Comedian Nathan Fielder appeared on CNN this week following the conclusion of the second season of his HBO series The Rehearsal.
Known for his unconventional, dry style of humor, Fielder used the interview to discuss the show’s themes—while unexpectedly putting CNN anchors Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown in an awkward on-air moment.
The Rehearsal is structured around Fielder helping people prepare for real-life scenarios by simulating them in elaborate detail.
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The second season tackled a variety of situations, one of which drew inspiration from the aviation industry, particularly the topic of pilot error and cockpit communication breakdowns.
The segment referenced a longstanding aviation safety concern: incidents where co-pilots hesitate to challenge the authority of the captain, leading to fatal consequences.
John Goglia, a former official with the National Transportation Safety Board, has previously advocated for greater incorporation of these dynamics into pilot training and simulations.
However, according to Fielder, such suggestions have often been dismissed by industry leadership.
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Fielder brought this topic into the interview with Blitzer and Brown, referencing the winter’s deadly mid-air crash at Reagan National Airport, where pilot error was cited as a contributing factor.
While the topic was serious, Fielder transitioned from the aviation example into a joke that visibly surprised the CNN hosts.
Drawing a parallel between pilots who fail to speak up and on-air personalities, Fielder deadpanned, “It’s kind of like the two of you… maybe you’re withholding things you really want to say to each other.” The joke was met with awkward silence from the anchors, who appeared momentarily unsure whether he was serious.
Viewers online noted that while some audience members found the moment hilarious, the hosts did not appear amused.
The segment, while brief, quickly circulated on social media.
CNN anchor gets visibly uncomfortable when Nathan Fielder suggests there are moments when she doesn’t want to express criticism to Wolf Blitzer given his prominence at the network.
“We like each other and we talk to each other,” Blitzer insists. pic.twitter.com/K3d4l9YovI
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) May 29, 2025
Reactions were mixed—some praised Fielder’s ability to bring deadpan comedy into a tightly scripted media environment, while others questioned whether CNN was the right venue for his approach.
Comedian/actor @nathanfielder:
“I think these days a lot of people will go to, like, alternative news sources or, like, comedy podcasters to get the word out about stuff. You know, like, Joe Rogan or Theo Von. But for me, it’s still CNN, all the way.”
Greatest trolling ever? pic.twitter.com/H4HA2b5vEi
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) May 31, 2025
One viewer commented, “If I were producing at CNN, I’d never let him on the air again.”
Others appreciated the change of tone, noting that the exchange, though awkward, offered a rare light-hearted moment that didn’t escalate into political outrage or heated rhetoric.
Fielder has built his career on these types of unexpected and often uncomfortable interactions.
His humor style leans heavily on understatement and intentional awkwardness.
While it doesn’t resonate with all viewers, it has earned him a dedicated fan base and recognition for pushing the boundaries of traditional television formats.
The second season of The Rehearsal continues to explore how individuals prepare for emotionally complex or high-stakes situations.
Fielder’s incorporation of real-world systems—such as aviation safety procedures—into the show’s narrative has sparked discussions not only about comedy but also about the real-life challenges people face in communication, authority, and decision-making.
As for CNN, the segment stands out as a rare moment where a guest used humor to subtly critique the hosts in real time—something not often seen on a network known for its structured format. Whether Fielder will be invited back remains to be seen.
Watch the full interview:
Anyone who’s looking for the whole CNN interview with the ‘Miracle over the Mojave’ pilot, Nathan Fielder, here you go. pic.twitter.com/dLbwUtC1Ta
— Kate Hyde (@KateHydeNY) May 29, 2025
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