18 TV Series Filming Rehearsals as Bonus Content

Behind the scenes, rehearsals are a crucial step in making a TV show or movie, but most viewers never see them. This is when actors polish their performances and stunt teams practice difficult sequences. Sometimes, studios share this rehearsal footage with fans as a special bonus, offering a look at all the hard work that goes into production. Here’s a look at some shows that have given us a peek behind the curtain.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The documentary The Last Watch gives a personal and moving look behind the scenes of the final season of the show. It shows the cast coming together for their last table read, where you can see their genuine reactions – especially from Kit Harington – as they discover how their characters’ stories end. The film highlights the difference between the relaxed setting of the read and the grand scope of the finished series. It’s a special look at the actors coming to terms with the end of a ten-year experience.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

As a huge fan, I was so excited to see the bonus feature on the box set – a table read of the ‘Blood Money’ episode! It was incredible to hear Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul bring their characters to life just reading the script; you could already feel the tension building towards the series finale. It really gave me a glimpse behind the scenes and let me hear the raw dialogue before it was filmed, which was a special treat. You could feel the cast realizing they were nearing the end, and it was a really powerful experience.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

The final home video release features the entire cast and creator Greg Daniels doing a full table read of the last script. It’s a touching session where you can see the actors read through the script together for the very first time, sharing real moments of laughter and emotion. This footage beautifully captures the connection between the actors that made the show so special over its nine seasons, offering a glimpse of their unpolished performances before filming on set.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

I just watched the footage of the cast doing the table read for the final season, and it was incredible! You could see their genuine shock as they read through the big plot twists – honestly, my jaw dropped right along with theirs. It’s a really cool way to get fans excited while we wait for the new episodes, and it’s amazing to see how much the actors have grown. The video really captures the energy in the room, and it felt like we were all discovering what happens to Hawkins and the characters with them and the showrunners. It definitely sets the mood for what’s to come!

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

As a huge fan, I’ve been loving the home video releases! It’s amazing to see things like the table reads for the first episode – Bob Odenkirk and the whole cast working through the script together. You really get a sense of how they figured out their characters’ voices right from the beginning, with Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould guiding them. They even read the stage directions out loud to help everyone visualize the scenes! Honestly, watching these rehearsals gives you a whole new appreciation for how much thought and creativity went into making the show.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

The cast came together online to perform a reading of the ‘Cooperative Polygraphy’ episode as a fundraiser, giving fans a chance to see them play their characters again. Pedro Pascal stepped in to read lines originally performed by Walton Goggins, and fit right in. The video showcases the group’s lasting chemistry and talent for improvisation, even years after the show finished. It’s a special treat for devoted fans.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–)

New videos show just how much training Henry Cavill did to prepare for the sword fights in his role as Geralt. They compare early, unedited practice footage with the polished final scenes, highlighting the work that went into creating the action. Sword fight choreographer Wolfgang Stegemann collaborated with the actors to create exciting and safe combat sequences. The rehearsal footage really shows the incredible athleticism and commitment required for these fantasy action scenes.

‘Marvel’s Daredevil‘ (2015–2018)

The release of this Marvel series includes behind-the-scenes footage that reveals the incredible work that went into its famous hallway fight. A featurette shows stunt coordinator Philip J. Silvera teaching the actors the complicated moves for the stairwell fight. Charlie Cox and his stunt double explain how they practiced to perform the entire scene in one, unbroken shot. These clips really show how physically challenging it was for the actors to make the show feel so realistic.

‘The Boys’ (2019–)

The studio has released videos showing how they plan and rehearse the action sequences. These videos compare early animated storyboards with footage of the actors practicing the stunts. Stunt coordinator John Koyama collaborates with the cast to make the superhero fights realistic and exciting. The clips often feature the actors in training clothes, perfecting complex wire work – like the fight with Stormfront. This gives viewers a better understanding of the real-life effects used alongside computer-generated imagery.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–)

Videos released alongside the show often show the actors spending weeks practicing their karate moves in the dojo. They learn complicated martial arts combinations to make the tournament scenes look real. Short behind-the-scenes features showcase how stars like Xolo Maridueña physically prepare for each season. These rehearsals are essential for keeping the fight scenes both safe and believable.

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015–2019)

The ‘Fight Camp’ series of bonus features shows the intense martial arts training led by Daniel Wu for the show’s cast. The stunt team created complex, Hong Kong-style action scenes involving weapons and wirework. This behind-the-scenes footage reveals that the actors did a lot of their own fighting, with minimal use of stunt doubles. The rehearsals highlight the show’s dedication to realistic martial arts filmmaking.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Behind the scenes footage on the home video release details the intense fight between Jack Crawford and Hannibal Lecter, featuring insights from Mads Mikkelsen and Laurence Fishburne. The actors reveal how their dance and stage combat experience helped them choreograph the fight with precision. The footage also shows the meticulous planning that went into safely demolishing the kitchen set during the scene, highlighting the show’s unique combination of grace and brutality.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

The home video releases include a fascinating look behind the scenes at how the show creates its zombie crowds. Viewers can see the training sessions led by executive producer Greg Nicotero, where hopeful extras learn to convincingly portray the undead. These auditions and rehearsals focus on perfecting the walkers’ movements and expressions, ensuring a consistent and terrifying performance that helps maintain the show’s scary atmosphere.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

The DVD for the musical episode ‘Once More, with Feeling’ includes a special feature showing how it was made. It follows Sarah Michelle Gellar and the rest of the cast as they spent weeks practicing the singing and dancing needed for this unusual episode. The featurette shows their progress from early, uncertain rehearsals to the final, polished performances, and really emphasizes how much work went into creating such a unique episode.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

The DVD sets include behind-the-scenes footage of ‘dance boot camp,’ where the actors learn the show’s complex musical numbers while facing a lot of pressure. Choreographer Zach Woodlee leads challenging rehearsals that show both the hard work and the strong bond between the performers. Viewers get a glimpse of how performances like ‘Like a Prayer’ came together, from the first practice sessions to the final stage show. These extras really demonstrate the actors’ skills in singing, dancing, and acting.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975–)

The popular sketch comedy show often shares videos of dress rehearsals online. These clips show sketches that didn’t make it into the actual broadcast, including moments where cast members slip up or try out different jokes. The footage gives viewers a glimpse of the fast-paced, high-pressure world of live TV production and the creative process that happens before the show airs.

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–)

The show Doctor Who Confidential often included footage of the actors practicing their lines and planning their movements on set. Episodes featured actors like Matt Smith working on their performances and dialogue before filming began. This behind-the-scenes look gave dedicated fans a unique glimpse into how the show was made, and these segments were a regular part of the show’s extensive coverage of the production process.

‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ (2017)

This Blu-ray set features a fascinating documentary offering a rare look at David Lynch directing his actors, particularly Kyle MacLachlan. Instead of relying on interviews, the documentary shows Lynch working directly with the cast, carefully guiding their movements and how they deliver lines to create his signature, dreamlike style. It’s a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse into his unique directing process, letting viewers see how he shapes a performance as it happens.

Tell us which of these rehearsal clips you found most revealing in the comments.

2025-12-12 19:16