The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on September 14, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, promised a night of glamour and celebration for television’s best. But as the lights dimmed and the credits rolled, the show’s host, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, found himself at the center of a heated debate. Critics and fans alike took to social media and news outlets to dissect Bargatze’s performance, with many calling his hosting style awkward and his signature bit—an on-screen charity countdown—cringe-worthy. In the midst of this storm, Today Show veteran Carson Daly stepped up to offer a candid and positive assessment, declaring Bargatze a “great call” for the Emmys.

A Controversial Hosting Choice

Bargatze, celebrated for his clean, relatable humor, kicked off the Emmys with an SNL-style sketch alongside Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson. He poked fun at streaming trends and the quirks of modern television, but it was his unique approach to acceptance speeches that made headlines. In an attempt to keep the show on schedule, Bargatze announced that CBS would donate $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, deducting $1,000 for every second a winner’s speech ran over 45 seconds. The gimmick was designed to be playful, but quickly became the night’s lightning rod for criticism.

As the ceremony unfolded, winners like Tramell Tillman and Catherine LaNasa rushed through their speeches while viewers watched the charity pot dwindle in real time. Critics labeled the bit uncomfortable and insensitive, arguing it gamified philanthropy and robbed honorees of their moments in the spotlight. Time magazine called Bargatze’s hosting a “dull three-hour mock-telethon,” while Rolling Stone described the charity countdown as a “cruel gimmick.” Social media was flooded with complaints, with some users calling him the “unfunniest host ever” and others comparing the experience to a trip to the dentist.

The Divide: Flop or Fresh Air?

Despite the backlash, not everyone agreed with the harsh criticism. The Los Angeles Times praised Bargatze for keeping the show moving with his low-key style, and noted that some winners played along, even joking to “put money back on the board.” In the end, Bargatze tripled the donation to $350,000, with CBS adding $100,000—turning a controversial moment into a charitable win for the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Enter Carson Daly, whose opinion added a new dimension to the debate. On Monday’s Today Show, Daly addressed the controversy head-on. When Savannah Guthrie called Bargatze’s bit “fun,” Daly doubled down, declaring, “His family-friendly humor made him a great call for the Emmys. And they even had children from the Boys & Girls Club there.” Daly’s support resonated with Bargatze’s fans, who appreciate his “comedy Xanax” style—dry, apolitical, and focused on everyday absurdities.

A Host for a New Era?

Nate Bargatze’s career has been on a meteoric rise, with sold-out tours, Netflix and Amazon specials, and a successful podcast. His choice as Emmys host was seen by some as a refreshing change from the edgy, often controversial hosts of recent awards shows. In a polarized entertainment landscape, Bargatze’s refusal to touch politics—opting instead for light-hearted jokes about celebrity mishaps—provided the escape many viewers wanted.

Yet, the debate persists. Critics argue that the charity countdown overshadowed surprise wins and emotional reunions, while fans praise Bargatze’s wholesome approach. Petitions circulated online calling for Jennifer Coolidge to host next year, and even some industry insiders urged producers to drop the time-saving gimmick.

The Verdict: A Matter of Taste

Carson Daly’s defense highlights the broader divide in awards show hosting: Should the Emmys aim for edgy entertainment or family-friendly fun? Bargatze’s performance may not have won over every critic, but it amplified his brand of clean comedy and goodwill. For Daly and many viewers, Bargatze was indeed a “great call”—a host who put charity front and center and kept the show running smoothly.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Emmys are as much about the host as the honorees. Whether Bargatze returns next year remains to be seen, but his charitable twist ensured the real winners were the kids at Boys & Girls Clubs. The debate over his hosting will linger, but for now, Carson Daly’s positive verdict stands as a reminder that sometimes, a little kindness goes a long way—even on TV’s biggest night.