Comedian Nate Bargatze is making a move from stand-up comedy specials and award shows to something a little more surprising: hosting a primetime network game show that celebrates being, of all things, average. ABC has officially ordered The Greatest Average American, with Bargatze not just hosting but also co-creating the series. It premieres February 25, 2026, and streams the next day on Hulu.
In a television landscape obsessed with excess, this show is built on the opposite idea. The grand prize? Not a million dollars, not a car, or a luxury vacation. The prize is the average American salary, around $67, 920. It may sound small compared to other game shows, but the concept is fresh. Instead of spotlighting exceptional brilliance or lucky jackpot wins, it embraces normalcy and everyday life.
And honestly, who better to lead it than a guy who’s made an entire comedy career out of observing ordinary things?
Why Nate Bargatze is the Perfect Fit for This Format
The best part about Nate Bargatze hosting this show is how well it lines up with his comedic persona. Bargatze isn’t a loud, over-the-top performer. He has a calm, subtly sarcastic way of pointing out the things people don’t normally notice about themselves, which is exactly the tone this show is going for.
Contestants won’t be solving math equations at buzzer speed or guessing obscure historical references. Instead, they’re answering questions about things like how long the average commute is, how many people sleep with socks on, or what percentage of Americans eat leftovers straight from the fridge. It’s not about being smarter; it’s about thinking like everyone else.
That makes the show feel less competitive and more like an everyday living quiz. Bargatze’s laidback, everyman delivery is going to feel at home here, especially since he’s called himself “the most average person in America” in more than one Netflix special.
Why This Show is Hitting at the Right Time
Network TV is always hunting for the next big twist on traditional formats, and this show may accidentally be one of the smartest. It doesn’t try to sell audiences a fantasy or life-changing moment. It says something different: here’s a prize most people could actually imagine themselves winning (and needing).
The rise of relatable content is real. People are burned out by massive competitions, reality drama, and high-stakes finales. The idea of winning the average salary sounds… nice. Normal. Achievable, even. And that’s the quiet hook that will probably make this show a success.
Nate Bargatze is having a moment. Between his Emmy hosting gig, multiple successful stand-up specials, and a sold-out tour schedule, he’s one of the fastest-rising mainstream comedians right now. Pair that with a game show built around relatable competition, and ABC might have found a sweet spot in a tired format.
What Should Viewers Expect on Premiere Night?
- A casual, funny host who probably won’t yell or try to force tension
- Questions and challenges based on real-world data and everyday habits
- A prize that seems simple, but hits harder than fictional payouts
- A tone that feels like a comedy show disguised as a game show
The most interesting part? Winning feels doable. There’s something refreshing about a show that doesn’t demand contestants have an Ivy League education or the best of luck. They just have to know how average people think.
What We Think
The Greatest Average American may not reinvent game shows entirely, but it flips the script in smart, funny ways. It’s not about celebrating extraordinary talent. It’s about celebrating being human and maybe laughing about what we all have in common.
And who is better than Nate Bargatze to host a show built around the quiet comedy of regular life? Sometimes average deserves a spotlight too, especially when it comes with a paycheck.