Rating: 4/5

What happens when an agnostic sex podcaster and rabbi walk into a bar? Answer: mind-bending, Earth-shattering, tv-exploding chemistry.

That is the premise of Netflix’s new hit show, “Nobody Wants This,” starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. The show debuted at number two on Netflix charts and garnered 10.3 million views in its first week of streaming.

The 10-episode series follows Joanne, a podcast host navigating the complexities of modern dating, and Noah, a newly single rabbi. While Joanne is drawn to the motorcycle-riding, jean-jacket-wearing types and often finds herself unfortunate in love, Noah faces pressure to marry a “nice Jewish girl”. Against all odds, they embark upon an unexpected relationship.

Faced with disapproval from Noah’s traditional Jewish family, Joanne the “shiksa” attempts to adapt to his world and even considers converting to Judaism. However, she realizes that converting just for him isn’t the right decision and ultimately ends the relationship. In the final episode, in a classic yet swoon-worthy moment, Noah rushes from his niece’s Bat Mitzvah to Joanne, where a kiss leaves the show on an ambiguous note. Noah is left torn between his religion and potential personal happiness.

The show is based on the true story of its very own creator and producer, Erin Foster, and her husband, Simon Tikhman. Simon, like Noah, was Jewish, though he wasn’t raised very religiously. Still, he felt a strong obligation to marry within the faith to continue the Jewish lineage, knowing his parents had fled the Soviet Union to escape persecution for their religion. Similar to Joanne, Erin was raised with little religious influence and also hosted a podcast, “The World’s First Podcast” with her sister. Eventually, Erin converted to Judaism and the couple tied the knot in 2019.

One aspect that the series excelled at was its authentic representation of Jewish culture. Historically, Jewish expression has been underrepresented in the entertainment industry, with only a few notable examples like “Unorthodox” (2020) and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017) offering a glimpse into Jewish life and tradition. A memorable moment occurs in episode five, “My Friend Joanne,” when the two visit a Jewish camp in Ojai, where Joanne deepens her exploration of Judaism. However, she decides to leave before Noah’s Torah study, sensing his discomfort at being seen with her. After coming to his senses, Noah interrupts Joanne’s dinner, and the two share a tender moment as Noah creates an impromptu Shabbat, complete with handmade candles, restaurant wine, and complimentary bread.

Time and time again, the typical “bad boy” with a comically inflated ego always seems to win over the girl, leading to the popular belief that “nice guys always finish last.” So, it is a breath of fresh air to see a “nice boy” protagonist in Adam Brody’s portrayal of Noah. In the sixth episode, “Ick”, the show delves into the dating phenomenon of “the ick,” where a partner’s small behaviors could promptly crush any attraction. Due to their vastly different upbringings—Noah’s more traditional and Joanne’s more laid-back—his awkward attempt to impress her parents backfires, pushing Joanne to lose any lingering attraction. The “ick” Noah sparked in Joanne grows larger and larger: from his ill-fitting blazer and sweaty gym shorts to the oversized bouquet of sunflowers and his bizarre “PREGO” yodel. At first, this portrayal of Noah as unappealing for “trying too hard” feels unrealistic and almost silly. However, after the couple’s heart-to-heart conversation, it becomes clear that her “ick” was really a form of self-sabotage—she is finally with a man who treats her right, leaving her feeling strangely unsettled.

All things considered, “Nobody Wants This”—or shall I say “Everybody Wants This”—evokes the charm and giddiness of classic rom-coms. Its witty dialogue, endearing characters, and fresh love story cleverly mask deeper issues in modern relationships, all while still shining a light on them through humor, heart and vulnerability.