Entertainment • TV series

The Rehearsal

The Rehearsal is an American docu-comedy television series created, written, directed and starred in by Nathan Fielder.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Rehearsal is an American docu-comedy television series created, written, directed and starred in by Nathan Fielder. It follows Fielder as a fictionalized version of himself helping ordinary people rehearse difficult life conversations and events using detailed sets, actors and staged simulations. The series premiered on HBO in 2022 and returned for a second season in 2025.

Premise

The Rehearsal follows Nathan Fielder as he helps people prepare for stressful real-life moments by staging highly detailed simulations. The show uses actors, replicas of real settings and repeated practice runs to explore how people behave under pressure.

Production and release

The series was created by Nathan Fielder and premiered on HBO on July 15, 2022. It was renewed for a second season in August 2022, and season 2 premiered on April 20, 2025.

Cast and format

Nathan Fielder is the central on-screen figure, with additional cast members appearing across episodes in supporting or participant roles. The show mixes documentary-style observation with scripted and unscripted elements.

Reception and distribution

The series received strong critical attention after its debut. It has been available through HBO and Max, depending on region and service branding.

Key facts

The series centers on rehearsals for real-life conversations and events using recreated environments and hired actors.
Nathan Fielder appears as a fictionalized version of himself and is the series' creator, writer, director and star.
Season 1 premiered in 2022 and season 2 premiered in 2025.
The series has been described as a blend of documentary, comedy and reality television.
The show is associated with HBO/Max distribution.

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Canadian context

For Canadian viewers, the series has been associated with HBO/Max-branded streaming availability, though exact access can vary by Canadian platform and licensing arrangement.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Rehearsal about?

It is about Nathan Fielder helping people rehearse difficult conversations or life events through elaborate simulations with actors and recreated settings.

Who is in The Rehearsal?

Nathan Fielder is the main creator and on-screen host. The series also features a rotating cast of participants and actors across episodes.

Is The Rehearsal real?

It is a real television series, but it blends documentary, comedy and staged elements. The situations are based on real people and concerns, while the recreations and rehearsals are constructed for the show.

How many episodes of The Rehearsal?

The series has 12 episodes across 2 seasons.

Where to watch The Rehearsal?

It is available on HBO/Max, with availability varying by country and service branding.

The Rehearsal season 2?

Season 2 premiered on April 20, 2025 after the series was renewed in August 2022.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rehearsal_(TV_series)
Supports: Premise, creator, premiere date, renewal, season 2 premiere, and series structure.
HBO Max — https://www.hbomax.com/shows/rehearsal/609d8b4c-f0a6-4a5d-b9d3-bb0f2e207efb
Supports: Availability, episode count, and official series description.
Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-rehearsal
Supports: Premise, cast, premiere date, network, and genre description.
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10802170/?bypassRefViewPref=1
Supports: Series dates, top cast, and show identification.
The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/may/26/the-rehearsal-season-two-review-nathan-fielder
Supports: Season 2 timing and season 2 premise focus.