Nate Bargatze Takes Aim at Disney, Plans Family-Friendly Media Empire

Nate Bargatze, the widely popular stand-up comedian celebrated for his clean and relatable humor, has publicly criticized Disney, accusing the entertainment giant of abandoning its core audience. In a recent interview with Esquire Magazine, Bargatze outlined his ambitious plans to build a family-friendly media empire that would rival Disney, driven by his belief that the company has lost touch with its original values and the families it once served.

Bargatze, who has achieved remarkable success in the stand-up world, having sold over a million tickets to his shows – surpassing the combined sales of comedy heavyweights like Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, and Sebastian Maniscalco, according to Esquire – is not content with merely dominating the comedy stage. He envisions a broader reach, a media enterprise that caters to families seeking wholesome and entertaining content.

In 2023, Bargatze took the first step towards realizing this vision by launching his own production company, signaling his commitment to creating family-oriented programming. He plans to eventually retire from touring in a few years to focus his energies on building his media empire.

Bargatze cites a diverse group of influential figures as inspiration for his ambitious endeavor, including fellow comedians such as Seinfeld, Judd Apatow, and Adam Sandler. Notably, he also acknowledges Walt Disney as a role model, praising the company’s founder for his dedication to nurturing his brand and prioritizing his audience. However, Bargatze believes that Disney’s current leadership has strayed from this path, placing business interests above the needs and desires of its audience.

“Now Disney is run by a guy that’s just a businessman,” Bargatze stated, referring to Disney CEO Bob Iger. “Well, that guy doesn’t care about the audience.”

Bargatze’s criticism of Disney comes amidst a period of scrutiny for the company, which has faced backlash from various groups who accuse it of embracing a "woke" political agenda. Critics argue that Disney’s recent programming and policies have alienated its traditional family audience.

In response to these criticisms and amidst financial challenges, Disney has reportedly taken steps to scale back its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to SEC filings. Last year, America First Legal (AFL) publicly accused the company of damaging its brand and reputation through these policies, attributing a significant loss of over $100 billion in market capitalization since 2021 to these actions.

Bargatze, echoing these concerns, emphasizes the importance of the audience in his own creative process and business strategy. "None of this happens without them," he said, viewing himself as a servant to his audience, according to Esquire.

His vision for a family-friendly media company extends beyond traditional film and television production. Bargatze envisions a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem encompassing a wide range of offerings, including movies, television shows, merchandise, publications, podcasts, and mentorship programs for young comedians.

The centerpiece of his ambitious plan is a theme park in Nashville called "Nateland." Bargatze expressed optimism about the project’s progress, stating, "I’ll be honest with you, I bet we’re closer than people think. But it’s still a little bit of a ways off."

According to Esquire, Bargatze intends to build "Nateland" on the site of the former Opryland theme park, a location that holds special significance for him, as it was where he held his first job.

In addition to his burgeoning media ventures, Bargatze’s career continues to soar. He is set to host the 77th Emmy Awards in September, a testament to his widespread popularity and recognition within the entertainment industry. CBS announced this in April.

Bargatze’s critique of Disney and his determination to create a family-friendly alternative highlight a growing demand for entertainment that aligns with traditional values and caters to a broad audience. His success in stand-up comedy provides a solid foundation for his ambitious media empire, and his commitment to serving his audience could prove to be a powerful differentiator in a competitive entertainment landscape.

Disney did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. The company’s response, or lack thereof, remains to be seen. Bargatze’s challenge has undoubtedly sparked a conversation about the direction of family entertainment and the importance of catering to a diverse audience without alienating core demographics. Whether he succeeds in building a true rival to Disney remains to be seen, but his vision is resonating with many who believe that the entertainment industry needs a renewed focus on wholesome and family-friendly content. His journey will be closely watched by both industry insiders and families seeking alternative entertainment options.