Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

72%

WISE Score

7.6

IMDb

The unicorn of comedy specials: genuinely funny AND safe for the whole family. Bargatze's folksy charm makes everyday life hilarious.

7.6/10

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Nate Bargatze: The Tennessee Kid

movie

12, 2019

72%

WISE Score

7.6

IMDb

The unicorn of comedy specials: genuinely funny AND safe for the whole family. Bargatze's folksy charm makes everyday life hilarious.

7.6

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the holy grail for parents hunting family-friendly comedy: a special that's actually funny without resorting to cheap shots, profanity, or uncomfortable content. Bargatze's everyman persona and Southern charm make him the comedy equivalent of comfort food.

The material is observational and gentle—he's not trying to change the world or push boundaries, just finding humor in weddings, travel, and chocolate milk. That's both the strength and limitation here. It's wonderfully safe and entertaining, but don't expect deep insights or mind-expanding ideas.

For family movie night with tweens or teens, this is a solid pick. Everyone can laugh together without anyone squirming. Just know that younger kids might zone out since the humor requires some real-world context to appreciate. Still, in an era where most comedy specials require strategic remote control work, Bargatze's squeaky-clean approach is genuinely refreshing.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-99. Tweens and teens will appreciate the situational humor, and parents will genuinely enjoy watching alongside them—a rare combo. Younger kids won't be harmed but might be bored since the jokes require some life experience to land.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Bargatze is known for clean, observational comedy that doesn't rely on shock value or mean-spiritedness. His material about everyday topics like air travel, weddings, and chocolate milk is relatable and kind-hearted. He doesn't punch down, and his Southern charm creates a warm, family-friendly tone. The pacing is conversational and relaxed—never chaotic or aggressive.

Imaginative

Stand-up comedy is inherently observational rather than world-building, so it doesn't invite creative expression or exploration in the traditional sense. However, Bargatze's ability to find humor in mundane situations (ordering coffee, college football) models a creative way of looking at everyday life. It's clever without being groundbreaking, and doesn't inspire kids to create or build anything themselves.

Safe

This is one of the cleanest comedy specials you'll find. Common Sense Media rates it for age 11+, and Bargatze is famous for avoiding profanity, sexual content, and controversial topics. No violence, no toxicity, no surprise disturbing content. The material is predictable in the best way—you know what you're getting. Perfect for family viewing without the need to hover over the remote.

Enriching

While highly entertaining and well-crafted, this special doesn't offer deep cognitive or ethical growth. It's comfort food comedy—pleasant, funny, and easy to digest, but not particularly thought-provoking. That said, it models good storytelling, timing, and the ability to find joy in ordinary moments. Kids might learn that humor doesn't require being edgy or mean. Solid entertainment value, modest enrichment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Clean comedy that doesn't sacrifice laughs—Bargatze proves you don't need profanity or shock value to be hilarious
Relatable material about weddings, travel, and coffee orders that the whole family can enjoy together
Models finding humor in everyday situations without being mean or cynical—refreshing in today's comedy landscape
Strong audience ratings (96% RT, 7.6 IMDb) suggest broad appeal and quality
His deadpan Southern delivery and self-deprecating style create a warm, non-threatening viewing experience

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What to Watch For

Younger kids (under 11) might not get all the adult-situation humor about weddings or air travel, but won't encounter anything harmful
It's observational comedy, not slapstick—kids used to high-energy content might find the pacing slow
Some mild references to alcohol in wedding/social contexts, but nothing glorified or problematic

Conversation Starters

"What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on a trip or at a party?"
"Nate finds humor in boring stuff like ordering coffee. What everyday thing do you think is secretly funny?"
"Why do you think his comedy is funny without using bad words? Does that make it better or worse?"
"Have you ever had a moment where something went wrong but looking back, it was actually pretty funny?"

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