Love stories like Normal People and One Day often show intense emotions between soulmates who struggle to share their feelings. They rarely seem to be on the same page about starting a serious relationship. In contrast, Netflix’s new romantic comedy series, Nobody Wants This, offers a refreshing change.
Viewers can enjoy this comforting show without needing tissues. Created by Erin Foster, who drew from her own experiences, the series features Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as a couple with significant differences, especially regarding faith.
One character is an outgoing, agnostic podcaster, while the other is a kind rabbi. It seems unlikely they would meet, let alone fall in love. However, in a sweet and funny twist, they transition from strangers to lovers, and that is when reality sets in.
What Is ‘Nobody Wants This’ About?
Joanne (played by Bell) and her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe) host a podcast where they talk about their messy dating lives. Joanne usually dates toxic men, so her sudden interest in a newly single rabbi named Noah (Brody) is unusual.
She initially sees him as a grumpy, bearded man at a party because that is how she imagines a rabbi should look. She is surprised to discover that Noah is a cool, down-to-earth, and funny guy.
Although Joanne tells herself to wait before pursuing Noah—especially since he just ended a long relationship—she attends a Jewish service to see him again. As fate would have it, they start spending a lot of time together.
However, as their relationship grows serious, it becomes clear that they come from very different backgrounds. To make their relationship work, Joanne needs to open her mind to Judaism and learn more about Noah’s traditions.
Adam Brody and Kristen Bell’s Onscreen Partnership Is a Millennial Dream in ‘Nobody Wants This’
Religion is often shown in a strict way on TV, where attending services feels like a chore. But Nobody Wants This takes a different approach. Noah loves being a rabbi and genuinely cares about his community. He enjoys giving sermons and listening to Joanne without any judgment.
This warm and relaxed view of a spiritual leader feels refreshing, and Brody’s performance makes it even better. He played Seth Cohen in The O.C., a character who also had a Jewish background. Brody’s character struggled with his identity, even creating his own holiday called Chrismukkah. In Nobody Wants This, Noah is a more mature, emotionally open, and spiritually connected character.
When Noah meets Joanne, he is surprised to find himself drawn to someone so different from his usual type. He is especially taken aback by her being a “shiksa,” a term used for non-Jewish women. But just as Noah appreciates Joanne’s honesty and bubbly personality, viewers will also feel their chemistry.
Bell and Brody make a fantastic leading pair, and their on-screen connection feels like a perfect match for a millennial audience. Both actors became popular in the early 2000s, and viewers familiar with their past roles will likely be excited to see them together again.
Their love story is brightened by the joy and charm that Brody and Bell bring to their scenes. It feels believable that, despite their differences, these two can connect so well that they fall in love.
‘Nobody Wants This’ Is Elevated By Its Ensemble
In addition to the leads’ charming performances, the supporting cast enhances this Netflix original. As Noah and Joanne proceed their relationship and the Jewish customs Joanne is learning about, it is amusing to see how Morgan and Noah’s brother, Sasha (Timothy Simons), react to their unexpected bond.
Morgan feels upset that her sister is becoming more reserved about her dating life on their podcast and is trying to adapt to Noah’s customs. Still, she always supports her sister. On the other hand, Sasha does not judge Noah for dating a “shiksa.”
Instead, he becomes Noah’s confidant and ally, even though his wife Esther (Jackie Tohn) does not approve of her brother-in-law’s new girlfriend. Lupe and Simons add even more comedic moments to this lighthearted rom-com, making it an enjoyable watch.
Considering the carefully chosen leads and delightful ensemble, Nobody Wants This is a great romantic comedy to escape into. It presents a new perspective on the opposites-attract theme, highlighting the challenges of dating someone from a different background and belief system.
The show encourages viewers to reconsider their ideas about what an ideal partner or relationship looks like. Noah, a rabbi, and Joanne, a liberal podcast co-host, help each other grow in ways they had not yet embraced.
As they find common ground amidst their differences, viewers may also begin to reflect on their dating dealbreakers and whether these beliefs prevent them from discovering love in unexpected places.
Nobody Wants This offers a refreshing take on modern romance by showng the challenges and joys of love between two people from different backgrounds. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody shine as Joanne and Noah, capturing the essence of their mismatched yet charming connection.
The series balances humor with heartfelt moments, inviting viewers to rethink their own relationship expectations.
With a strong supporting cast that adds depth and comedy, this show stands out as an entertaining escape. Ultimately, it encourages audiences to embrace love in all its forms and to recognize the beauty found in unlikely pairings.
Nobody Wants This premieres on September 26 on Netflix.
