I recently saw Nate Bargatze’s comedy show on his Big Dumb Eyes World Tour, and I can honestly say it left me smiling for days. What struck me most — aside from how hard I laughed — was how refreshingly relatable and clean his humor is. Nate proves you don’t need to be graphic or shocking, or drink alcohol, to make people laugh. His stories are funny because they’re real. From family life to awkward social moments, he captures everyday experiences in a way that feels both familiar and hilarious.
Part of what makes Nate’s comedy so unique is his Southern slow drawl. The way he delivers each line — with that calm, steady rhythm — creates this perfect build-up of anticipation that makes the punchline land even harder. His timing is masterful; he lets the silence do some of the work, and it’s brilliant.
I first discovered Nate when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), and since then, it’s been incredible to see how his career has taken off. Per an interview in “Esquire,” his SNL monologue did the job of introducing him to a much wider audience. Esquire+2Wikipedia+2 He’s now selling out major stadiums, including venues like the Tacoma Dome and the Climate Pledge Arena in the Pacific Northwest — no small feat for any comedian.
What makes his comedy even more inspiring to me is knowing that Nate has been sober since 2019 — just like me! In an interview with “Deseret News,” he said he “was starting to sell clubs out… and so we’re about to go to theaters … I wasn’t able to drink like a regular person.” Deseret News+2Facebook+2 He also said: “I knew, ‘Alright, well, if I want to go to the level I want to go to, I have to get this out of my life or I’m not going to be able to get to that level.’” Esquire+1
That line hit home for me. I remember feeling exactly the same way — just tired of hitting a wall and knowing I wanted something more for myself.
There’s something powerful about seeing someone in the spotlight thriving in sobriety and showing that you can still have fun, be creative and make people laugh — without a drink in your hand. Nate’s success is a reminder that sobriety isn’t about missing out — it’s about leveling up.
If you haven’t watched him yet, do yourself a favor and check out his latest tour or Netflix special. You’ll laugh hard, feel seen and maybe walk away with a little more hope that sober really is the new funny.
Nate Bargatze: Why He Gave Up Drinking And Sweets | YouTube
Further reading/reference links:
- Nate Bargatze interview: “Nate Bargatze: Why He Gave Up Drinking and Sweets” – YouTube clip. YouTube
- Esquire interview: “Nate Bargatze Gets the Last Laugh” with background on sobriety. Esquire
- Ticket listings & dates: Ticketmaster
#QUITLIT Book Review: Delete That by John Crist
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