Key Takeaways
- Nate Bargatze is stepping away from "The Nateland Podcast" to focus on his next act, including movies, television, and a theme park
- The podcast will continue with co-hosts Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay, but with a rebranded format and the same feed
- Bargatze is the highest-grossing comedian, with his "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" selling 677,000 tickets and grossing $56.7 million
- He is set to star in a feature film debut, "The Breadwinner," and host a new game show, "The Greatest Average American"
- Bargatze is also working on a Nateland theme park in Nashville, Tennessee, with the goal of creating a safe and family-friendly environment
Introduction to Nate Bargatze’s Decision
Nate Bargatze, a renowned comedian, has announced that he is stepping away from "The Nateland Podcast" after nearly five years and 300 episodes. In a special message to his listeners, Bargatze expressed his gratitude to his fans and the podcast crew, emphasizing that he is not leaving the show for good, but rather shifting his focus to what he calls his "next act." This new chapter in his career will involve exploring opportunities in movies, television, and even a theme park. Bargatze’s primary goal is to create content that families can enjoy together, and he wants to ensure that his fans can trust him to deliver high-quality, family-friendly entertainment.
The Future of "The Nateland Podcast"
Despite Bargatze’s departure, "The Nateland Podcast" will continue to thrive, albeit in a rebranded format. Co-hosts Brian Bates, Aaron Weber, and Dusty Slay will take the reins, and the show will maintain its same feed. This means that fans won’t need to re-subscribe or worry about starting from scratch. In fact, an account identifying as Bargatze’s sister took to the Nateland subreddit to reassure listeners that the transition would be seamless and that the co-hosts are excited to have their own show. The rebranding is not a result of any "meanness" on Bargatze’s part, but rather a natural evolution of the podcast.
Bargatze’s Rising Star
Bargatze’s decision to step away from the podcast comes at a time when his touring demand is skyrocketing. His "Big Dumb Eyes World Tour" has been a massive success, with 677,000 tickets sold and $56.7 million grossed. In fact, Billboard.com recently released a list of the highest-grossing comedy shows of 2025, with Bargatze holding the top spot. His popularity is not limited to a specific region, as evidenced by his recent sold-out shows in Utah. The comedian brought his tour to Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, where he performed to a sold-out crowd not once, not twice, but four times, with nearly 80,000 Utahns attending his shows.
Bargatze’s Next Act
So, what’s next for Nate Bargatze? The comedian has a feature film debut, "The Breadwinner," slated for release on March 13, 2026. The family comedy stars Bargatze as an overwhelmed stay-at-home dad opposite Mandy Moore. He is also set to host a new game show, "The Greatest Average American," which premieres on February 25, 2026, with next-day streaming on Hulu. The show celebrates the glory of being "perfectly average," with a grand prize of $67,920, the average American salary. Additionally, Bargatze is pushing forward with his plans for a Nateland theme park in Nashville, Tennessee, which aims to create a safe and family-friendly environment for visitors.
Creating a Safe and Family-Friendly Environment
Bargatze’s ultimate goal is to create content and environments that are safe and enjoyable for families. He wants to build trust with his fans and create moments that they can share with their loved ones. In his own words, "I want to create moments for you guys and your families. And I want to continue to gain your trust because you don’t owe this to me." By focusing on family-friendly entertainment, Bargatze hopes to provide a respite from the chaos of the world and create a sense of community among his fans. With his next act, Bargatze is poised to become an even more prominent figure in the entertainment industry, and his fans are eagerly awaiting his upcoming projects.
