The Rehearsal: Where to Watch, Episodes, Cast & Reviews
The Rehearsal is a groundbreaking docu-comedy series created by Nathan Fielder that redefines reality TV. Blending satire, emotional depth, and surreal humor, the show allows participants to rehearse life’s most difficult moments in hyper-realistic simulations. With two seasons and a devoted fanbase, The Rehearsal has sparked widespread acclaim for its originality. Discover where to watch, episode details, cast insights, and what critics and viewers are saying about this unique series.
How many seasons and episodes does The Rehearsal have?
The Rehearsal has 2 seasons as of July 2025. The first season premiered in July 2022, and the second season launched in April 2025. Across both seasons, there are a total of 12 episodes: 6 in the first season and 6 in the second.
What is the plot/storyline of The Rehearsal?
The Rehearsal is a docu-comedy series created, written, directed by, and starring Nathan Fielder. The show blurs the boundary between reality and fiction, offering an unprecedented look at the human desire to control life's uncertainties. Nathan Fielder, playing a fictionalized version of himself, offers everyday people the unique opportunity to rehearse pivotal life events or tough conversations before actually facing them in real life.
Each episode follows Fielder as he constructs elaborate, painstakingly accurate replicas of real-world locations—ranging from Brooklyn trivia bars to suburban homes—using actors and detailed sets. These recreations allow participants to practice their conversations and decisions under a variety of hypothetical circumstances. The concept is rooted in Fielder's own experience preparing for his earlier series, Nathan for You, where the unpredictability of real human reactions led him to wonder if anyone could ever truly prepare for life's twists.
The show's humor often arises from Nathan's obsessive attention to detail and the absurdity of attempting to account for every variable in life. For instance, in the first episode, Nathan helps a trivia enthusiast confess to a long-held lie by duplicating an entire bar and hiring actors to simulate several possible outcomes. In another plotline, a woman named Angela is given the chance to simulate motherhood, raising a child from birth to 18 in just two months, with several child actors rotating in accordance with labor laws. These rehearsals not only aim for technical perfection but also probe the emotional and ethical impacts on participants, exploring how the pursuit of control can clash with the unpredictability and messiness of real life.
Underlying the comedic elements is the show’s reflection on authenticity and self-deception. Some rehearsals spiral into deep emotional territory, as participants (and Nathan himself) are forced to question their motives, desires, and the consequences of their actions. Fielder’s approach is marked by empathy and a relentless desire to understand the human condition, yet the series never shies away from showing the awkwardness, vulnerability, and often surreal comedy of its social experiments. This emotional complexity, mixed with innovative storytelling, has made The Rehearsal a standout in modern television, drawing comparisons to both reality TV and existential drama.
Overall, The Rehearsal is a bold experiment in both form and content, satirizing the impossibility of total control and celebrating the unpredictable beauty of real life. The show stands out for its originality, emotional depth, and the poignant, often hilarious, situations it creates as ordinary people rehearse for extraordinary moments.
What are the casts of The Rehearsal?
- Nathan Fielder (himself)
- Journey Baker
- Anna Lamadrid
- Thomas McNamara
- Jennifer Khoe
- Alexander Leiss
- Ashleigh Morghan
- Isaac Lamb
- Gigi Burgdorf
- K. Todd Freeman
- Vince Cefalu
The series also features an evolving roster of actors who portray family members, acquaintances, and various characters in the detailed rehearsal scenarios across both seasons.
What are the reviews of The Rehearsal?
Reddit Reviews
Viewers on Reddit praise The Rehearsal for its complexity and authenticity, calling it "the most complex and authentic thing produced for TV so far this century." Many describe being "astonished and skeptical of what you are seeing, even though you know it is real." Others highlight the emotional and philosophical reactions the show provokes, with users commenting on its unique ability to evoke laughter, discomfort, and existential thought simultaneously.
Douban Reviews
On Douban, a prominent Chinese media review site, commenters emphasize the show's experimental nature: "A work that uses commercial resources for artistic experimentation." Viewers describe it as both "absurd and heartbreaking," frequently questioning whether anything in life can truly be predicted. Many regard The Rehearsal as a profound exploration of the boundaries between reality and performance, with high praise for its creative risks and emotional depth.
IMDB Reviews
IMDB users rate The Rehearsal very highly, with an average score of 8.5/10 from over 33,000 ratings. Reviews call it "an absolute masterpiece" and "an emotional rollercoaster that everyone should experience." The comedic inception and satirical take on self-help reality shows receive particular acclaim, and Nathan Fielder is credited with elevating the series beyond standard reality TV through a mix of awkward comedy and poignant storytelling.
Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Critics and users on Rotten Tomatoes echo similar sentiments, lauding the series for its originality and emotional honesty. The show regularly receives high marks for its innovative format, thought-provoking themes, and Nathan Fielder's unique comedic vision.
Where to watch The Rehearsal online?
The Rehearsal is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) in the United States, as well as on various international platforms:
- Max (HBO Max) (U.S.)
- Prime Video (with Max add-on, U.S.)
- Hulu (with Max add-on, U.S.)
- Now TV (U.K.)
- Binge and Foxtel (Australia)
- Neon (New Zealand)
Depending on your region, you may need a VPN to access the service. Trials may also be available via select platforms. The series can be streamed live or on-demand—ensuring accessibility for viewers worldwide.
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