The new television series Nobody Wants This, set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, intertwines romance and comedy through the lives of its two main characters. Kristen Bell plays Joanne, an agnostic sex podcaster. Adam Brody as Noah, a rabbi. Together, they learn how to manage their strange new relationship, all the while dealing with some complicated personal and professional situations. Erin Foster developed the series inspired by her own experience of starting from scratch. She had become an apostate, having converted to Judaism after falling in love with a Jewish man.
The six–episode series dives into Joanne and Noah’s journeys to understand their different beliefs and what society expects of them as believers and nonbelievers. Joanne’s role as a sex podcaster contrasts sharply with Noah’s position as a rabbi, adding layers to their interactions. Noah’s disillusionment only grows when he’s passed over for promotion to the position of head rabbi. This unexpected blow tests the couple’s relationship and forces them both to face their true dreams and convictions.
Justine Lupe (The Chronicle of the Murdered House, The Gifted) enriches Morgan, Joanne’s sister and podcast co-host. She shines an encouraging but humorous light on the obstacles her sibling faces. Arian Moayed as Dr. Andy, the show’s love-bombing therapist. His surprising counsels inject welcome whimsy and gravity into the tale, frequently landing Joanne and Noah in unpredictable predicaments.
Since its release, Nobody Wants This has been reviewed favorably. Critics have lauded its writing for displaying a “highly respectable joke rate” and “sharply observed details.” The dialogue crackles with intelligence and humor, and gives true insight into the complexity of today’s relationships. Yet, it dives into heavier topics such as faith, identity and loyalty.
Foster’s own experience makes these tales even more poignant. Until then, viewers will be drawn to the deeply personal struggle that unfolds when love comes into conflict with faith. The series manages to blend humor with poignancy extremely well, which keeps the show relatable across a wide range of viewers.
The show’s chosen locale, Los Angeles, serves more than just as a backdrop. It reflects the cultural dynamism that is America, where many different perspectives are allowed to flourish side by side. These characters play off one another to create and dial up the hilarity. Yet their incredible story is still anchored in the everyday realities that most Americans will identify with.