Nobody Wants This, Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, presents a refreshingly offbeat love story between Joanne (Kristen Bell), an agnostic sex podcaster, and Noah (Adam Brody), a charming but conflicted rabbi. This series explores the contrast between their worlds in a hilarious yet heartfelt way, examining the balance between love, faith, and identity. The chemistry between Bell and Brody is electric, adding depth to their quirky, mismatched relationship. The show blends witty humour with thoughtful commentary on religion and modern relationships, provoking thought and introspection in the audience and making it both funny and surprisingly introspective.
One of the show’s biggest strengths is its rich, well-drawn supporting cast. Characters like Joanne’s sister, Morgan and Noah’s ex, Rebecca, provide layers of tension and comedy, contributing to the show’s unpredictable plot twists. It shines in moments where comedy collides with serious life questions, such as when Joanne confronts her insecurities about not fitting into Noah’s religious world. The show is well-paced, allowing for moments of quiet reflection amidst laugh-out-loud comedy. The writing, infused with creator Erin Foster’s real-life experiences, gives the series an authentic touch that makes the narrative relatable, even as it navigates unique cultural differences.
Despite its charm, Nobody Wants This sometimes struggles with tonal balance. The show often shifts abruptly between its rom-com antics and more profound, serious themes, such as the tension between religion and personal freedom. While the humour is consistently strong, exploring these weighty themes sometimes feels superficial. For instance, Noah’s struggle to reconcile his faith with his love for Joanne is an exciting premise, but the show glosses over the complexities of this conflict in favour of light-hearted moments. This could leave viewers wanting more depth from the characters’ internal dilemmas.
Additionally, some of the secondary storylines, like Morgan and Sasha’s relationship drama, feel underdeveloped and distract from the main focus. These subplots are occasionally humorous but lack the emotional weight needed to support the overarching narrative. At times, the pacing of the show falters, with episodes leaning too heavily into comedic situations that don’t further the characters’ growth or the central plot. This imbalance can make specific episodes feel uneven, detracting from the series’ overall momentum.
As someone intrigued by the intersection of personal identity and cultural expectations, I found the show particularly compelling in its portrayal of these struggles. Noah’s journey to balance his religious obligations with his romantic desires resonated deeply, reminding me of the complexities many people face when merging different aspects of their lives. Likewise, Joanne’s insecurities about not fitting into Noah’s world—while still staying true to herself—felt very relatable. The show does an excellent job of portraying how love can both challenge and enrich one’s sense of identity, a theme that struck a personal chord with me.