Nate Bargatze on The Breadwinner, SNL Secrets & Becoming America’s Funniest Dad

In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, comedian Nate Bargatze joins Gentry to talk about his new family comedy movie, The Breadwinner. The film stars Nate as a salesman and father who suddenly has to hold down the household after his wife, played by Mandy Moore, lands a major business opportunity that takes her away from home. The result is a funny, relatable story about parenting, chaos, and learning how to do things your own way. The Breadwinner opens exclusively in theaters on May 29, 2026.

Fans can watch the trailer and get tickets here:
The Breadwinner

Nate and Gentry also connect over something pretty unique: both of them grew up with magicians for dads. They talk about what that kind of childhood was like, how it shaped their sense of humor, and how growing up around entertainment can quietly prepare you for life on stage.

The conversation also takes a trip through Tennessee, including the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, and Nate’s big dream of building his own theme park called Nate Land. Nate opens up about being a girl dad, what touring life is really like, and how his stand-up career has grown from comedy clubs to arenas.

Gentry and Nate also talk about what it was like hosting Saturday Night Live twice, how acting in a movie compares to doing stand-up, and why comedy continues to be the thing he loves most.

From family stories and fatherhood to SNL, movies, Tennessee, and the future of Nate Land, this episode is packed with laughs, heart, and classic Nate Bargatze charm.