A good romantic comedy must allow its audience to escape their current reality. It must transport them to a world where everything revolves around two people and nothing else. The viewer must feel the rush and incredibly exciting firsts the characters endure.
Erin Foster’s “Nobody Wants This,” streaming on Netflix, is a fun watch. What separates this rom-com from others is its ability to execute this specific story in a satisfying way.
The series has its stereotypes, as many in the genre tend to have, but it is also centered on Jewish culture. To properly establish a world where the characters feel true can be rare, but Foster’s vision was perfectly portrayed by the cast as they effortlessly illustrated this unique love story.
The series is centered around two individuals, Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, and Noah, played by Adam Brody. Joanne is a complicated and outspoken podcaster. Noah is an unconventional rabbi.
The leads stole the show, but the ensemble captivated viewers every second on screen. For example, Justine Lupe, who plays Joanne’s sister, Morgan, and Timothy Simons, who plays Sasha, Noah’s brother, were incredible. They have this charm and charisma that worked harmoniously with those they shared a scene with.
The series starts off by illustrating Joanne (Bell) and Morgan (Lupe) in their element: podcasting. The women implement casualness within their work in order to allow audiences to feel empowered. It is defined and strongly emphasized that Joanne does not have luck when it comes to love, often due to her outspoken views on relationships and her refusal to conform to societal expectations about romance.
As soon as we get a glimpse of Noah (Brody), we see him and his long-time girlfriend split up due to communication issues. Similarly, they both are not in a good place within the love department.
Not long after, Joanne (Bell) and Noah (Brody) cross paths at a mutual’s party. Throughout the night, both express interest in one another through witty banter. Later that night, she comes to find out he’s a rabbi, reinstating her bad luck. As someone not religious at all who had interest in Noah, the exact opposite, they seem like an unlikely pair.
After on and off will-they-won’t-theys, they become a couple. The chemistry between the two is unmatched; both Brody and Bell make this pair make sense.
Both characters have their flaws and fears, which makes them easy to understand. Coming from complicated pasts, it is comforting to see them tackle personal issues together.
From family drama to religious differences to work complications, the show’s electric script breathes life into every episode. Every scene feels purposeful and thought out.
The series does not take itself too seriously, which is honestly so refreshing. The series does not take itself too seriously, which is honestly so refreshing. Set in a modern urban landscape filled with vibrant personalities and diverse perspectives, it understands the complexities of contemporary relationships and the societal pressures that come with them. Its audience—millennials and Gen Z viewers navigating their own journeys of love, friendship, and self-acceptance—finds relatable humor and insight in the show’s authentic portrayal of life’s messiness.
The best way to describe the show would be sexy, romantic and witty.
It takes turns and leaves its viewers on its toes, as both friends and family strongly disapprove of Noah (Brody) and Joanne’s (Bell) relationship. Although it can be serious at times, it stays true to the genre: romantic comedy.
Without spoiling too much, this show was a 10/10 bingeable series. There are hints of old 1990’s rom-com nostalgia in every episode. It is ridiculously fun, and one thing you can definitely expect is a great kiss.
If you are a lover of this genre, give this show a try. The title may be deceiving, but everybody wants this type of love.
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