If you still haven’t watched Netflix’s latest rom-com sensation, “Nobody Wants This,” let me tell you — you’re missing out! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn, settle in and be prepared to binge-watch the whole thing. And, just a heads up, you might want to have some tissues on hand. This show hits harder than you’d expect.
Starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This” isn’t your typical, sleek, feel-accurate rom-com. Oh no, it’s better. What makes this series stand out isn’t just the stellar casting (though Bell and Brody are spot-on), but also the manner in which it portrays a “realistic” love story. You recognize the kind that feels real — relatable, messy and imperfect. Honestly, I didn’t comprehend how I craved this form of rom-com till I commenced watching.
Kristen Bell plays Joanne, a fun-loving, outspoken spirit who hosts a podcast with her sister about dating and sex. She’s wild, independent, and, well, let’s just say religion isn’t really her thing. On the flip side, Adam Brody plays Noah, a calm and soulful rabbi with deep religious beliefs — yeah, kind of the opposite of Joanne. They meet at a mutual friend’s party, and right away, you can feel the sparks fly, but the show doesn’t rush it. Instead, we watch as their relationship develops at a pace that feels natural. No whirlwind romance here.
And this is where the show really sets itself apart. It doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges that come with being a couple from two completely different worlds. Joanne is this party-loving free spirit, and Noah, well, he’s a rabbi. Cue the conflict, right? But instead of glossing over it, the show dives into how they handle these differences, and how Noah, in particular, offers Joanne reassurance and support every time things get tough. It’s about compromise, communication and understanding. And that’s what makes it feel so real.
What’s especially significant is how the show chooses to focus on these qualities rather than relying on the typical rom-com miscommunication trope that frustrates the audience yet always delivers a happy ending. Instead, the frustration we feel is grounded in the fact that the issues are real and persistent, despite the couple’s best efforts to work through them. This honesty in the storytelling adds a layer of depth and makes the relationship struggles feel more relatable and enduring.
One of my favorite things about this show is how it emphasizes the importance of talking things out — whether it’s between Joanne and Noah or their families. When they open up, it’s like this massive weight lifts off their shoulders. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s executed beautifully. I especially loved this line: “I can handle you.” It’s not just sweet, it’s powerful. It shows that love is about accepting someone completely, quirks and all.
And speaking of quirks, let’s talk about the “ick.” You know, that little thing someone does that suddenly makes them seem less attractive? Joanne is all of us — she’s had her fair share of icks, and she’s not shy about sharing them on her podcast. But here’s where it gets interesting: the show flips the script and shows that with the right person, those “icks” don’t really matter. It’s a refreshing take, and honestly, it gives hope to anyone who’s ever let something small stand in the way of something big.
There’s also a fun subplot with Joanne’s sister, Morgan, who’s initially not thrilled about Noah. Why? Well, she’s worried that if Noah’s “the one,” Joanne will be happy and leave her behind. Plus, their podcast thrives on Joanne’s wild dating stories — what happens if the stories stop? It’s such a relatable fear, and it adds another layer of realism to the story.
And then there’s Noah’s family. Of course, they’re not thrilled about him dating Joanne, who they consistently refer to as a shiksa (a gentile girl or woman, often derogatory). There’s even this hilarious yet awkward scene where Joanne brings a charcuterie board with pork (yes, pork!) to meet Noah’s parents. (Pork is not kosher, meaning it doesn’t meet the dietary laws observed in traditional Jewish practice). Joanne faces the relatable struggle of trying to fit in with a new partner’s friends and family, dealing with challenges because of his ex Rebecca and, of course, her being a shiksa. But eventually, they start to like her, and it all works out!
Throughout the series, we see Joanne and Noah face real challenges, from family disapproval to personal insecurities. And yet, through it all, it’s their open verbal exchange and willingness to put in the work that strengthens their relationship. It’s a reminder that love isn’t so much about grand gestures or happily-ever-afters — it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.
So for all the ladies out there who worry they’re running out of time and settling for red flags – don’t. Seriously. There’s a Noah out there for you, a sweet, sensible guy who’s worth the wait. And this show is proof that real love isn’t perfect, it’s just real.