Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal returns for a second season, plunging audiences back into its uncanny blend of existential comedy and meticulously staged chaos. The show, which first redefined reality TV in 2022, follows Fielder as he constructs hyper-detailed simulations to help ordinary people “rehearse” pivotal life moments—first dates, difficult conversations, even parenthood. But Season 2 promises to escalate the absurdity, with Fielder orchestrating rehearsals so labyrinthine that participants (and viewers) struggle to distinguish between scripted scenarios and raw human unpredictability. This time, the stakes are higher, the sets more elaborate, and the emotional undercurrents even more disarmingly real.

What sets The Rehearsal apart is its ability to dissect universal anxieties—fear of failure, the desire for control—through Fielder’s signature deadpan lens. Season 2 dives deeper into the ethics of manipulation, questioning whether rehearsing for life robs it of authenticity or simply prepares us for its inevitable messiness. With a writers’ room stacked with comedy veterans and Fielder’s own boundary-pushing vision, the new season doubles down on meta-narratives, AI-driven interactions, and moments of accidental poignancy. It’s not just a show; it’s a social experiment wrapped in a cringe-comedy package.

Cast of The Rehearsal Season 2

1. Nathan Fielder as Self / Executive Producer

Nathan Fielder, born on May 12, 1983, in Vancouver, Canada, is a mastermind of awkwardly brilliant comedy. He first gained attention with his Comedy Central series Nathan for You (2013–2017), where his deadpan persona and cringe-worthy stunts redefined reality TV satire. His pivot to HBO’s The Rehearsal (2022–present) elevated his reputation as a genre-bending innovator, blending scripted absurdity with unscripted human vulnerability. Beyond acting, Fielder co-created and produced How To with John Wilson (2020–2023), showcasing his knack for finding profundity in the mundane.

As both star and executive producer of The Rehearsal Season 2, Fielder doubles down on his signature meta-narrative style, orchestrating elaborate rehearsals that blur reality and fiction. Off-screen, he’s a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, often weaving themes of anxiety and self-doubt into his projects. His quiet influence extends to mentoring emerging comedians, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of “cringe comedy” with a conscience.

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2. Carrie Kemper as Writer

Carrie Kemper, born in New York City and raised in a family of creatives (sister of The Office star Ellie Kemper), began her career as a writer for The Onion before breaking into television. She sharpened her wit on The Office (2009–2013) and later co-wrote episodes of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015–2019), earning acclaim for her sharp, character-driven humor. Her collaboration with Fielder began on The Rehearsal Season 1, where her ability to balance absurdity with emotional depth became a cornerstone of the show’s tone.

In Season 2, Kemper’s writing delves deeper into the existential dilemmas of Fielder’s “rehearsal” participants, blending satire with unexpected poignancy. Outside of TV, she’s published essays on modern absurdity and authored a critically overlooked novel, Chaos Theory for Beginners (2021). An avid marathon runner, Kemper often jokes that writing for Fielder’s mind-bending projects is “the real endurance test.”

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3. Eric Notarnicola as Writer

Eric Notarnicola, a New Jersey native and NYU Tisch School alum, cut his teeth as a writer and producer on Nathan for You (2013–2017), where his knack for surreal storytelling meshed perfectly with Fielder’s vision. He later co-produced How To with John Wilson, earning a Peabody Award for its inventive documentary-style narratives. Notarnicola’s work often explores the gap between human intention and chaotic reality—a theme central to The Rehearsal.

For Season 2, Notarnicola expands the show’s scope, crafting intricate rehearsal scenarios that challenge participants’ perceptions of control. Beyond TV, he directs quirky indie films, including Dinner in America (2020), and hosts a podcast dissecting cult classic movies. A self-proclaimed “failed magician,” he brings a mischievous curiosity to every project, ensuring The Rehearsal remains as unpredictable as life itself.

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4. Adam Locke-Norton as Writer

Adam Locke-Norton, born in London and raised in Los Angeles, began his career writing for British panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats (2012–2015) before transitioning to U.S. comedy. He joined Fielder’s inner circle as a writer on Nathan for You, contributing to iconic episodes like “The Anecdote” and “Smokers Allowed.” His work on The Rehearsal Season 1 earned praise for its layered dialogue and existential wit, traits that define his writing style.

In Season 2, Locke-Norton’s scripts push characters into increasingly surreal rehearsals, questioning whether preparation can ever outwit fate. Off-duty, he’s a published poet and avid chess player, often referencing strategy games as metaphors for his narrative structures. A staunch environmentalist, he’s also known for sneaking climate-conscious themes into Fielder’s otherwise absurdist worlds.

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5. Dan McManus as Executive Producer

Dan McManus, a Chicago-born producer with a finance background, partnered with Nathan Fielder early in his career, co-executive producing Nathan for You and shepherding its cult rise. His sharp business acumen and creative risk-taking also fueled How To with John Wilson, balancing quirky storytelling with budgetary pragmatism. McManus’ ability to greenlight Fielder’s most bizarre ideas has made him indispensable to the team.

For The Rehearsal Season 2, McManus oversees the show’s ambitious production scale, including lifelike replica sets and AI-driven participant interactions. Outside of HBO, he mentors first-time producers through the Sundance Institute and funds indie projects via his production company, Rough Draft Ventures. A former competitive cyclist, McManus credits his endurance for surviving Fielder’s “beautifully unhinged” creative process.