Nate Bargatze will be celebrated in Las Vegas this April as the recipient of the 2026 NAB Television Chairman’s Award. The comedian is set to accept the prestigious honor on the NAB Show Main Stage on April 21, where he will also participate in a fireside chat and a Q&A session.
The Television Chairman’s Award, which has been awarded since 2009, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to broadcast television and its cultural impact. Notable past recipients include Kelsey Grammer, Penn & Teller, Jennifer Hudson, and Sterling K. Brown, reflecting the award’s tradition of recognizing influential figures in the industry.
Bargatze has made headlines in the comedy world, notably setting a record in 2024 for the largest one-year gross by a comedy performer, totaling $82.2 million, as reported by Billboard. His prominence further rose when he hosted the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2025, achieving the highest ratings for the event in four years.
His impressive body of work includes hosting two episodes of Saturday Night Live, drawing over 42 million views on related YouTube sketches. Bargatze also won a Grammy Award for his Netflix special and comedy album, “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze,” and authored the New York Times bestseller “Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind,” which enjoyed an 11-week run on the bestseller list.
In 2023, Bargatze established Nateland Entertainment to produce his own stand-up specials, podcasts, and various film and television projects. He has co-created and stars in the upcoming feature comedy “The Breadwinner,” slated for release on May 29, and co-created as well as hosts the show “The Greatest Average American,” which will premiere on February 25 on ABC and Hulu.
NAB Television Board Chair Nick Radziul praised Bargatze’s influence, stating, “Nate Bargatze has become one of the most important figures in American entertainment by making comedy that resonates across generations and platforms.” He emphasized that Bargatze’s work exemplifies how broadcast television serves as a crucial cultural bridge, providing content that resonates widely with audiences.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bargatze’s ability to foster community and reach large audiences at a time of rapidly changing viewing habits. He affirmed that Bargatze’s appeal aligns perfectly with the essence of the NAB Show, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The celebration of Bargatze’s achievements reaffirms the lasting power of broadcast television in bringing people together through shared experiences in entertainment.