Five minutes into Netflix’s breakout hit, “Nobody Wants This,” you may start to believe you could write the closing scene of the season finale for all its familiarity of plot, and, yet, you still find yourself diving heart first into this classic tale-as-old-as-time love story, just to see how it ends.
Inspired by creator Erin Foster’s real-life backstory with her husband, this newest iteration of the rom-com has skyrocketed to the top of the streaming platform since its September 26 release, besting, among others, the more macabre Monsters juggernaut. Despite its formulaic structure — clash of culture narrative and series of comedic missteps meant to exacerbate the couple’s familial differences — much of the success of the “Nobody” series lands on the palpable chemistry the two leads, played by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, bring to their onscreen alter egos.
“Nobody Wants This,” follows the romantic life of Joanne (Bell), a L.A.-based sex and relationship podcaster and professed agnostic, who falls for Noah (Brody) an unconventional Jewish rabbi, hoping to someday take over as head of his synagogue. It is a relationship that by all accounts should not work, but, in true cinematic form, does.
The series opens with the popular podcaster who has been questioning her dating choices from behind the mic when she first meets the modern-day rabbi at a dinner party — he, himself, fresh out of a long-term relationship with family favorite, and, perhaps, better suited Jewish former girlfriend.
As the seemingly odd couple come together, they must navigate the challenges of their differing lifestyles through well-timed awkward moments and unlikely circumstances. I mean, it’s not everyday you would find a rabbi in an adult toys shop. If you know, you know.
Nevertheless, the pair’s unlikely romance is most decidedly built on the proverbial opposites attract paradigm that employs every possible incompatibility trope, right down to the meddling families who seemingly know what’s best for the star-crossed lovers. And, of course, not far afoot, are the couple’s ever-present wingmen. Always available to bring the laughs and save-them-from-themselves wisdom, the lovable sidekicks here take the form of their siblings, younger sister Morgan (and podcast co-host) to Joanne and older brother Sasha to Noah, played respectively by Justine Lupe, best known for her role as Willa in HBO’s mega-hit Succession, and actor/comedian Timothy Simons, of Veep fame.
Known for her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, Bell continues to solidify her depth and authenticity as a romantic lead. While Brody succeeds in bridging gentlemanly charm and unassuming presence with fully-realized sex appeal, even as rabbi. The Gen Z members of his synagogue do refer to him as “Hot Rabbi” for good reason.
While the series works at bringing a modern-day edge to this dynamic, the series succeeds in adding nothing new to the conversation for why polar opposites seeming work as ideal mates.
At times, what does not always work is the rapid pace at which the relationship develops. Outside of physical attraction, there is no nuanced a-ha moment or well-versed monologue to explain why we should care as to why they were truly drawn to each other to start. Maybe, as outside observers, we are just simply left to accept that they do.
At other times, the series pushes too hard on the negative Jewish stereotypes, particularly those surrounding Jewish women, on the one end, and the exaggerated family dynamic on the other end, with the portrayal of Joanne’s rather eccentric and evolved parents.
Though you may find yourself throughout the 10-episode series whispering under your breath, “I have seen this film before, and I think I did like the ending,” the premise still works for the hundredth time, in part, because of its underlying charm and the characters who remain likable throughout, almost nostalgic, and even beautiful to look at. But, if being completely honest, sometimes as a guilty pleasure,
“Nobody” allows you to just get lost in the romantic sentiment of it all, and the hope that love can truly conquer all.
And, despite what the series’ title would suggest, viewers have shown this type of love story IS what they want. And, to give viewers their due, “Nobody Wants This” has been renewed for a second season on Netflix.
On the KP Scale, would give it a 7 out of 10. :-)
What did you think of the series?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
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