Netflix’s fall 2024 rom-com Nobody Wants This, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, has quickly become a binge-worthy sensation, remaining on the Global Top 10 list for six weeks and amassing nearly 200 million viewing hours to date.
The unconventional romance kicks off with Joanne (Bell), a no-holds-barred sex podcaster, meeting recently single Noah (Brody) at a party. Their instant chemistry, fueled by sharp humor and flirtation, sets the stage for a witty, awkward love story no one saw coming.
After thier smitten first encounter, Joanne, an agnostic, is caught off guard when she learns Noah is a Rabbi. Despite their differences, they dive into a relationship—much to the dismay of both their families.
Noah’s relatives label Joanne a “shiksa,” expressing concern that her unconventional career could undermine his credibility. Meanwhile, Joanne’s family mocks her for changing to fit into Noah’s world, especially since his family and friends still adore his ex, Rebecca—a nod to the series’s title: Nobody Wants This.
Except the two people it impacts the most.
What makes Noah and Joanne so irresistible is their rare but powerful connection, bonding over wit and humor. But it’s not just chemistry that draws you in—it’s their willingness to fight for each other, navigating religion, family pressures, and societal expectations to carve out their own space.
A Match Made in Netflix Heaven
Netflix has been in need of a show like Nobody Wants This for some time.
It taps into the perfect blend of accessible, binge-worthy TV—quick, satisfying, and full of heart—offering a refreshing change from the slow-burns have started to feel like a test of patience (looking at you, Stranger Things).
With its 20-minute episode format, the show strikes the right pace, allowing the romance to unfold naturally while keeping viewers hooked with steady laughs and emotional stakes.
Rom-coms have always been a popular genre, but Nobody Wants This gives the genre a fresh twist by bringing it to the small screen. TV allows for a deeper dive into every funny, awkward, and swoon-worthy moment—something a movie can never quite deliver in just two hours. It’s no surprise the show spent six weeks in Netflix’s global Top 10 TV series, even landing the No. 1 spot for a brief time.
Breaking Tradition, One Kugel at a Time
As the show progresses, Noah and Joanne’s fling turns serious, and the stakes rise. When Noah tells Joanne she’ll need to convert to Judaism if they’re to stay together, she agrees, understanding the stakes. She dives into his world, attending family dinners, bonding with his friends, and even navigating the high-pressure social scene of a Bat Mitzvah.
But when Joanne runs into Noah’s ex at the Bat Mitzvah, she gets a candid warning. Life as a Rabbi’s wife, the ex explains, isn’t just about candles and challah—it’s about constant scrutiny, presenting a polished image, and acting as a role model for the congregation.
Joanne, a rebel at heart, feels a pang of doubt. She fears she can’t live up to that ideal, forcing her to question not just the relationship, but her future with Noah.
As the tension mounts, I find myself rooting for them even harder. The stakes are high: Noah is deeply committed to his calling, and giving up that dream would mean sacrificing a part of who he is. But Joanne can’t put on this front forever. It begs a question that is common in the real world: Is love enough?
It seems like Joanne realistically leans toward no. She breaks things off with the realization that she can’t fit into his world. Conflicted, Noah says he can’t choose between his life path and her, leading to a tense cliffhanger that leaves viewers wondering what path he’ll take.
And that’s where we’re at.
Nobody Wants This Lands With Audiences and Critics Alike
Luckily, fans won’t have to wait long for answers—Netflix has already confirmed a Season 2 for Nobody Wants This.
Critics have already taken notice, with Nobody Wants This receiving a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and a respectable 85% from audiences.
USA Today’s Kelly Lawler notes, “What could have been a story relying on stereotypes has been elevated by its leads and keen sense of modern comedy.”
Despite the tricky territory of religion and culture, Netflix has handled it with respect, and Nobody Wants This may very well spark a new wave of rom-com TV shows we all need—and I’m here for it.
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