The Rehearsal Season 2 Review: Communication Is Everything

Victoria Gwilt, LCMHCA

You may know Nathan Fielder for his dry, deadpan humor - most notably from Nathan for You, where he offers struggling businesses wild, unconventional solutions. As a comedian, Fielder even acknowledges how hard it can be for people to take him seriously. But in The Rehearsal Season 2, he delivers something that demands to be taken seriously - and even celebrated - for its powerful message about communication.

This season, Fielder tackles an unexpected subject: the communication breakdowns that can happen in airplane cockpits between captains and first officers. He immerses himself in the topic, going as far as earning his own pilot’s license, to better understand and rehearse what it’s like to navigate high-stakes communication.

At first glance, the message seems obvious: clear communication is vital when lives are on the line. But what Fielder reveals is that the lessons from the cockpit extend far beyond aviation. Through simulations, role-play, and deeply human conversations, he uncovers how the same communication patterns (hesitation to speak up, fear of criticism, uncertainty in tough moments) are just as present in our everyday lives.

You don’t have to be a pilot to relate. Whether you're a teen afraid to open up, a parent unsure how to check in, or anyone who’s ever felt like their voice didn’t matter, The Rehearsal offers something profoundly relatable.

Some key takeaways from Season 2 that can apply to all of us:

• Break the silence – Speaking up in difficult moments matters.
  
  

• Rehearse courage – Practicing conversations can build confidence over time.
  
  

• Normalize uncertainty – Miscommunication is part of being human, but with empathy and effort, it can improve.

At its core, The Rehearsal reminds us that communication isn’t just a skill - it’s a lifeline. And with intention, it’s something we can all get better at.