‘They’re Dumb’: Nathan Fielder Reacts to FAA Dismissing HBO Show’s Controversial Take on Airplane Crashes

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In the second season of his show, The Rehearsal, he endeavored to enhance pilot-to-pilot communication as a means to avoid airplane accidents. Although the series carries a dark humor, he maintains that it shed light on a significant issue within the system. However, these claims are being disregarded by federal authorities, which leaves Fielder feeling frustrated.

In the TV show “The Rehearsal“, Fielder proposed a theory suggesting that less experienced co-pilots often fail to challenge superior officers’ doubtful decisions during flights, which might result in fatal accidents that could have been avoided. To test his theory, he underwent training to become a certified 737 pilot and developed new communication methods. Following the show’s release, the Federal Aviation Administration declared (via a spokesperson) that all airline pilots are required to complete interpersonal communication training. They also stated they have not found evidence supporting the main argument of the show, that poor pilot communication is the primary cause of airline disasters.

Fielder responded critically to the FAA, stating, “That’s shortsighted. They’re shortsighted.” Having been trained as a pilot and currently flying a 737, he went through training that emphasized if the captain made an error, it was his responsibility to speak up. However, he lamented that the training lacked practical emotional impact, focusing more on PowerPoint slides than fostering a deep understanding of the importance of assertiveness in such situations.

Nathan Fielder Says He’s Trying to Prevent Plane Crashes

Fielder added, “The topic we discussed during the broadcast was a common trend: people in similar positions, such as co-pilots, not openly expressing their feelings towards each other. This is due to one individual potentially having more experience than the other, causing them to hesitate in sharing vital information that could prevent a catastrophe. I observed that they can effectively handle technical problems following an accident, but there’s a persistent issue with human interaction, specifically communication between pilots.

The series titled “The Rehearsal” blends elements of dark comedy and documentary style. It centers around Nathan Fielder who assists individuals in preparing for significant future events. This preparation involves simulated rehearsals with sets and hired actors, allowing people to practice before the real event takes place. The initial season garnered widespread appreciation from critics, earning a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The show has been even more favorably received in its second season, boasting a score of 97%. This highly-anticipated sequel is considered a worthy successor to Fielder’s previous series on Comedy Central, “Nathan for You“.

The Rehearsal is streaming on Max.

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2025-05-29 22:22