Erin Foster’s Nobody Wants This, now streaming on Netflix, is a lighthearted romantic comedy that provides the perfect escapism for viewers looking to immerse themselves in the charming yet predictable world of love and relationships. The series stands out from the crowd not just for its delightful humor but also for its thoughtful incorporation of Jewish culture, bringing a fresh perspective to the rom-com genre.
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Review
Contents
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Plot Summary:
“Nobody Wants This” is a romantic comedy series from Netflix starring Kristen Bell as Joanne, an oversharing podcaster, and Adam Brody as Noah, a sensitive rabbi who wins her heart. Inspired by the life of creator Erin Foster, the show takes a whimsical look at modern love in Los Angeles. The story follows Joanne, who co-hosts a podcast with her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), as she navigates chaotic relationships. Things take a turn when she meets Noah, recently out of a serious relationship. Despite their contrasting backgrounds—Joanne is not Jewish, and Noah is a devout rabbi—the two bond quickly, facing little resistance to their burgeoning romance.
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Cast:
- Kristen Bell as Joanne
- Adam Brody as Noah
- Justine Lupe as Morgan
- Tovah Feldshuh as Noah’s mother
- Jackie Tohn as Noah’s sister-in-law
- Timothy Simons as Noah’s brother, Sasha
- Emily Arlook as Noah’s ex
- Michael Hitchcock as Joanne’s father
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Review:
“Nobody Wants This” is a romantic comedy series that attempts to rekindle a micro-trend from a decade ago: an emotionally light, dialogue-driven series about self-involved creatives. The setting is the northeast corner of Los Angeles, where familiar faces like Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, stars from millennial favorites such as “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl,” evoke a sense of nostalgia for audiences. However, while the show captures the charm of its leading duo, it struggles to offer much depth, leaving viewers with a sugar-coated but forgettable experience.
The series follows the romance between Joanne and Noah, with seemingly no real obstacles in their path. While Joanne’s podcast and Noah’s spirituality could have created tension, the challenges they face are brushed aside so quickly that they seem irrelevant. For example, Noah’s Jewish faith is portrayed with almost laughable superficiality, with Joanne’s unfamiliarity with basic Jewish customs played for cheap laughs rather than as a real cultural divide.
What Works:
One of the show’s strongest assets is the chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Their effortless banter, warm exchanges, and believable attraction make their scenes enjoyable. The humor is at its best in moments of situational comedy, such as Noah’s awkward encounters at a sex shop or his brother dealing with his daughter’s boy problems while high. The sitcom-like structure of these episodes allows the show to deliver quick, light-hearted moments without delving into any real drama or character growth.
What Doesn’t Work:
While Nobody Wants This excels in quick-witted humor, it fails in building meaningful emotional depth or complex character arcs. Noah and Joanne’s relationship faces no real conflict, making it difficult for viewers to become invested in their journey. The portrayal of Jewish culture is at times reductive, and the tension between Noah’s spirituality and Joanne’s secular life is handled clumsily. The supporting cast, though talented, is underutilized, with characters like Morgan, Noah’s overbearing mother, and his ex reduced to one-dimensional archetypes that serve little purpose beyond advancing the plot.
The show also suffers from an overall lack of stakes. Even potentially weighty issues, like Joanne’s romantic dysfunction or her father’s coming out late in life, are treated as brief gags rather than explored for their emotional impact. This leaves the series feeling hollow, offering little more than surface-level entertainment.
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Cast Performances:
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody shine in their roles as Joanne and Noah, bringing charisma and energy to an otherwise lightweight script. Their comedic timing is impeccable, with Bell’s sharp delivery and Brody’s more laid-back style complementing each other well. Justine Lupe provides solid support as Morgan, though her character is underdeveloped. Timothy Simons, Tovah Feldshuh, and Emily Arlook all perform admirably, despite their limited material.
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Technical Aspects:
Visually, the series leans into the typical aesthetics of indie romantic comedies, with soft lighting, picturesque L.A. neighborhoods, and trendy backdrops. The direction and cinematography are serviceable but do not stand out, adding little to the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Haim, reinforces the show’s millennial appeal but doesn’t elevate the emotional beats.
Verdict:
Nobody Wants This is an easy, breezy watch that offers a pleasant but forgettable experience. Fans of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody will enjoy their performances and chemistry, but those looking for more meaningful storytelling or character development may find the show lacking. The series has the potential for lighthearted binge-watching, but its shallow exploration of romance and relationships leaves much to be desired.
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Director:
Director: Erin Foster
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Writer:
Writer: Erin Foster
Nobody Wants This American TV Series Rating:
Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5 Stars.
Where to Watch Nobody Wants This American TV Series:
All 10 episodes of Nobody Wants This are available to stream on Netflix.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is “Nobody Wants This” about?
Nobody Wants This is a romantic comedy about an oversharing podcaster (Kristen Bell) who falls in love with a sensitive rabbi (Adam Brody). The series follows their romance and the light-hearted obstacles they face in navigating their relationship.
2. Who are the main cast members of Nobody Wants This?
The main cast includes Kristen Bell as Joanne, Adam Brody as Noah, Justine Lupe as Morgan, Tovah Feldshuh as Noah’s mother, and Timothy Simons as Noah’s brother.
3. Is Nobody Wants This based on a true story?
The show is inspired by the life of creator Erin Foster, known for her show “Barely Famous” and her podcast with her sister Sara Foster, “The World’s First Podcast.”
4. How many episodes are there in Nobody Wants This?
The series consists of 10 episodes, all available for streaming on Netflix.
5. What makes the chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody stand out?
Their easy, warm banter and natural rapport make their scenes enjoyable, even though the plot is light on conflict. Their performances are one of the show’s highlights.
6. What are the main criticisms of the show?
The show has been criticized for its lack of depth in character development, superficial portrayal of interfaith relationships, and reliance on cliché humor rather than more meaningful conflict or emotional stakes.
7. What is the main theme of the show?
Nobody Wants This primarily focuses on modern love, romantic relationships, and cultural differences, though it does so in a superficial and light-hearted manner.
8. Is Nobody Wants This Worth Watching?
It depends on your expectations. If you’re looking for an easy, low-stakes romantic comedy with charismatic leads, it’s worth watching. However, if you want something deeper or more emotionally engaging, the show may leave you unsatisfied.
9. Who created Nobody Wants This?
The series was created by Erin Foster, who is also one of the writers on the show.
10. Where was Nobody Wants This filmed?
The show was filmed in Los Angeles, primarily in the northeast corner of the city, a popular setting for millennial-driven comedies and dramas.
Also read: Nobody Wants This: American Romantic Comedy TV Series Available to Watch on Netflix
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