I’ve never thought I would care so deeply about a rabbi and a podcast host in their midlife romantic journeys, but here I am.
On Sept. 26, 2024, many TV fanatics were blessed with a new hit rom-com show titled “Nobody Wants This”. The show stars two national treasures: Adam Brody playing a “hot rabbi,” Noah, and Kristen Bell as podcast host, Joanne. based on screenwriter and actress Erin Foster’s very true love story, the series tells the story of a freshly single rabbi and an outspoken podcast host as they cross paths and embark on their “Romeo and Juliet” type love story where they are destined for each other; however, the world, or, more accurately, their families and friends, desperately wants them apart. The ten-episode-long season depicts the ins-and-outs of their relationship while putting a comedic twist on the fun and bubbly romance of it all.
“Nobody Wants This“ curated the most fascinating watching experience that makes you want to binge the entire season without breaks. For a Netflix original, I was pleasantly surprised by the creativity and uniqueness of not only the series itself, but of each individual episode. Though labeled as a rom-com, I was skeptical about its progression from a romance series to a comedy; needless to say, I was proven wrong. In traditional rom-com fashion, episodes tend to be released sparingly and made for more episodic seasons. However, this show released all ten episodes at once, each under 30 minutes. Similar to a wide range of Netflix originals, I thought the progression would be slow and uninteresting. Instead, I found that the overused and unrealistic relationship tropes were out by the third episode when it started to become a stand-alone rom-com.
The show’s execution itself wasn’t the only thing making the story intriguing and setting itself apart from the average Netflix watch: the plot’s abnormality did as well. It’s not every day you see Jewish representation in any type of media, so as a half-Jew with a non-affiliated mom and a fully Jewish dad, I was extremely thrilled about this addition. Though I’ve seen preconceived stigmas about the Jewish community appear in media, “Nobody Wants This“ made their agenda to set these stereotypes straight, defying these toxic ideas with humor. However, even if the character’s religious backgrounds don’t match up with the audiences, the characters’ backgrounds are relatable and applicable to many individuals’ relationships: an overbearing mother-in-law, confrontational siblings and judgmental friends.
Aside from the obvious chemistry the two protagonists share, along with the plot that fuels their romantic antics, I’ve found that the show spans across audiences of any generation. Even though this show touches mainly on the romantic lives of 30-year-olds, it appeals to all. The relevancy of podcasts in this day and age as well as the characters’ ageless, playful attitudes and banter lends the show to a much wider audience, eliciting giggles from all who watch. The entirety of the show lacked the burden of responsibility in the reality of life, which is what television is supposed to do: free you of your worries.
“Nobody Wants This” also did the most phenomenal work of making you root for each and every character that was in each episode. Sasha, Noah’s much louder, quirkier older brother, happened to be one of my favorite characters, if not my absolute favorite by the end of the show. His endless well-intentioned, annoying pestering and outward weirdness created a very unique atmosphere found in few other shows. Yet it isn’t just Sasha that brings out the awkward vibes; each character brings their own special flair to the rom-com, whether it be Morgan, Joanne’s sister, with her bluntness, Esther, Sasha’s wife, with her mysterious aura or Ashley, Joanne and Morgan’s podcast manager, with her overconfidence.
If you’ve now been convinced to binge the entirety of this show in one sitting, don’t fret, there’s been confirmation for a second season under Foster along with additional showrunners. I cross my fingers that, under the collaboration of the showrunners, the show will only grow in its storyline instead of ruining the masterpiece that has already been created. Hopefully, we will see more development in Joanne and Noah’s relationship and the dynamics of the side characters in season two. Until then, I may have to binge the show one, two or ten times more.
