates how broadcast television continues to be the cultural bridge between creators and audiences, delivering unparalleled reach and trusted, must-watch content that sparks shared moments viewers embrace.”
Past winners of the Television Chairman’s Award, first presented in 2009 to “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer, include magicians Penn & Teller, Jennifer Hudson, Sterling K. Brown, Jim Parsons and Mario Lopez.
For more on NAB Show, set for April 18-22 in Las Vegas, or to attend, visit its website.
