Nate Bargatze Hosts ABC Game Show "The Greatest Average American"

Comedian Nate Bargatze debuted as the host of a game show. The premiere of "The Greatest Average American" took place on Wednesday, February 25th, on ABC at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Rolling Stone, the game show is an adaptation of Bargatze's comedy special of the same name. Its goal is to "celebrate the power of being perfectly average". Contestants must answer questions and perform tasks related to the mindset and lifestyle of average Americans. As reported by Rolling Stone, the winner receives a prize of $67,920. This amount is intentionally equal to the average annual salary in the United States, highlighting the show's theme. Bargatze co-created the show with John Quinn, the showrunner of the iconic game show "The Price Is Right".

Game shows have been a staple of American television since the 1950s, with programs like "The Price Is Right" (airing since 1972) and "Jeopardy!" (since 1964) achieving iconic status. In recent years, networks, including ABC, have been trying to refresh the format by engaging popular personalities from outside the traditional TV environment, such as comedians.

In the premiere episode, as reported by Deadline, Jimmy Kimmel appeared. The late-night show host, known for his fondness for the band Huey Lewis and The News, was challenged to name songs by that group within 60 seconds. Although his assistant Guillermo Rodriguez bet that Kimmel would do better, he only named 12 titles. Bargatze later commented in an interview with Deadline that "it's the pressure" and that "put anybody on the spot and ask them to name something quickly, your brain just goes frantic." For viewers who do not have access to traditional cable TV, the article details streaming options. ABC is available through the Sling TV service. The basic Sling Blue package starts at $45.99 per month and includes ABC along with over 40 other channels, including CNN, FOX News, and NFL Network. For those not wanting to commit to a monthly subscription, a one-day access for $4.99 is also available. Variety also points to the Sling Blue and Orange package (from $29.99 for the first month) and Sling Select (from $19.99), which offers a curated set of channels, including ABC.

„"It's the pressure. Jimmy Kimmel has been on TV forever, but when you're sitting there, all that strips away. Put anybody on the spot and ask them to name something quickly, your brain just goes frantic."” — Nate Bargatze

The show's premiere fits into a broader trend of hiring comedians to host game shows, aiming to attract a younger audience. Bargatze, known for his mild and relatable humor, sometimes called the "King of Clean Comedy", seems perfectly suited to the concept of celebrating averageness. The show's success will depend on whether it can combine a simple format with the host's charisma and gain a loyal audience in the competitive Wednesday night slot.