Nobody Wants This: A Charming, Hilarious RomCom About Modern Relationships
This tale of a Rabbi and atheist sex podcaster who fall in love is witty, sharp, and very relatable. It is the best RomCom of the year.
Netflix is on a roll.
Between The Diplomat and Nobody Wants This, the red N is home to two of the best seasons of television this year.
Nobody Wants This is an endearing story about the unlikely romance between a rabbi, played by Adam Brody, and a sex/relationship podcast host, played by Kristen Bell, that tests their careers, families, and friends.
The show elegantly portrays modern dating and romance, effective because its story, characters, and themes are effortlessly normal. Nobody Wants This embraces imperfection and never shies away from the irresistible chaos that is contemporary dating.
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An Escape From Predictable, Formulaic RomComs
Nobody Wants This thrives in its commitment to self discovery and growth. It embraces a healthy relationship for a change, one where neither partner is “too good” for the other. The show uses its 10 episodes to carefully craft their evolution to compatibility in a raw, unfiltered story full of realism and humor.
It excels in its emphasis on the commonplace. Set design, wardrobes, and cinematography accentuate the mundane aspects of life. Text messages, awkward moments, and insecurities are celebrated rather than hidden. The show formulates a world that looks, sounds, and feels like our average lives.
You will see yourselves in these characters. You will feel their joy, pain, and humor because we have all lived a similar experience.
Bell and Brody thrive in their roles because they are given the freedom to express the true messiness of dating. Careers, interests, religions, and families are explored in remarkable depth. Each is embraced in a serious, yet lighthearted manner that captures the dynamic of the modern family and social norms.
Just at the moment in the story where 99% of other RomComs would see their main couple predictably split, Nobody Wants This will keep you guessing. Bell and Brody have conversations about religion, sex, parents, exes, friends, and work that are intense yet genuine.
You fall in love with the way they handle hardship and drama not because it is perfect, but because it is real. Each character takes leaps of faith outside of their comfort zones that are hilarious and necessary. There is palpable stress, wit, and excitement that all couples feel as they take steps towards commitment.
We Need More Television RomComs
That unpredictability and excitement translates offscreen due to the episodic nature of the story. When I finished Nobody Wants This, I immediately started thinking of all the disappointing RomComs over the last few years that could have been better as a TV show.
As the audience, the unpredictability and tension of the romance is conveyed in the stop, start nature of TV. Just like the characters, you have to wait and sit on the edge of your seat to see if the relationship will work. You’ll find yourself overthinking the story and second guessing each characters moves. It is eerily similar to real life dating.
Sharp Dialogue You’d Overhear In A Coffeeshop
Nobody Wants This was created by Erin Foster, who based the story off of her real life love with her husband. The show excels at keeping things real. Conversations feel raw, authentic, and unfiltered. The dialogue stands out because it uses modern slang and insults. It is clear that the story works because it worked for the person telling it.
Read more about the origins of the show and Erin’s relationship with her husband, Simon, here:
I was also genuinely surprised at how funny this show is. I laughed out loud numerous times each episode. The comedy is fresh, modern, and relatable, but also insanely endearing. It brings you closer to the moment and characters.
Nobody Wants This will pleasantly remind you of the creme de la creme of the romantic comedy genre for its cleverness, but also make you feel like you’re experiencing something new and original.
Undeniable Chemistry
The other pleasant surprise of this show is the on-screen chemistry between Bell and Brody. They effortlessly radiate through the screen and portray their two character’s flaws in a relatable way. On the surface, a love story between a rabbi and sex podcaster should not work, but their commitment to authenticity and vulnerability is remarkably sound.
This connection makes their self discovery, mistakes, and imperfections shine in all the right ways. You feel them through the screen and will be cheering for them as if they were your own friends.
Final Verdict
Nobody Wants This is my favorite surprise of the year. It joins Hitman on my list of the best romantic comedies of the year. The show effortlessly portrays the beautiful chaos of modern dating with an undeniable charm and sense of humor. Palpable energy and chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody ensure that everybody wants this show in their lives.
Nobody Wants This is on Netflix today. What did you think of the first season? Let me know in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!
Additional Reading
What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.
The Holdovers
One of the best holiday movies in the last 20 years! I cannot recommend this film enough. Paul Giamatti gives an award-worthy performance, with Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph being equally impressive.
The Diplomat (Season 2)
Keri Russell’s brilliant political thriller is back for season 2 on Netflix. This show is riveting and very timely. Give it a try if you haven’t already. I will be reviewing this next!
Everything I Thought It Was
I am going to JT’s concert in a few weeks and have been listening to his newest album to prepare. I love the NSYNC reunion in this!
Project Hail Mary
Currently being adapted as feature film starring Ryan Gosling, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a dramatic sci-fi with great characters and hilarious humor. It has been one of my favorite reads this year. Weir is the same author who wrote The Martian.
Baldur’s Gate 3
This is one of the most robust and detailed role-playing games I have ever played. It has been a joyful experience that I cannot get enough of. Anyone who loves RPGs, fantasy, or adventure games will fall in love with BG3.
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