Netflix’s new TV series Nobody Wants This has been sitting pretty in the top 10 since its release in late September and is currently at the No. 1 slot this week. Nobody Wants This follows agnostic, oversharing podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody), an attractive newly single rabbi, as they navigate the ups and downs of pursuing an interfaith relationship.
The general consensus on the show is off the charts — with a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 95% and an audience score of 88% — grossing over 15.9 million views worldwide. With its dynamic characters and the main couple’s impeccable chemistry, Nobody Wants This is fated to join the new era of modern rom-com classics. With Netflix putting out over 18,000 titles per year, what sets this show apart is its excellent writing.
All the characters, but especially our main pair, are charismatic. Not one character is limited to a single characteristic; rather, they have a multitude of defining traits, all backed up with reasonable and realistic past events prompting their behaviors.
Noah’s job as a rabbi causes him to hesitate to be with Joanne openly because he’s afraid of judgment from his community. He has dreamed of being a rabbi his entire life, but he’s conflicted about whether he’s willing to pick between what he owes to himself and what he believes he owes his family and community. Yet, he’s also funny and charismatic, avoiding the typecast of the awkward religious person.
Joanne, on the other hand, is afraid of commitment, ever flitting from guy to guy until she met Noah. She carries past trauma which has left her inexperienced when it came to love and commitment, but her willingness to work on herself for Noah’s sake adds depth to her character. Her intelligence shines through her role as a legitimate podcaster, always advocating for healthier conversations about taboo topics.
Their many character traits allow the story to revolve around different conflicts throughout the series, which is important considering the format of the show — 10 episodes, each running 20-30 minutes, instead of the much shorter movie format. Their flaws aren’t magically overcome when they get together, but rather ebb and flow, creating both humorous and serious beats throughout the story.
The writers establish the plot with clear stakes, finding balance between progressing the story and presenting setbacks. The characters are likable, both on their own and together, and they have realistic reasons keeping them apart. Viewers have genuine motivation to root for the couple to get together, which makes it such a convincing and bingeable watch.
Yet, it would be remiss not to look at the other factors contributing to the show’s success, such as the actors’ popularity and the fact it aired on Netflix. To understand these influences, we must rewind and evaluate the history of rom-coms and their current resurgence.
Romantic comedies were rampant during the ’90s and early 2000s but have seen a decline over the past 15 years. Scott Meslow, in his book From Hollywood with Love, attributes this decline to studios’ disinvestment from mid-budget movies. Costly, high-production Marvel-type flicks often bring more financial returns.
With the rise of streaming services, Hollywood films need to generate buzz to attract audiences. This typically means producing movies anchored by established properties or high-profile actors. Filmmakers working on non-action films often deal with smaller budgets or tie-in with streaming services. Sadly, funding for small-budget films is dwindling.
Rom-coms, historically overlooked at award shows, also get less funding. Naturally, actors tend to steer away from rom-coms, leaning toward high-budget or more serious projects with potential awards appeal.
Despite these challenges, positive tides are shifting for romantic comedies. Interestingly, what initially worsened its downfall — the rise of streaming services — may serve as its salvation. Viewership for rom-coms has steadily increased, showing no signs of stopping.
“We need some escapism, joy, and love and romance. Human connection has really been lost [during the pandemic]; I can understand why [studios] are investing in it,” actress Malin Akerman told Parade.
Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have taken note, heavily investing in and producing romantic movies and TV shows to meet the growing audience demand.
With these changes, it becomes clearer why Nobody Wants This has succeeded so drastically. This Netflix original has the backing of a billion-dollar corporation, contributing significantly to its reach and success. With its star-studded cast, the show has attracted fans, both of Bell and Brody.
Nonetheless, it’s honest to say the series is more than just its flashy promotion. It’s crafted well and deeply relatable, ensuring it stands out among its peers. Excitingly, Netflix has already renewed the show for another season set for release in 2025.
There's more to the discussion when comparing Nobody Wants This with other series, such as Fleabag. The charming character of Rabbi Noah not only draws comparisons with his fictional counterpart, but he also carries emotional depth throughout the series.
Audiences have taken particularly well to Adam Brody's character, Noah, largely due to his charm and the sizzling chemistry he shares with Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne. Their complex relationship mirrors the similarly layered romance found within Fleabag’s narrative.
Both shows feature religious figures as main characters, offering unique portrayals and exploring romance within constraints placed by their roles. Noah’s struggles to balance his relationship with Joanne against his religious commitments parallel the experiences of Fleabag’s priest, creating rich narrative tension.
Fleabag's priest (played by Andrew Scott) cannot cross professional boundaries, which adds to the complexity of his relationship with Fleabag. The same notion reverberates through Noah’s story. He grapples with the expectations of being the rabbi of his community. If he were to pursue his relationship with Joanne, he runs the risk of being judged by his congregation, rendering the outcomes similarly tumultuous.
While emphasizing the differences, it’s fascinating to see how both narratives challenge traditional notions about religious authority. The romantic arcs evolve authentically. For Noah and Joanne, their connection blossoms quickly without the drawn-out tension found between Fleabag and her priest.
What remains pivotal is the insight each show offers about the unique struggles faced by these religious protagonists. Noah's choices stir clear dilemmas, particularly when his relationship with Joanne clashes with his aspirations of rising to the Head Rabbi position.
This thematic continuity between both series serves as captivating storytelling, encouraging audiences to reflect upon the characters’ emotional revelations. We see how Noah’s burgeoning romance does not merely serve as backdrop — it pushes him to reevaluate his commitments and his identity not only as someone devoted to faith but also within his personal life.
For all its humor and charm, Nobody Wants This encapsulates relatable dilemmas faced by audiences across the spectrum, forging connections through laughter and reflection. The way its characters confront love, commitment, and personal identity against the backdrop of faith resonates deeply.
So, if you’re seeking something light-hearted yet deeply rooted, this show might be the perfect binge-worthy series to satisfy your cravings for romance mixed with thoughtful exploration.
This nuanced approach to the rom-com genre marks the return of engaging storytelling, proving once more why romantic comedies deserve their place within filmic history.
