I was delighted by season 1 of The Rehearsal, and season 2 may be even better.
The core premise of the show is the comedian Nathan Fielder using over-produced rehearsals–simulations with a combination of actors and non-actors–to solve problems and help people. In season 1, he focused on helping specific people navigate difficult situations, with the comedy emerging from how detail-oriented Fielder is (i.e., if someone wants to rehearse a tough conversation in a bar, instead of going to the bar, Fielder has the crew build the entire bar on a sound stage).
The reason season 2 is already incredibly compelling is the Fielder is trying to solve a rare–but real–problem: plane crashes. In the first episode, he presents the evidence that a number plane crashes could have been avoided if the co-pilot had felt comfortable asserting themselves and sometimes even taking control.
In episode 1, this leads to Fielder encouraging a real co-pilot to share an insecurity with his girlfriend (who is dressed as a pilot during the conversation). In episode 2, Fielder uses a reality singing competition to observe real co-pilots gently letting down contestants (including one particular co-pilot who is truly fantastic).
It’s a brilliant, raw, insightful, and sometimes incredibly funny show about human nature. And there seems to be the very real possibility that Fielder will have a breakthrough by the end of the season that improves airlines safety. It’s on Max now, and I highly recommend it. If you’ve watched this season, what’s your favorite moment so far?