Joao Nsita
- Sep 26
- 7 min read

TV Review: 'Nobody Wants This'— Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s Crackling Chemistry Can’t Save Netflix’s Uneven Rom-Com

Updated: 5 days ago

Movie Review: 'Nobody Wants This'— Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s Crackling Chemistry Can’t Save Netflix’s Uneven Rom-Com

Netflix’s Nobody Wants This reunites beloved stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in a rom-com that, on paper, seems like a winning formula. However, while the film offers moments of humor, charm, and a sprinkling of wit, it ultimately struggles to balance its tone, leaving viewers wanting more from its potentially rich premise.

The show kicks off with an irresistible premise. Joanne (Bell), a Los Angeles-based podcaster, spends her time recounting her hilarious and disastrous dating life with her sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe). However, things take an unexpected turn when she meets Noah (Brody), a charming, self-aware rabbi fresh out of a relationship that wasn’t really his choice. The twist? Joanne’s a classic shiksa—meaning the very non-Jewish, nontraditional, blonde heroine of Noah’s rather orthodox love story.

What follows is a somewhat conventional rom-com setup with Joanne and Noah’s chemistry at the forefront. It’s filled with meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and a series of classic sitcom tropes, which, unfortunately, make the show feel overly familiar at times.

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Shine in Nostalgic Pairing

If there’s one reason to watch Nobody Wants This, it’s for Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s undeniable chemistry. The two actors, both of whom became iconic for their sarcastic, whip-smart TV personas in the early 2000s (Veronica Mars and The O.C., respectively), share a natural, easy rapport. Watching them flirt, bicker, and navigate the pitfalls of modern love is undeniably fun.

Bell, playing the slightly clueless but endlessly charming Joanne, makes her character feel likable, even when she borders on being willfully ignorant about Noah’s Jewish identity and culture. Brody, meanwhile, strikes the perfect balance between self-deprecating humor and heartfelt earnestness. His portrayal of Noah, the rabbi torn between tradition and passion, brings depth to what could have easily been a one-note character.

Their interactions provide the emotional anchor of the series, making their growing relationship believable and even heartwarming at times. Whether they’re sharing a quiet moment at a Havdalah service or sparking banter in a sex toy shop, Bell and Brody's dynamic is magnetic enough to hold your attention through the show’s weaker moments.

Unpacking the Jewish Stereotypes

One of the more unique aspects of Nobody Wants This is its willingness to explore Jewish culture. But here lies the show’s biggest double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see a mainstream rom-com that not only includes but centers on Jewish characters and traditions, featuring everything from Havdalah services to Jewish summer camps.

Yet, while the series brings specificity to its world, it too often falls back on tired stereotypes. From jokes about “shiksa” love interests to Noah’s overbearing, old-world Jewish mother (Tovah Feldshuh), the humor sometimes borders on cliché rather than subversion.

Creator Erin Foster, whose own life partly inspired the story, clearly has a personal connection to the material, which makes it more disappointing when the series veers into stereotypical territory. It’s easy to appreciate scenes that celebrate Jewish rituals or poke fun at cultural quirks—like Noah’s pick-up basketball team, the Matzah Ballers—but less enjoyable when it reduces certain Jewish characters to caricatures, particularly the portrayal of Noah’s family.

Comedy That Leans Into Sitcom Tropes

If you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, Nobody Wants This has plenty to offer. Expect all the familiar rom-com beats—awkward family introductions, bungled weekend getaways, and contrived misunderstandings galore. The formulaic nature of these setups will feel like well-worn territory for fans of the genre, though it doesn’t always work in the show’s favor.

At times, the reliance on sitcom tropes becomes tiring, especially when the series fails to offer a fresh spin on the material. There are moments where the humor crackles, such as a running joke about "The Ick"—that inevitable point in a new relationship when one person does something off-putting that changes everything. But more often than not, the show plays it safe with predictable storylines and overused jokes.

The podcast subplot, where Joanne and Morgan dish on bad dates, offers potential for biting commentary on relationships and media, but it remains underdeveloped. Instead, Nobody Wants This prioritizes a fairly shallow exploration of Joanne’s career, leaving plenty of room for growth if the show returns for a second season.

Supporting Cast and Missed Opportunities

The supporting cast does well with the material they’re given, though many characters feel underutilized. Justine Lupe’s Morgan has solid comedic timing, and her witty exchanges with Bell help keep the sibling relationship at the heart of the story. However, some of her humor veers into uncomfortable territory, especially when it involves casual antisemitic jokes that feel out of place.

Timothy Simons, as Noah’s goofy younger brother, provides comic relief but lacks depth, while Jackie Tohn, as the resentful Esther, adds tension to the family dynamic without much nuance. And then there’s Sherry Cola, woefully underused as the third co-host of Joanne and Morgan’s podcast. Given her hilarious performance in Joy Ride, it’s a shame the show doesn’t give her more to do.

One standout is Shiloh Bearman, playing Noah’s niece. Her character provides some of the series' most grounded and heartfelt moments, often acting as the voice of reason amid the rom-com chaos.

Final Thoughts: A Flawed but Promising Rom-Com

At its core, Nobody Wants This succeeds as a breezy, lighthearted rom-com that doesn’t demand too much from its audience. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s delightful chemistry makes it easy to root for the central romance, even as the show stumbles over uneven writing and tired tropes.

Still, for a show that has the potential to offer a fresh perspective on interfaith relationships and modern dating, Nobody Wants This often feels like a missed opportunity. While it’s funny and charming in parts, it falls short of delivering the depth and subversiveness that recent rom-coms like You’re the Worst or Colin from Accounts have achieved.

FAQS for Nobody Wants This

1. What is Nobody Wants This about?

Nobody Wants This is a romantic comedy centered on Joanne (Kristen Bell), a podcast host who chronicles her disastrous dating life with her sister. Her world turns upside down when she falls for Noah (Adam Brody), a charming rabbi who challenges her perceptions of love, faith, and cultural differences.

2. Who are the main actors in Nobody Wants This?

The series stars Kristen Bell as Joanne and Adam Brody as Noah. Other notable cast members include Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Jackie Tohn, and Tovah Feldshuh.

3. Is Nobody Wants This based on a true story?

The show is partially inspired by creator Erin Foster’s real-life experiences. While the specific events are fictional, the themes of dating, podcasting, and interfaith relationships stem from her personal life.

4. What is the significance of the title Nobody Wants This?

The title refers both to Joanne’s podcast, where she shares stories of romantic misadventures, and the idea that her budding romance with Noah faces resistance from various angles—both due to their religious differences and her skeptical approach to love.

5. How does the show incorporate Jewish culture?

Jewish culture is an integral part of the story, with Noah being a rabbi. The show includes Jewish rituals, holidays, and humor, though it sometimes leans into stereotypes. It explores the tension in interfaith relationships, particularly between a Jewish man and a non-Jewish woman (a "shiksa").

6. Is Nobody Wants This suitable for all audiences?

The show is rated for mature audiences, with some adult humor, sexual references, and brief discussions of sensitive topics. While it has the tone of a light-hearted rom-com, it touches on mature themes like relationships, faith, and family dynamics.

7. How many episodes are in Nobody Wants This?

The first season of Nobody Wants This consists of 10 episodes, each running for approximately 30 minutes.

8. Will there be a second season of Nobody Wants This?

As of now, there’s no official announcement about a second season. However, the show leaves plenty of room for further character development, and the chemistry between Bell and Brody suggests that more stories could be explored.

9. How does the relationship between Joanne and Noah develop throughout the show?

The relationship between Joanne and Noah begins with light-hearted banter and a strong romantic spark. However, as the series progresses, they encounter obstacles due to their cultural and religious differences, leading to moments of conflict, personal growth, and reconciliation.

10. What sets Nobody Wants This apart from other rom-coms?

Nobody Wants This stands out by integrating Jewish culture and humor into the traditional rom-com formula. While it relies on familiar tropes, the unique dynamic between a rabbi and a shiksa, along with the strong performances from Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, give it a fresh twist.

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