Nathan Fielder Slams FAA Over 'The Rehearsal' Criticism: 'They're Dumb'

On May 30th, 2025, Nathan Fielder, star of HBO's "The Rehearsal," publicly criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for their assessment of his show's exploration of pilot communication and safety. In a CNN interview, Fielder, himself a 737 pilot, stated, "That's dumb. They're dumb." This was in response to the FAA's statement that all pilots undergo extensive training. Fielder's critique highlights the show's central argument that poor communication contributes to airline accidents. The FAA spokesperson responded that all pilots are required to complete interpersonal communication training before starting work and on a recurring basis. Fielder countered that the training is inadequate, consisting mainly of PowerPoint presentations, and doesn't address the emotional aspects of high-pressure situations. The debate underscores the ongoing discussion about improving aviation safety and communication protocols.