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Nate Bargatze Defends Emmys Charity Timer, Says He Didn’t Expect to Cover $250,000 Shortfall

He told listeners the stunt aimed to encourage giving within strict speech limits.

Overview

  • In a new Nateland episode, Bargatze said he expected studios such as Netflix or Apple — or winners — to cover overages rather than paying them himself.
  • He acknowledged communication missteps, saying he "could've explained it more" and had considered emailing participants before the show.
  • The on-air counter fell into the red during the broadcast before CBS added $100,000 and Bargatze lifted his pledge to $250,000, yielding $350,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
  • The Boys & Girls Clubs publicly thanked him even as reviews criticized the gimmick for pressuring winners and diverting attention from their speeches.
  • Nielsen data show the Emmys drew about 7.4 million viewers, up roughly 8% from last year and the most watched since 2021.