Reaching Netflix’s number 1 spot on their Top TV List and hitting 15.9 million views in its second week of release, Nobody Wants This, is a 10-episode rom-com TV show released in September. Starring actors Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, the show explores the charming, unexpected, and complicated relationship between Joanne and Noah. Joanne is a 30-year-old podcaster who broadcasts her and her sex life all over the internet, and Noah is a Rabbi avidly pursuing his dreams of becoming Head Rabbi in his synagogue. The two struggle to navigate the challenges of not only current-day relationships but of a Rabbi dating a woman who isn’t Jewish. Ultimately, Noah is posed with an ultimatum of fulfilling his dream of becoming Head Rabbi or pursuing a relationship with the woman he loves despite the pressures of family and friends. Don’t worry, this is a spoiler-free review.
Nobody Wants This, filled with light-hearted humor, flirty banter, and sweet romance, caught everyone’s attention within the first 30 minutes. The first episode begins with Joanne and her sister Morgan’s podcast, talking about Joanne’s ability to find fault in every guy, and inability to choose the nice guy. Flipping to Noah’s situation, the scene depicts Noah and (now ex) girlfriend Rebbeca abruptly ending their relationship. This short, yet captivating 28-minute introduction to the characters, includes heavy flirting, witty jokes, and forecasts an intriguing relationship, leaving viewers of all ages and genders, dying to continue to the next episode.
The amazing cast makes this show lovable and endearing. The beautiful and talented Kristen Bell brings an incredible amount of energy and relatability to the character of Joanne. There is something special about Adam Brody, and it’s not just his good looks, he has an aura about him that charms viewers and his character. Noah’s vulnerability and experience with romantic issues help viewers feel close to him, and connect with him through the screen.
Throughout the show, Joanne bends over backward to get Noah’s family and friends to like her, but because she is “shiksa,” a non-Jewish woman, they don’t approve of her as Noah’s love interest. They want Judaism to continue through their family line, and with the uncertainties of Joanne’s faith, Noah’s mother is beyond disapproving. Noah’s mother Bina, portrayed as the stereotypical overbearing and opinionated Jewish mother, has led to critiques by some viewers as depicting Jewish women in a negative light. Though this may be true in some cases, the show was created to “shed positive light on Jewish culture,” and in my opinion as a Jewish viewer, Bina’s character undoubtedly adds to the humor of the show. Nobody Wants This highlights many positive and beautiful aspects of Judaism, which is warmly appreciated in our world which is currently full of antisemitism and hate.
Nobody Wants This is a heartwarming, relatable romantic comedy series that will surely make anyone laugh. Having watched this show three times, I know from experience that the jokes hit every time. Joanne’s chaotic life, warm-hearted relationship with her sister, and quick wit make it effortless for viewers to connect to her, especially in the episode “The Ick.” You can’t help but love Noah’s genuine and honest nature. The majority of the show paints Judaism favorably, except in some cases Jewish women are presented in a less impressive manner. Overall, this incredibly funny, carefree, and delightful show should be on the top of your watch list!