NEW YORK — Ever wondered where you stand on the spectrum of average? A fresh take on game shows is here, with comedian Nate Bargatze at the helm, challenging contestants not with mind-bending trivia or extreme tasks, but with a unique quest: to claim the title of the “Greatest Average American.”
While many game shows stretch our knowledge, test culinary skills, or push contestants to their limits in survival scenarios, this one takes a different approach.
Just when you thought the realm of game shows couldn’t get any more diverse, this new addition sets out to honor the beauty of being average.
Welcome to “The Greatest Average American.”
Joelle Garguilo enthusiastically shared, “I have to say, I absolutely love this set. It’s amazing.”
Nate Bargatze agreed, “It’s a fantastic set indeed.”
And that’s host Nate Bargatze.
Joelle Garguilo: Did you watch game shows growing up?
Nate Bargatze: I did. I watched Press Your Luck, Price Is Right, all that kind of stuff. I was a big gameshow fan, but nothing so crazy that I imagined I’d be hosting a game.
Joelle Garguilo: This wasn’t in the cards.
Nate Bargatze: I don’t know if it would’ve even been on the bingo card that I thought I would be doing.
Here’s how the game works: contestants compete in trivia and challenges designed to test how well they understand the habits, opinions and lifestyles of everyday Americans.
Nate Bargatze: So we come out, we have three contestants, and the first round is questions from America. They get four questions, and they guess what they think the average American would say.
Joelle Garguilo: So it’s not their answers.
Nate Bargatze: It’s not their answers. They’re guessing what they think. The idea is you want to get in the mind of your fellow average American.
Joelle Garguilo: This is awesome.
Nate Bargatze: So you’re doing that, and then the second round is on me. They’ve got to get into my mind. I do a challenge, like one was naming state capitals. How many state capitals can I name in 60 seconds? Then they bet the over/under, and someone picks a number to see who wins. I do free throws and other challenges, so they’re betting on me. And the last one is betting on the audience.
The prize? $67,920 – the average annual salary in the U.S.
Joelle Garguilo: I love your comedy because I can watch it and listen to it in front of my kids. And it feels like you’re bringing a little bit of that to this.
Nate Bargatze: That’s what I want. You’ve got to be at least 12 to come, that’s the youngest we could do. But I want kids to be able to come here. It’s not like you’re making a show for kids, but you want them to have a safe adult experience. They feel like they’re going to do something.
Joelle Garguilo: Also, they’re learning too, right?
Nate Bargatze: Yeah.
Joelle Garguilo: Move over, Jeopardy.
Nate Bargatze: We’re like the gateway to Jeopardy.
Joelle Garguilo: If we asked your family what the most average thing about you is, what would they say?
Nate Bargatze: It’s gonna be food. It’s gonna be McDonald’s. My fast food… I love fast food.
Joelle Garguilo: Do you cook?
Nate Bargatze: No. That might be it. I don’t know how to cook at all.
Joelle Garguilo: We’re used to laughing at your jokes, but what is one thing that will always be funny to you?
Nate Bargatze: I think a trip. A nice trip. I don’t want to make it hurt, but it’s there.
Joelle Garguilo: Up the stairs is almost worse too.
Nate Bargatze: It’s a trip. It’s nice. A long trip that ends in a fall. I’m not against it.
Joelle Garguilo: Let’s end with one thing you want everyone to know about this show.
Nate Bargatze: It’s a very fun playalong game, and I hope everybody sits together and has a night as a family watching this.
Joelle Garguilo: I do not think you are average. I don’t think you’re the average.
Nate Bargatze: Well, I’m the greatest.
Joelle Garguilo: I say you’re the greatest.
Nate Bargatze: I’m the greatest.
“The Greatest Average American,” hosted by Nate Bargatze, premieres Wednesday, February 25 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
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