It almost sounds like the beginning of a joke — a cynical relationship podcaster meets a rabbi. While there are plenty of laughs to be had in the new series “Nobody Wants This,” inspired by creator Erin Foster’s real-life love story (given that she was a cynical writer till she met her Jewish husband), the series delves into themes far more substantial than mere comedy. It explores the dynamics of interfaith romance, the pressures exerted by familial expectations, and the ever-volatile love, hate, and competition that characterize sibling relationships. The fact that these insights are presented in small, easily digestible episodes adds an appealing layer to the show.
The protagonist, Joanne (portrayed by Kristen Bell), is the co-host of a highly successful podcast about sex and relationships. She runs the podcast with her outspoken and witty sister, Morgan (played by Justine Lupe). Joanne is known for her skeptical views on love until she meets Noah (Adam Brody), a rabbi who is ready to propose to his perfect Jewish girlfriend. However, Noah is thrown off balance when he discovers she’s already wearing the engagement ring because she didn’t see the need to wait. This unexpected twist leads to their breakup.
Following a disastrous date, which ends with Morgan rescuing Joanne after a pit stop at an ATM (because, as their mother always says, you need cash at the end of the world), Joanne heads to a party hosted by her best friend and agent, Ashley (Sherry Cola). Unbeknownst to her, Noah, who is Ashley’s neighbor, is also at the party, seeking solace after his recent heartbreak. Their meet-cute is filled with charm and sparks fly almost instantly between Joanne and Noah. However, their budding romance faces several obstacles.
Foremost among these is Noah’s professional life. His boss, Rabbi Cohen (Stephen Tobolowsky), bluntly informs him that to ever become the head rabbi at Temple Chai, he would need a Jewish wife. This sets the stage for ongoing tension between Noah’s professional ambitions and his personal life. As Joanne continues her romance with Noah, her podcast suffers. Big companies, interested in investing in the show, begin to lose interest as Joanne appears to morph into someone else just to please Noah.
. This transformation is noted keenly by Morgan, who believes Joanne is diluting her essence in an effort to fit into Noah’s world. This disagreement strains the sisters’ relationship.
Familial dynamics add another layer of complexity. Joanne’s divorced parents—her mother Lynn (Stephanie Faracy) and her newly out gay father, Henry (Michael Hitchcock)—are accepting and curious about Noah. However, Noah’s family is far less welcoming. Noah’s mother, Bina (Tovah Feldshuh), scrutinizes Joanne intensively, being both Noah’s “favorite person in the whole world” and his harshest critic. His father, Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor), tries to maintain harmony, whereas his brother, Sasha (Timothy Simons), is more supportive. Sasha’s wife, Esther (Jackie Tohn), who is friends with Noah’s ex-girlfriend Rebecca, sides firmly against Joanne.
A subplot that many viewers find endearing involves Sasha and Morgan finding common ground in their perceived status as the “loser siblings” of the family. Their camaraderie adds another charming facet to the show. Meanwhile, the series offers several comedic high points, including a basketball game, moments of winning over significant others, escapades at Jewish camp, and Joanne’s insecurities when juxtaposed with the seemingly perfect Rebecca, who embodies confidence without needing social media validation.
A memorable narrative arc involves crashing a Bat Mitzvah party, a sequence that crowdsources ample humor from cultural clashes and personal awkwardness. A particular scene that stands out involves Joanne investigating Noah, channeling her inner Carrie Bradshaw, only to find a cast of Rebecca’s baby foot—a peculiarly touching yet “cutely creepy” memento.
Ultimately, “Nobody Wants This” is anything but unwanted, as the irony of its title becomes evident through its engaging content. The series’ episodes, brief as petit fours, glide by effortlessly with the added sweetness of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s delightful chemistry. Their charm keeps the storyline captivating and ensures that viewers keep coming back for more.
“”Nobody Wants This” is currently streaming on Netflix and promises to be a joyous binge, balancing humor with relatable, real-life dilemmas in a way that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
