12 Shows Like The Rehearsal and Other Comedic Docu-series

Shows like The Rehearsal and other documentary comedies blur the line between traditional comedy and real-life personalities, and it is for this reason that this subgenre has garnered a devoted audience looking for the next quality show to scratch their itch. If you’re one of those people, then you’re in the right place, as we’ve done the leg work and created a list of 12 shows just like The Rehearsal.

The Rehearsal features Nathan Fielder, who also acts as the executive producer as a host of sorts, who helps ordinary people living their everyday lives, practice conversations that they are yet to have, by recreating those exact situations through the use of sets and paid actors. This show is a spin-off Of Nathan Fielder’s previous show, Nathan for You.A highly regarded show and subject to immense critical acclaim, The Rehearsal is noted for its use of absurdist comedy and deadpan delivery to create a truly hilarious show that will keep you rolling over for hours as you binge. Check out this list for more of that.

1. Joe Pera Talks To You (2018)

Joe Pera Talks To You features comedian Joe Pera as a fictionalized version of himself. He spends his days talking to us, the viewers, about mundane and simple things like breakfast, work and dreams. This version of Pera lives in Michigan and works as a choir conductor at a middle school in the Upper Peninsula

It shares the same deadpan style of delivery with shows like The Rehearsal, and goes against the grain for shows of this type, due to the more soft spoken nature of its host. It’s been hailed as the “anti-cringe” of comedy shows, taking away focus from outlandish gags and delivery. If you fancy this style, give it a try.

2. How To with John Wilson (2020)

Every comedic docu-series needs a strong protagonist as its center, as seen in series similar to The Rehearsal. How To with John Wilson is one of the lot, and as expected it focuses on John Wilson as he gives personal advice to his viewers in short 25 minute episodes. The show is shot in the streets of New York in a documentary style.

How To with John Wilson can be truly thought-provoking at times, and equally strange too. This show has been praised for having a good blend of documentary styles all mixed together to create a satisfying whole. It was recently renewed for its third season on HBO, so check it out there if you have a subscription.

3. Good Timing with Jo Firestone (2021)

Good Timing with Jo Firestone is a comedy docu-series centered on Jo Firestone and a group of 16 elderly women. Jo sits down with her ‘students’ during the pandemic to help this group of octogenarians perfect their comedic skills, all culminating in their very own live stand-up show headline.

The show is a lighthearted romp similar to series like The Rehearsal, with this group of women seeing the humor in their relatively mundane lives. Good Timing with Jo Firestone earned plaudits from critics and viewers alike, and is definitely worth your time.

4. Nathan for You (2013)

As previously noted, Nathan for You preceded The Rehearsal. The show focuses on Nathan Fielder, a graduate of business school, who uses the skills he has learnt to help small businesses going through rough patches to turn a profit. He goes above and beyond to create life changing plans for his clients

However, the more outlandish his plans and proposals, it seems the harder it fails. An undisputed critical success, Nathan for You has been called a brilliant comedy that makes good use of cringe humor and awkwardness to drive home his jokes. If you enjoy shows like The Rehearsal, then there’s no doubt you’ll love the one that birthed it.

5. The Eric Andre Show (2012)

One of the craziest shows on TV, The Eric Andre Show is a sketch comedy show that aims to parody the usual late night talk show style through the use of surreal and dark comedy. Eric Andre alongside his co-host Hannibal Buress then tries to unsettle their guests with the use of sometimes aggressive or strange monologues.

In the same way as series similar to The Rehearsal, Eric Andre plays a fictional version of himself in The Eric Andre Show. The show has been described as “possibly the weirdest ten minutes on contemporary television”, and I can’t but not agree, if you don’t believe, then take a look for yourself. The Eric Andre Show airs on Adult Swim. breathe life into old shows such as these. If you enjoy series like Beef, make sure to check this out.

6. Trigger Warning with Killer Mike (2019)

Things get a bit serious in Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, compared to series like The Rehearsal. This show, hosted by American rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render, explores deep seeded issues affecting America, including drugs, gang violence, racism, poverty and many other issues.

This show still finds the space to be witty and funny, helped immensely by Killer Mike’s natural charisma, as he puts himself in some really hilarious situations, like taking a group of gangsters to a bank to secure a loan to fund a new business idea. Check this out on Netflix if you get the chance.

7. Nirvanna the Band the Show (2016)

Set in Toronto, Canada, Nirvanna the Band the Show is a Canadian mockumentary series that follows a duo known as “Nirvanna the Band”, two lifelong friends and current roommates that go around the city of Toronto engaging in hijinks with the aim of getting themselves a gig at The Rivoli.

This is a feat that seems impossible at first due to their inexperience. A good mix of scripted comedy, candid scenes and improvised comedy makes Nirvanna the Band the Show one of the funniest shows to come out of Canada. The duo’s chemistry is sure to keep you entertained should you decide to watch, especially if you enjoy series similar to The Rehearsal.

8. Dog Bites Man (2006)

Dog Bites Man is styled as a parody of the usual local news broadcast. This news channel team hails from the town of Spokane, Washington. Unfortunately, the station has been struggling of late, in terms of rating, but they try to turn their fortunes around by traveling round the country to record their news broadcasts.

This show aired on Comedy Central from 2006, and was produced by DreamWorks Television. This show was one of Zach Galifianakis’ first Comedy Central roles, as he played Alan Finger, the show’s unreliable director who also doubles as a musician. If you like the style of shows like The Rehearsal, this is the kind of show for you.

9. On Cinema (2012)

Also known as On Cinema at the Cinema, On Cinema is an American comedy web series and podcast which features comedy duo Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington who appear as themselves in the show. The show was picked up by Adult Swim in 2015, and is premised on the duo giving reviews of films without any actual insight or useful criticism.

On Cinema, similar to shows like The Rehearsal has garnered a cult following who call themselves “Greggheads” or “TimHeads”. The show has recently moved, however, from Adult Swim to HEI Network, so you can catch up on it there if you find the premise as interesting as their fans.

10. Review (2014)

Another mockumentary series similar to The Rehearsal, Review tries to parody the reality TV show aesthetic. A critic known as Forrest MacNeil goes around participating in different life experiences, before turning around to ask his audience for their rating, judging whether the experience is good or not.

Review has been praised for its subversive and sometimes even dark humor. Andy Daly who plays Forrest MacNeil is especially lauded for his embodiment of the extremely sarcastic, self-confident and ultimately self-destructive character. Retaining a high quality from start to finish, this is one show that you can sit back, relax, and binge to your heart’s content.

11. Who is America? (2018)

Sacha Baron Cohen takes a break from playing dictators and spies, to play a collection of interesting characters all by himself, from conspiracy theorists to liberal lecturers to ex-convicts. Who is America? is all about this group of individuals who represent different parts of the political spectrum with their own unique views.

Who is America? is a hilarious political satire filled with nihilistic humor and social commentary that can be surprisingly deep at times. Critics have however labeled it as too relevant as we are currently in a climate where politicians already “say crazy things” If you do want to see more of that regardless then check this out, especially if you’re a fan of series similar to The Rehearsal.

12. Important Things with Demetri Martin (2009)

Money and power, Important Things with Demetri Martin is all about these themes. Created by and starring Demetri Martin who also acts as a composer on the show, this sketch-variety show contains various sketches, animated segments and stand-up comedy routines all revolving around the previously mentioned themes.

Important Things with Demetri Martin was a massive success when it aired on Comedy Central. It premiered to over 2.4 million viewers in the US, making it the best performing show at the time since Chappelle’s Show. If you want to know what the hype is all about and above all if you love shows like The Rehearsal, then treat yourself to some laughs with this one.