Nate Bargatze, the endearing stand-up comedian known for his relatable humor, recently took on a new challenge by hosting his first episode of Saturday Night Live on October 4, 2024. While he’s accustomed to sharing personal stories onstage, he overlooked one significant detail about himself: his colorblindness. This oversight proved to be a talking point not just for him but also for his cue card supervisor.
The Colorblind Host
Nate Bargatze gained widespread popularity after his standout performance in the Season 49 sketch “Washington’s Dream.” However, his hosting experience revealed a challenge that his fans likely didn’t notice at the time. Bargatze is colorblind, a fact that complicates the color-coded cue card system that is essential to the flow of sketches on SNL.
During his visit to Late Night, Bargatze recounted his experience when Seth Meyers quizzed him about the situation. “Wally,” referring to Chris “Wally” Feresten, the cue card supervisor, only learned about Bargatze’s colorblindness before the second time he hosted. Meyers expressed disbelief, questioning how Feresten could have been unaware of such a crucial detail during Bargatze’s first appearance.
The Cue Card Chronicles
When Meyers pointed out that the cue cards are often color-coded for different actors, Bargatze elaborated on how this affected his performance. He explained that he struggled significantly with combinations like black and brown or red and green. In a sketch opposite Heidi Gardner, he inadvertently ended up reading her lines, under the impression that they were all his. “I thought I was going through my lines, but it turned out I was taking over hers!” he joked.
Behind the Scenes with ‘Wally’
Wally Feresten, who has been managing cue cards on SNL since 1990 and for Late Night since 2014, has a wealth of experience dealing with various challenges associated with live television. Bargatze, though humorous about the situation, ultimately told Wally before his recent appearance about his colorblindness, which led to a more seamless experience.
Insight Into Cue Card Artistry
Interestingly, some entertainers view Feresten’s cue cards as priceless artifacts. In a Reddit post, he recalled a time when actor Christopher Walken was shocked to learn he could keep the cue cards, expressing admiration for Feresten’s craft. Walken compared the cue cards to art, even framing one that he had picked up from the floor. Feresten’s unique touch adds a personal flair to every performance, making him a cherished figure in the SNL community.
The Upcoming Emmy Gala
As if hosting SNL wasn’t enough, Bargatze is also gearing up to host the 2025 Emmy Awards on September 14. This role not only highlights his comedic talent but also comes at a significant moment for SNL, which garnered a remarkable 30 nominations for its 50th season and its anniversary specials. The show has already secured ten awards at the Creative Arts Emmys, and its competition includes prestigious categories like Outstanding Scripted Variety Series.
Bargatze’s unique combination of humor, humility, and a willingness to share personal anecdotes continues to endear him to audiences. His experiences shed light on not just the challenges faced in live performances but also the backstage camaraderie that exists among the SNL family.