Have you ever anxiously played out every possible scenario in your head before a big moment? What if you could do that "for real"?
That's the basic idea behind The Rehearsal, an absurdist comedy meets reality show that's got people asking a lot of questions.
Here's what we know about it.
What happens in the show?
So far, one episode of the HBO show by Canadian comedian Nathan Fielder has dropped — let's stick to the set-up and avoid any big spoilers.
Fielder posts an ad on Craigslist asking someone to respond if there's "something they're avoiding".
Enter a trivia-loving teacher from Brooklyn, Kor Skeet, who has been telling a lie.
He's told his trivia team (which Fielder tells us is his "life") that he has a Master's degree when he doesn't.
Not such a big deal? Turns out he's afraid one person's reaction might be "violent" and mean.
Fielder offers to prepare him for his confrontation down to the most minute detail, including building intricate replicas of places in Mr Skeet's life so he can "practice" with a range of actors.
Are the scenarios *really* real?
You'll have to go with your instincts on this one.
HBO hasn't said if the show involves a script or not, but without giving too much away, the first episode reveals enough detail to see the lead "characters" are seemingly real people.
Regardless, it has people questioning what's real, thinking about how they interact with others, and praising the show for tackling social anxiety.
Who is Nathan Fielder?
He's known for his awkward comedy style, playing versions of himself including as a marketing expert helping struggling businesses in a Comedy Central show, Nathan for You.
In his own words, he says in The Rehearsal:
"Humour is my go-to instinct but every joke is a gamble."
What's the response been like?
It's been pretty good so far — review aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes says critics have been 93 per cent positive and it has 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb.
And a big talking point has to be the ending (which we won't spoil):
It also has people after their very own a laptop harness:
I want to watch it. Where can I see it in Australia?
There are six episodes in total and the first episode is streaming on Binge now.
The next one drops on Saturday afternoon.
