Nobody Wants This: A Fun Take on Love and Tradition
What if two people are perfect for each other, except for one thing? It’s a question many couples face, though not quite in the dramatic fashion we often see on television. TV shows thrive on this tension — think of Ross and Rachel’s will-they-won’t-they dynamic spanning ten seasons. Once characters like Nick and Jess from “New Girl” or Ben and Leslie from “Parks and Recreation” get together, the writers must find new conflicts or tensions to keep things interesting.
Netflix’s new romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This, created by Erin Foster, takes a fresh look at this question. The series revolves around whether a rabbi can date someone who isn’t Jewish, and while the answer seems clear, the show focuses on everything outside of that central conflict, which is what makes it compelling.
Starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, the series pairs two characters from very different worlds. Brody plays Noah, a well-respected rabbi recovering from a breakup with Rebecca (Emily Arlock), who was ready to settle down with him in his community. Bell plays Joanne, an agnostic sex podcast host, a persona that Noah’s traditional mother (played by Tovah Feldshuh) would likely find nightmarish.
The show appears to favor Noah, whether intentionally or not. His character and backstory are much more developed than Joanne’s, who, frustratingly, is left with untapped potential. While Noah grapples with his emotional baggage, career, and extended community, Joanne’s journey feels surface-level. The pilot introduces her as someone actively trying to make healthier relationship choices, but this is more of a statement than an actual exploration of growth. Though she has close friends, their conversations revolve around her love life and podcasting, which doesn’t get much screen time beyond some Big Spotify Meetings. In contrast, Noah’s role as a rabbi is deeply explored, becoming the focal point of the show’s conflict.
This imbalance between their characters is noticeable. For instance, Joanne’s podcast could create friction in their relationship, but instead, it strains her bond with her sister and podcast co-host Morgan (Justine Lupe), whose skepticism about the relationship deserves more attention than it gets.
The show’s central question is posed early on and remains a lingering thread throughout its ten episodes. Efforts to keep Noah and Joanne apart feel underwhelming. They take turns being open to the relationship, then switching roles conveniently. While there are missed opportunities for deeper exploration, such as Joanne’s discomfort with religion or Noah’s feelings about their relationship being public on her podcast, these plotlines aren’t fully developed. Even a double con that arises later in the series is resolved too quickly.
Despite these shortcomings, the chemistry between Brody and Bell is undeniable. Their dynamic makes the series enjoyable, and the supporting cast, although inconsistently written, is endearing. Justine Lupe and Sherry Cola bring charm to their roles, while Timothy Simons shines as Noah’s “loser sibling” in a particularly heartwarming subplot about being a dad. The show also offers an empathetic view of Rebecca, Noah’s ex, exploring how it feels to see someone move on so publicly.
Ultimately, Nobody Wants This answers its central question clearly — yes, a rabbi can date a non-Jewish woman. But it’s the journey, with all its humor and heart, that makes the show worth watching.
Read More Createsnews: –
Sarajevo Film Festival Reveals Lineup for 30th Edition, Featuring Five World Premieres
Netflix’s ‘The Perfect Couple’ Premieres September 5
Magali Benejam Corte Crowned Miss Universe Argentina 2024: A Night of Triumph and History