Inspired by creator Erin Foster’s personal experiences, Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” depicts sizzling chemistry between rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) and agnostic relationship podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell). Known for their roles as teen, snarky heartthrobs in “The O.C.” and “Veronica Mars,” these TV stars flaunted their dramatic acting chops and reminded viewers how gracefully they have aged.
Bell and Brody are joined by a stellar supporting cast, setting the show apart from typical narratives about mismatched lovers by presenting a storyline with legitimate stakes for Noah and Joanne. While there are issues with the depiction of Jewish women, the show’s positive storylines — focusing on emotional intimacy and vulnerability blended with humor — should not be overlooked.
A charming dinner meet-cute reveals the show’s central conflict: Can a romance work between a rabbi and a non-Jewish woman? The two tiptoe around this topic as sparks fly, and they are instantly smitten with one another. Noah’s wit and smooth nature charm Joanne, while her honesty offers Noah a new perspective. Still, nothing is worse than for a rabbi to date a shiksa, a gentile woman. The two engage in a dance between two worlds, enjoying their time together while fearing the rift in their life experiences will eventually pull them apart and the music will sadly end.
No one wants that music to end more quickly than Noah’s parents and his former near fiancée. His immigrant parents Bina (Tovah Feldshuh) and Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor) worry that dating a non-Jewish woman will jeopardize his chance at the senior rabbi position at his temple. Meanwhile, Rebecca (Emily Arlook), Noah’s ex, tries to poke holes in his new relationship. The only family member remotely supportive is Noah’s brother Sasha (Timothy Simon), but he caters to his wife’s every demand, who is Rebecca’s best friend. The interplay between external familial issues and internal drama with Noah and Joanne helps the series transcend genres, appealing to a broader audience.
What the show does best is balance humor with emotionally raw, vulnerable moments. A visit to a sex shop prompts a discussion about fears of emotional intimacy. After Noah makes a mistake, the couple has a frank conversation about “the ick” — when a romantic partner does something that irrevocably changes how you view them. These deep conversations highlight a healthy relationship, as Noah and Joanne support and communicate with each other. While most shows depict mistakes or poor communication in relationships, “Nobody Wants This” subverts expectations by doing the exact opposite. Instead, most of the issues relate to some of the criticisms the show has received in the press: its depiction of Jewish women.
The Jewish women in the series actively attempt to thwart Joanne and Noah’s relationship and are depicted as villains. Each episode includes a plotline or a cruel remark that Noah and Joanne have to navigate. This one-dimensional portrayal prompted an outcry from members of the Jewish faith, but I believe the show’s most entertaining moments stem from this conflict; a particular prosciutto fiasco comes to mind. Jewishness plays a role in obstructing their relationship, but this concept is based on reality — specifically, Erin Foster’s relationship with her Jewish husband (who is not a rabbi). The negative portrayal should have been handled more tactfully, but focusing on one flaw in an otherwise phenomenal show — likely to be remedied with the hire of a Jewish showrunner — ignores how heartwarming, authentic and funny it truly is.
Other plotlines are morally complex as well. The negative depiction of Jewish women may have been somewhat intentional when depicting the friendship between Sasha and Joanne’s sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe). Their witty banter is a reliable source of laughs, especially when they compare themselves to their siblings. But underneath the humor is tension, particularly when Sasha and Morgan keep their friendship a secret from their respective families. This plotline offers a nuanced exploration of boundaries, especially for married men with female friends who worry about their wives’ reactions. One of the show’s best strengths is its ability to push boundaries and shine a light on subjects rarely discussed in society.
In response to the show’s title, I can unequivocally say that I do want this, and I am not alone. Society needs more depictions of emotionally healthy relationships where people mature and grow as human beings together. The series is incredibly intoxicating to watch, and I would be surprised if you do not find yourself as captivated by it as Noah and Joanne are with each other.
