Screen Queen TV Reviews: The Rehearsal, Andor, Bluey’s Big Play, Claire Hooper’s House of Games

The Rehearsal

Monday, streaming on Max

A few weeks back I got on my high horse about the lack of original programming on TV. At the time I was feeling miffed about The White Lotus, annoyed that the penultimate episode left me cold.

If only I’d known another season of Nathan Fielder’s truly bonkers series The Rehearsal was just around the corner.

This show! My goodness, it’s unlike anything you’re likely to see, well — ever.

For the uninitiated, season one saw the comedian and documentarian help ordinary people (were they ordinary? I’m not entirely sure they weren’t actors) prepare for significant moments or difficult conversations by constructing elaborate simulations to help them game out their responses.

He took it to the extreme, building sets designed to mirror actual places in the participant’s life (perfect down to the last detail), and hiring actors to game out the conversations — all very odd. The show divided audiences into those that thought it a work of genius from a brilliant comedian, and those who flat-out didn’t understand it. For the record, I think I lay somewhere in between.

This second season takes the “rehearsal” conceit even further, except this time Fielder is using his expertise in creating lifelike simulations to help the aviation industry. Yes, you read that right: he’s delving into a very real pilot issue that is a contributing factor in plane crashes, hoping to use his show as a way to help solve it — not exactly “comedy”, right?

This is something Fielder addresses, and honestly, I’m still not sure I understand fully what any of it is about. But one thing’s for certain: this ain’t no samey-same, paint by numbers TV . . . for better, OR worse.

You’re going to want to check this one out.

Bluey’s Big Play

Sunday, 7.30pm, ABC Family

I’m not crying — YOU’RE crying. This little play, which has been doing the rounds globally, is based on Bluey, and it’s absolutely the sweetest thing you will see this week — maybe ever. A great watch with the kids.

Claire Hooper’s House Of Games

Monday, 6.30pm, ABC

Remember when we were growing up and we all sat down to watch the same shows at the same time? Those days are long-gone, and I miss them. There was something comforting about knowing Degrassi High and Roger Ramjet were on each weeknight before the news.

But, rejoice! Because this new game show, running at 6.30pm each weeknight, might just be the thing to fill the void.

Based on a UK format, it sees a bunch of celebs competing for silly prizes in a series of brain-teasers and trivia questions — think Spicks And Specs meets Sale Of The Century. It’s EXACTLY what I want on in the background while I make dinner — here’s hoping it sticks around.

Andor S2

Wednesday, streaming on Disney Plus

Diego Luna is back as everyone’s favourite Rebel, and season two sees him inching closer to the events that play out in A New Hope. Believe the hype: this one is well worth a watch.

Etoile

Thursday, streaming on Prime Video

This series is from the creators behind Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It’s all about two ballet schools in New York and Paris, and stars both French and American actors, including Charlotte Gainsbourg and Luke Kirby. Can’t tell you more, which is annoying, because I have THOUGHTS.