Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Nobody Wants This, which has been winning hearts and breaking barriers with its fresh take on unlikely romance and interfaith relationships.
Nobody Wants This premiered on September 26, 2024, delivering 10 episodes with approximately 30 minutes of runtime each, now available for streaming on Netflix. This American romantic comedy series created by Erin Foster stars Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, and Timothy Simons. The show centers on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman who hosts a sex podcast and an unconventional rabbi who finds himself newly single.
What makes this series particularly refreshing is its honest portrayal of modern dating challenges, especially when two people from completely different worlds try to make a relationship work. The show doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexities of interfaith relationships, family expectations, and the clash between progressive and traditional values. The chemistry between Bell and Brody has been widely praised, with many noting their natural comedic timing and authentic romantic connection.
The series has been recognized with Golden Globe nominations and has garnered critical acclaim for its smart writing, realistic dialogue, and nuanced approach to contemporary romance.
An agnostic sex podcaster who co-hosts a show with her sister
Nobody Wants This follows Joanne (Kristen Bell), an agnostic sex podcaster who co-hosts a show with her sister, and Noah (Adam Brody), a recently single rabbi who’s trying to navigate his new life after a breakup. When they meet at a dinner party, their instant connection surprises everyone, including themselves. The series explores how their relationship develops despite their vastly different backgrounds, beliefs, and lifestyles.
The show brilliantly balances comedy with genuine emotional depth, showing how love can bloom in the most unexpected circumstances. The central conflict revolves around whether their relationship can survive the pressure from their families, their communities, and their own personal doubts about their compatibility.
Joanne: The Podcast Host Finding Love
Kristen Bell delivers a standout performance as Joanne, bringing her signature charm and comedic timing to the role of a woman who built her career talking about sex but struggles with genuine intimacy. Joanne’s character arc explores her journey from someone who approaches relationships with cynicism and humor to someone willing to be vulnerable and fight for love.
What makes Joanne compelling is her authenticity and her refusal to change who she is to fit someone else’s expectations. Bell masterfully portrays a character who is confident in her beliefs but open to growth, creating a protagonist who feels both relatable and aspirational. Her chemistry with Adam Brody is electric, making their unlikely pairing feel both surprising and inevitable.
Noah: The Unconventional Rabbi
Adam Brody brings depth and charm to Noah, a rabbi who doesn’t fit the traditional mold of religious leadership. His character represents the struggle between personal desires and professional obligations, between progressive thinking and traditional expectations. Noah’s journey involves learning to balance his faith with his feelings, his community responsibilities with his personal happiness.
What makes Noah particularly interesting is how the series avoids stereotypes about religious figures. He’s portrayed as a complex, modern man who happens to be a rabbi, not a caricature. Brody’s performance captures both Noah’s wisdom and his uncertainty, his dedication to his faith and his willingness to question established norms.
Family Dynamics and Cultural Clashes
The series excels at depicting the complex family dynamics that surround interfaith relationships. Both Joanne and Noah face pressure from their families and communities, creating obstacles that feel authentic and emotionally resonant. The show doesn’t present easy solutions but rather explores how love requires compromise, understanding, and sometimes difficult conversations.
The supporting cast, including Justine Lupe and Timothy Simons, provides excellent comedic relief while also representing the different perspectives and challenges that interfaith couples face. The series uses humor to address serious topics without minimizing their importance.
The Chemistry and Relationship Development
The heart of Nobody Wants This lies in the natural chemistry between Bell and Brody, whose characters navigate the complexities of modern romance with wit and authenticity. Their relationship develops organically, with the series taking time to show how they complement each other while also highlighting their differences.
The show’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of how relationships require work, compromise, and honest communication. The series doesn’t rush their romance but allows it to build naturally, making viewers invested in whether they can overcome their obstacles.
Success on Netflix
Nobody Wants This has become a breakout hit on Netflix, earning a remarkable 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and consistently ranking on the platform’s Top 10 TV list. The series has resonated with audiences who appreciate its smart writing, authentic performances, and fresh take on romantic comedy. The show’s success led to its renewal for a second season, set to premiere on October 23, 2025. Critics have praised the series for its Golden Globe-nominated performances and its ability to tackle serious themes with humor and heart, making Nobody Wants This a standout addition to Netflix’s romantic comedy catalog.
If you love romantic comedies with genuine heart, smart dialogue, and characters who feel like real people, Nobody Wants This is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of Bell and Brody’s chemistry, thoughtful writing, and authentic exploration of modern relationships makes this show a delightful watch that will leave you rooting for love to conquer all.
Nobody Wants This delivers a refreshing and authentic take on modern romance, proving that love can bloom in the most unexpected places when two people are willing to embrace their differences and fight for their connection.
Series Details:
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Platform: Netflix
- Rating: 7.6/10 (IMDb), 94% (Rotten Tomatoes)
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
- Main Characters: Kristen Bell (Joanne), Adam Brody (Noah), Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons
- Antagonist: Cultural differences and family expectations (no single traditional antagonist)