Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bargatze main draw in mild, funny family-friendly game show.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Greatest Average American
What's the Story?
Comedian Nate Bargatze hosts this unconventional quiz show designed to determine who understands the average American best. In the first round of THE GREATEST AVERAGE AMERICAN, three contestants guess how a group of 100 polled Americans answered questions about their daily lives and preferences. In the second round, the two remaining players make estimates around Bargatze completing a specific task, such as shooting free throws. The final contestant then moves to a bonus round to win the grand prize: a literal average American salary of $67,920, with all taxes covered by the production.
Is It Any Good?
This is a pleasant, if somewhat simplistic, addition to the game show genre. The format of Greatest Average American is easy to follow, but it lacks the high-stakes tension found in more complex competitions. The real draw is Bargatze himself; his signature clean and monotone wit provides a steady stream of mild entertainment. While the show may not deliver edge-of-your-seat tension, it's a solid option for multi-generational viewing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families watching Greatest Average American can talk about how the show defines being average based on what most people like or do. Does being average mean you are just like everyone else, or can you still be unique while liking common things?
If you won an average salary today, how would you decide what to spend, what to save, and what to give away? Use the prize amount as a starting point to talk about financial planning and the difference between needs, wants, and helping others.
Nate Bargatze often makes fun of himself in a gentle way. Talk about how self-deprecating humor is different from being mean to yourself or others.
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 25, 2026
- Cast : Nate Bargatze
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 1, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate