In the latest episode of The Rehearsal, titled “Star Potential,” Nathan Fielder explores a fascinating connection between a pressing airplane safety issue and a personal challenge he faced regarding censorship. Fielder, known for his unique comedic style, observes the communication struggles between pilots and their first officers, which he believes contributes to airplane accidents. This reflection triggers a memory from late 2023, when he discovered that Paramount+ Germany had removed an episode of his acclaimed series, Nathan for You, titled “Horseback Riding / Man Zone.” This decision stemmed from Paramount+ feeling uncomfortable about any content related to antisemitism following the Israel/Hamas conflict.
Fans of Nathan for You will recall that “Horseback Riding / Man Zone” is significant for launching Summit Ice, Fielder's real-life outdoor apparel company dedicated to raising funds for Holocaust awareness. Following the decision by Paramount+ to remove the episode, this action rippled across its global offices, further complicating the accessibility of Fielder's work. In this week's episode of The Rehearsal, Fielder expresses regret over not fighting harder against Paramount+’s decision, leading him to create an elaborate role-play scenario where he confronts a fictional executive from the platform.
In a provocative scene set in a Nazi-esque war room, Fielder challenges the fictional executive, stating, “Look, I know you guys probably feel a lot of shame about what you did in the past, and now you’re trying to overcompensate by being the world leaders in fighting antisemitism.” He emphasizes the importance of allowing Jewish voices to express themselves freely within the realm of art, a sentiment that resonates strongly given the current cultural climate.
For those unfamiliar with the removed episode, it delves into the creation of Summit Ice, developed after Fielder learned that his former favorite jacket brand, Taiga, had published a tribute to a Holocaust denier. The concept behind Summit Ice was to create the “first outdoor apparel company to openly promote the true story of the Holocaust.” Initially aiming for subtlety with the slogan “Deny Nothing,” Fielder, through interactions with a rabbi, was encouraged to adopt a more direct approach, incorporating stark Holocaust imagery into the branding.
Following the recent episode of The Rehearsal, Summit Ice has undergone a significant transformation. The website now announces a “new era for Summit Ice,” introducing the Cypress Collection and a revised mission statement. Since its inception in 2015, Summit Ice has focused on producing premium outdoor apparel while raising awareness about the Holocaust, with profits supporting educational programs aimed at combating intolerance.
The new mission statement acknowledges previous shortcomings in product quality, stating, “For nearly a decade, we’ve made the mistake of putting our charitable goals ahead of the quality of our products.” In October 2023, sales had plummeted by nearly 90%, prompting a reevaluation of their approach. The company is now committed to enhancing product quality while continuing to support Holocaust education initiatives, emphasizing that charity does not necessitate a compromise on quality.
In addition to “Horseback Riding / Man Zone,” other episodes of Nathan for You are also facing accessibility issues on Paramount+. Notably, the second-season episode “Daddy’s Watching / Party Planner” has been removed in certain regions, and “Taxi Service / Hot Dog Stand” is currently unavailable in the United States. Paramount+ has not provided comments regarding these removals or the allegations made by Fielder, further complicating discussions surrounding the suppression of Jewish art.
As Fielder continues to challenge the boundaries of comedy and censorship, the message remains clear: in the face of adversity, it is essential to confront uncomfortable truths and advocate for artistic expression.
