Los Angeles, California — In a recent episode of “The Rehearsal,” Nathan Fielder turned the spotlight on a troubling development in his past work, tackling the removal of a specific episode from his previous series, “Nathan for You,” from Paramount+. Fielder is known for his intricate portrayals of social dynamics, and this episode showcased his unique approach to confronting the real-world consequences of a controversial choice made by the streaming platform.
Titled “Horseback Riding/Man Zone,” the episode highlights Fielder’s distinctive comedic style while navigating the complexities surrounding his outerwear brand, Summit Ice. This brand emerged from a troubling incident in which Taiga, a clothing company, issued a tribute to a Holocaust denier. In response, Fielder launched Summit Ice with a mission centered on Holocaust remembrance, directing all proceeds toward related organizations. The comedic narrative intertwined with impactful themes remained a hallmark of his work, as he even convinced a sporting goods store to display a sobering array of historical information alongside his jackets.
However, during the latest installment of “The Rehearsal,” Fielder disclosed that the episode featuring Summit Ice has been taken down from streaming platforms globally. He noted that this decision stemmed from “sensitivities” cited by Paramount’s German division regarding the episode’s Holocaust engagement. The removal sent ripples throughout the entertainment industry, prompting discussions about the broader implications for content involving Jewish themes on major streaming services.
Fielder pointedly remarked on the discrepancies he found within the Paramount+ catalog, highlighting that searches for “nazi” and “Hitler” return numerous results, while queries for “Judaism” yield none. “We’ve been erased,” he asserted, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for visibility of Jewish narratives in media and entertainment.
Despite having moved on from “Nathan for You,” Fielder remains entangled with Paramount+. His Showtime series, “The Curse,” is currently in limbo regarding a second season renewal. Acknowledging the perhaps precarious nature of addressing these issues, Fielder engaged actors to simulate a meeting with Paramount+ Germany’s head, preparing himself intensively for the encounter.
The removal of the controversial episode has sparked conversation around not just comedic freedom, but also the responsibilities of media companies in preserving historical context. Fielder’s unique form of rehearsal serves not only as comedic performance art but also as a lens through which to reflect on these significant issues in today’s digital landscape.
For those interested in Fielder’s previous works, “Horseback Riding/Man Zone” remains available for streaming on Max, alongside the entire series of “Nathan for You.” Following an internal review, a spokesperson for Paramount+ confirmed the episode’s removal, yet further comments from the company remain forthcoming.