Nate Bargatze's George Washington: How A Deadpan Dream Conquered SNL
Saturday Night Live has a long-standing tradition of creating iconic characters and sketches that resonate with audiences long after the live broadcast. From political parodies to absurd scenarios, SNL consistently finds ways to tap into the cultural zeitgeist. In recent times, one particular sketch has not only gone viral but has also become a beloved recurring segment, perfectly showcasing the unique comedic talents of its star: Nate Bargatze as George Washington.
The "Washington's Dream" sketch, a breakout moment for Bargatze during his first time hosting SNL, captured the imagination of viewers with its brilliant premise and Bargatze's signature deadpan delivery. It was such a hit that when he returned to host for the show's landmark 50th season, fans eagerly anticipated a reprise – and they weren't disappointed. This article delves into the phenomenon of Nate Bargatze's George Washington, exploring what made the sketch so successful, the story behind its creation, and its lasting impact on SNL lore.
The Genesis of a Revolutionary Idea
Bargatze's SNL Debut and "Washington's Dream"
When comedian Nate Bargatze first hosted Saturday Night Live back in November of 2023, there was an air of anticipation surrounding how his understated, observational humor would translate to the fast-paced sketch comedy format. Bargatze, known for his clean, relatable stand-up and dry wit, is not your typical high-energy SNL host. Yet, it was precisely his unique style that made the "Washington's Dream" sketch an instant classic.
The sketch transports viewers back to the American Revolution, finding George Washington (portrayed by Bargatze) in a crucial moment with his weary soldiers. These soldiers, played by SNL veterans like Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Bowen Yang, and James Austin Johnson, are expecting an impassioned speech about liberty, strategy, or the future of their nascent nation. What they get, however, is a hilariously anachronistic monologue from Washington about his "dream for the country" – a dream filled with surprisingly mundane, modern-day aspirations and observations, delivered with Bargatze's characteristic deadpan earnestness.
The humor stems from the stark contrast between the historical setting and Washington's contemporary musings, all filtered through Bargatze's laid-back, almost bewildered persona. He wasn't playing a caricatured historical figure; he was playing Nate Bargatze as George Washington, a man trying to articulate strangely specific visions of the future to men who couldn't possibly comprehend them. This approach played directly to Bargatze's strengths as a deadpan standup, allowing him to ground the absurd premise in a relatable, almost folksy delivery that made the audience lean in and laugh.
The Near Miss: A Sketch Almost Not Made
What makes the success of "Washington's Dream" even more compelling is the revelation that the beloved sketch almost didn't happen. The story behind its creation is a testament to Bargatze's persistence and a surprising reference to a cult-favorite TV show. According to Bargatze himself, the sketch's initial inclusion in his hosting gig was not a sure thing. He revealed that the idea for the sketch was floating around, but its path to airtime was uncertain.
The comedian recounted that he had to make a direct appeal to SNL's legendary creator and producer, Lorne Michaels. In a moment that could have gone either way, Bargatze mentioned "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" – a short-lived but critically acclaimed Aaron Sorkin drama about the behind-the-scenes workings of a sketch comedy show, often seen as a thinly veiled commentary on SNL itself. The exact details of how this reference swayed Michaels remain somewhat shrouded in comedic mystery, but the fact that Bargatze felt the need to bring it up underscores the precarious nature of sketch selection at SNL. Thankfully for fans, whatever was said worked, and "Washington's Dream" made it to air, becoming an instant classic and solidifying Bargatze's place in SNL history.
The Enduring Appeal of Washington's Quirky Visions
Reprising the Role: "Washington's Dream 2"
The popularity of "Washington's Dream" was undeniable. It quickly became a viral sensation, with clips shared widely across social media platforms. So, when Nate Bargatze returned to Studio 8H to host Saturday Night Live for the second episode of the show’s landmark Season 50 on October 5, 2024, the question wasn't if he would reprise his role as George Washington, but what new dreams Washington would share.
True to form, Bargatze once again donned the wig and colonial attire for "Washington's Dream 2," a direct follow-up to the popular sketch. In this sequel, the premise remained the same: George Washington rallies his revolutionary war soldiers – Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, and Bowen Yang among them – with more of his future hopes and dreams for the country. The humor was just as sharp, the delivery just as deadpan, and the anachronisms just as delightful. The return of the sketch underscored its success and its perfect fit for Bargatze's comedic persona, cementing "Washington's Dream" as a recurring fan favorite.
Why It Resonates: The Humor of Anachronism and Deadpan Delivery
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