18 TV Series Filming Rehearsals as Bonus Content

Filming rehearsals are a vital part of the production process that audiences rarely get to witness. These moments allow actors to refine their performances and stunt teams to perfect complex choreography before the cameras start rolling. Studios occasionally release this footage as bonus content to give fans a deeper appreciation of the work involved. The following list explores television series that have shared these fascinating glimpses into their creative preparation.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

The documentary The Last Watch offers an intimate look at the production of the final season by featuring the cast gathering for the final table read. Viewers witness the emotional reactions of Kit Harington and others as they learn the fates of their characters. The footage reveals the stark contrast between the casual reading environment and the epic scale of the finished show. This bonus content provides a rare glimpse into the actors processing the conclusion of a decade-long journey.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

The complete series box set features an exclusive table read for the episode ‘Blood Money’ where the cast gathers to read through the script. Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul deliver powerful performances even in this seated setting which sets up the final confrontation of the series. The featurette highlights the tension in the room as the actors realize the story is coming to an end. It allows fans to hear the dialogue in its purest form before filming began.

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

The series finale home release includes a full-length table read featuring the entire cast and creator Greg Daniels. This emotional session shows the actors reading the final script together for the first time while sharing genuine laughter and tears. The footage serves as a sentimental document of the chemistry that defined the show’s nine-season run. Viewers get to see the raw performances before they were captured on the Dunder Mifflin set.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

Released footage of the cast reading the script for the final season captures the young actors reacting with shock to major plot twists. This table read serves as a promotional bridge for fans waiting for new episodes while highlighting the growth of the cast. The video emphasizes the emotional energy in the room that sets the tone for the upcoming season. It offers a candid look at the actors discovering the fate of Hawkins alongside the showrunners.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Home video releases include table reads for key episodes like the series premiere where Bob Odenkirk and the ensemble work through the script. The footage reveals how the actors found the voices of their characters early in the production alongside showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. These sessions often include stage directions read aloud to set the scene for the seated performers. Watching these rehearsals provides insight into the creative evolution of the spin-off.

‘Community’ (2009–2015)

The cast reunited for a virtual table read of the episode ‘Cooperative Polygraphy’ to benefit charity and allowed fans to see the actors reprise their roles. Pedro Pascal joined the ensemble to read the lines originally spoken by Walton Goggins in a seamless integration. The video captures the enduring chemistry and improvisational skills of the comedy troupe years after the show ended. It stands as a significant piece of bonus content for the dedicated fanbase.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–)

Behind-the-scenes featurettes reveal the rigorous sword fight training Henry Cavill undertook for the role of Geralt. The videos compare raw rehearsal footage with the final visual effects-heavy scenes to show the translation from gym to screen. Choreographer Wolfgang Stegemann works closely with the actors to design the visceral combat sequences safely. These rehearsals demonstrate the athletic dedication needed for high fantasy action.

‘Marvel’s Daredevil‘ (2015–2018)

The home release and online features for this Marvel series showcase the intense preparation behind its hallway fight sequences. Stunt coordinator Philip J. Silvera guides the actors through complex choreography in the stairwell fight featurette. Charlie Cox and his stunt double demonstrate the precision required to film continuous takes without cuts. These clips highlight the physical demands placed on the cast to achieve the show’s gritty realism.

‘The Boys’ (2019–)

Stunt breakdown videos released by the studio compare pre-visualization animations with rehearsal footage involving the main cast. Stunt coordinator John Koyama works with the actors to create superhero battles that feel grounded and dangerous. The clips often show the actors in practice gear working out wire stunts for scenes like the Stormfront fight. It gives fans an appreciation for the practical effects used alongside CGI.

‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–)

Training videos often included in releases show the cast practicing their karate choreography for weeks in the dojo. The actors learn complex martial arts combinations for the tournament scenes to ensure authenticity. Featurettes highlight the progress of stars like Xolo Maridueña as they undergo physical transformations for each season. These rehearsals are crucial for ensuring the safety and realism of the fight sequences.

‘Into the Badlands’ (2015–2019)

The fight camp series of extras documents the grueling martial arts training for the main cast led by Daniel Wu. The stunt team designs intricate Hong Kong-style action sequences that require the actors to use weapons and wires. This behind-the-scenes look proves that the actors performed many of their own fights without relying heavily on doubles. The rehearsals underscore the show’s commitment to authentic martial arts cinema.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Home media releases contain featurettes breaking down the fight between Jack Crawford and Hannibal Lecter with Mads Mikkelsen and Laurence Fishburne. The extras explain how the actors used their backgrounds in dance and stage combat to time the movements perfectly. Viewers can see the careful planning required to destroy the kitchen set safely during the confrontation. This rehearsal footage illustrates the blend of elegance and violence central to the show.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Extras on the home releases introduce viewers to the zombie school where background actors learn to move like the undead. Executive producer Greg Nicotero leads these auditions and training sessions to ensure a uniform performance style across the hoard. The footage shows aspiring walkers practicing their stumbling gaits and snarling expressions before being cast. This unique rehearsal process is essential for maintaining the show’s horror atmosphere.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)

The musical episode ‘Once More, with Feeling’ includes a comprehensive behind-the-scenes featurette on the DVD set. Fans can watch Sarah Michelle Gellar and the cast endure weeks of singing and dance rehearsals to prepare for the unique format. The extras show the transition from tentative practice sessions to the polished musical numbers seen on air. This look at the rehearsal process highlights the immense effort required for such a genre-bending episode.

‘Glee’ (2009–2015)

The DVD sets feature dance boot camp segments where the cast learns the show’s elaborate musical numbers under intense pressure. Choreographer Zach Woodlee pushes the actors through drills that capture the exhaustion and camaraderie of the ensemble. Viewers can see the evolution of specific performances like ‘Like a Prayer’ from the rehearsal studio to the stage. These extras highlight the triple-threat talent required for the series.

‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975–)

The long-running sketch show frequently releases dress rehearsal clips online that feature sketches cut from the live broadcast. Viewers can see cast members breaking character or trying out different jokes that did not make the final air. The footage offers a look at the high-pressure environment of live television production just hours before showtime. It reveals the comedic experiments that happen behind the scenes.

‘Doctor Who’ (1963–)

The companion series Doctor Who Confidential frequently aired footage of the cast rehearsing scripts and blocking scenes on set. Episodes show actors like Matt Smith working through the dialogue and refining their performances before the cameras roll. The documentary format provides a fly-on-the-wall perspective of the production process for dedicated Whovians. These segments were a staple of the show’s extensive behind-the-scenes coverage.

‘Twin Peaks: The Return’ (2017)

The Blu-ray collection includes a documentary showing David Lynch intimately rehearsing scenes with Kyle MacLachlan and the cast. Lynch is seen explaining precise movements and line deliveries to achieve his unique surrealist tone without traditional interviews. The features rely on raw on-set observation to show the director’s unconventional method. This allows fans to witness the artistic process of shaping a performance in real time.

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