Netflix has recently premiered a new romantic comedy series, 'Nobody Wants This,' created by Erin Foster and starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The show, which debuted on September 26, 2024, follows the unlikely relationship between Joanne, an outspoken and agnostic woman, and Noah, an unconventional Jewish rabbi.
The series centers around Joanne (played by Kristen Bell), a sex and dating podcaster, and Noah Roklov (played by Adam Brody), a rabbi who ends his relationship with his Jewish girlfriend. The two are introduced at a dinner party hosted by Ashley, Noah's neighbor and Joanne's agent. This chance meeting sparks a series of events that explore themes of interfaith romance, personal growth, and the challenges of balancing different lifestyles.
Cast and Characters
The main cast includes Justine Lupe as Morgan, Joanne's younger sister and podcast co-host, and Timothy Simons as Sasha Roklov, Noah's older brother. The show also features a diverse ensemble of recurring characters, including Jackie Tohn, Michael Hitchcock, Paul Ben-Victor, Sherry Cola, and Tovah Feldshuh.
Production and Reception
The series was greenlit by Netflix in March 2023, with Erin Foster serving as the creator and co-executive producer alongside Kristen Bell and Steven Levitan. The production involves several companies, including Steven Levitan Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment, and 20th Television. The show has received generally favorable reviews, with a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 73 out of 100 on Metacritic.
Critics have praised the chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, as well as the show's thoughtful exploration of interfaith relationships. However, the series has also faced some criticism for its portrayal of Jewish characters, with some viewers finding the representations stereotypical and mean-spirited. Creator Erin Foster has responded to these criticisms, stating that the series aims to shed positive light on Jewish culture.
Special Guest Appearances
Fans of Kristen Bell's previous work will be delighted to see a reunion with her 'The Good Place' co-star D'Arcy Carden in 'Nobody Wants This.' Additionally, Ryan Hansen, known for his role in 'Veronica Mars' and 'Party Down,' makes a guest appearance in the series, reprising his character Kyle Bradway from 'Party Down' in a nod to his previous work with Bell.
Future of the Series
While there has been no official announcement from Netflix regarding a second season, the positive reception and engaging storyline suggest that 'Nobody Wants This' could potentially return for more episodes. Series creator Erin Foster has expressed interest in continuing the story, but any decisions on a second season are pending.
For those interested in learning more about the show's themes and characters, 'Nobody Wants This' is a great example of how romantic comedies can tackle complex issues while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining tone. To understand more about the genre and its evolution, you can explore the romantic comedy page on Wikipedia.
