The Rehearsal Season 2 Finale Shocks Fans with Real Jet Stunt in My Controls
Just yesterday, on May 25, 2025, the Season 2 finale of HBO's The Rehearsal aired, leaving audiences stunned and social media buzzing. Titled My Controls, this episode pushed the boundaries of reality TV with a jaw-dropping stunt orchestrated by Nathan Fielder—a real commercial flight packed with over 200 actors. As fans grapple with the blend of comedy, risk, and ethical questions, it’s no surprise that The Rehearsal is trending today. Let’s dive into why this finale has everyone talking.
A Quick Recap of The Rehearsal
The Rehearsal, created by Nathan Fielder, is a docu-comedy series that premiered on HBO on July 15, 2022. The show’s unique premise involves creating hyper-realistic simulations to help people—or in Season 2, industries—prepare for high-stakes scenarios. After a successful first season, HBO renewed the series on August 19, 2022, paving the way for an even bolder second season. This time, Fielder turned his focus to aviation, attempting to 'rehearse' safer air travel by staging scenarios aboard a real jet. If you’re new to the series, check out the official page on HBO for more.
Season 2: From Premiere to Finale
Season 2 of The Rehearsal kicked off on April 20, 2025, with the episode Gotta Have Fun, setting the stage for Fielder’s most ambitious project yet. Over the weeks, viewers watched as he meticulously planned in-flight scenarios, blurring the lines between simulation and reality. The culmination came on May 25, 2025, with the finale My Controls, which has since sparked endless discussions. According to The Ringer, this episode featured a real jet flight with actors as passengers, a stunt that was equal parts spectacle and ethical minefield.
The Shocking Stunt That Defined My Controls
What sets the Season 2 finale apart is the sheer audacity of Fielder’s vision. As The Ringer describes,
“The jet will be another sound stage of sorts—all the passengers are actors, given lines to speak ahead of time—but it's also a real jet, flying through the real sky.”
This merge of controlled chaos and genuine risk left viewers on edge. The idea of scripting a flight with hundreds of actors while airborne raises questions about safety, consent, and the limits of art. For a deeper dive into the episode, Esquire’s analysis offers additional context.
Critical Reactions and Emotional Impact
Critics have been quick to weigh in on the finale’s impact. The AV Club called it groundbreaking, stating,
“Nathan Fielder delivers his greatest twist to date in The Rehearsal's season 2 finale.”
Beyond the spectacle, the episode taps into deeper themes of control and vulnerability. Watching Fielder orchestrate real danger under the guise of comedy is as unsettling as it is mesmerizing. Fans are left wondering where the line between sincerity and performance truly lies, especially with the episode’s closing montage of Fielder repurposing decommissioned jets—a moment ripe for memes and debate.
Watch the Highlights Yourself
If you haven’t seen the finale yet, these clips provide a glimpse into the madness and genius of My Controls. Here’s the Season 2 trailer and a snippet from the finale episode to get you caught up.
Conclusion
✔️ The Season 2 finale of The Rehearsal has redefined what reality TV can be with a real jet stunt that’s both thrilling and controversial.
✔️ As discussions about ethics and Fielder’s methods continue, this episode cements his reputation as a provocateur who makes us laugh—and squirm.
