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The Tennessee Kid

Nate Bargatze

Netflix · 2019 · 60 min

A low-key hour of clean, deadpan storytelling about everyday confusion.

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Nate Bargatze works in the space of the mildly baffled common man, delivering lines with a flat, Southern monotone that makes absolute bewilderment sound like plain common sense. He tackles the absurd logistical nightmare of how to dispose of a dead horse, the deep humiliation of realizing he cannot solve a basic math problem, and the surreal experience of growing up with a father who worked as a clown and a magician. While he is a clean comic, his material avoids the forced wholesomeness of traditional family-friendly stand-up by focusing instead on the quiet indignities of being slightly below average.

Filmed at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Georgia, and released on Netflix in March 2019, the special marked Bargatze’s transition from a respected club comic and late-night favorite into a major touring headliner. It followed his well-received 30-minute set on the first season of The Standups in 2017. Directed by Ryan Polito, The Tennessee Kid solidified Bargatze’s signature style: slow-paced, low-energy storytelling built on domestic friction, awkward travel encounters, and the quiet struggles of everyday adult life. The set also includes an updated, extended version of his popular ‘milk and coffee’ bit, rewarding long-time followers while introducing his distinct voice to a much broader global audience.

The set list

6 bits

  1. Analyzing what to do upon encountering a decaying horse.

    A six-minute observational story told with childlike and formal phrasing, exploiting audience expectations and self-professed stupidity.

  2. Attending cousin Tuesday's wedding in Kentucky.

    Recounted matter-of-factly with no embellishments as an authentic redneck affair.

  3. The closer (spoiler). Show it

    Updating stories and material from his previous comedy specials. closer

    Delivers a series of callbacks offering continuous updates and new twists on past bits, accompanied by a qualifier for first-time viewers.

  4. Having a father who worked as a clown and magician.

    Recounts childhood memories, including seeing his father drive home with the Easter Bunny in the passenger seat.

  5. Breaking the news of the family dog's death to his daughter.

    Adds silly flourishes by assigning imaginary dialogue and emotions to the deceased family dog.

  6. Attempting to discuss global warming.

    Punctured with repeated phrases of 'but guys, in all seriousness' while expressing complete confusion about the subject.

How it plays

Tone
Dry, deadpan, gentle, clean, and self-effacing.
On stage
Calm, deadpan, and unassuming with an easy Southern drawl, subtle Southern charm, and a self-deprecating 'not smart' perspective without playing the fool.
Pace
Even, gentle, and measured cadence with natural momentum and deceptive ease.
About
marriage and parenthood, eccentric family background and growing up with a clown/magician father, everyday social awkwardness and travel, Southern weddings, self-admitted lack of knowledge

What the critics said

Highly acclaimed by critics for its deadpan delivery, nuanced storytelling, clean wit, and unassuming charm.

Summed up from reviews, articles and listings. Sources: store.800poundgorillamedia.com, imdb.com, allmovie.com, blu-ray.com, decider.com, latimes.com, vulture.com, forbes.com, en.wikipedia.org, 800poundgorillamedia.com.

Backstory

Raised in a devout Christian household with a father who worked as a clown and professional magician, Bargatze relocated from New York and Los Angeles back to Tennessee to raise his family.

Details

Released
Runtime
60 min
Where
Netflix
Director
Ryan Polito
Honors
Named favorite standup special of 2019 / best comedy special of the year by Forbes contributor Sarah Aswell
Topics
Before
Nate Bargatze (2017)
After
The Greatest Average American (2021)

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