Nobody Wants This review: Audacious and charming take on modern-day relationships

It’s been a while since Hollywood got rom-coms right. Netflix’s new series titled Nobody Wants This, ironically, is the series everyone wants right now. The 10-episode show starring Adam Brody (The O.C.) and Kristen Bell (The Good Place) explores modern-day relationship dynamics with an equal tinge of sass, humour, and maturity.
This love story between an agnostic sex podcaster, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and a fresh-out-of-breakup Jewish rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody), is special in many ways. One may wonder why his Jewish identity is of any importance here. Well, it is. Nobody Wants This chronicles the journey of this unlikely relationship as they navigate several mountains to climb, including religious differences, modern-day prejudices, and family issues. The series tactfully circles back to the foundation of any relationship: effective communication.
Creator Erin Foster takes a leaf out of the modern-day relationship manual—especially among millennials—and scribbles a story that connects on multiple levels. What works for the show is how the writing is not trying too hard to be non-judgmental but instead gives you a charmingly organic perspective.

Interestingly, the identity of the protagonists is not limited to their jobs; it gives them a layer that helps you connect with them on a more human level. Kristen, as Joanne, is bold as a sex podcaster who wants to empower people to be vulnerable and have a safe space to feel exposed. For her, her identity extends beyond discussing sex. But ironically, she finds herself the most vulnerable to heartbreak and cynicism until she meets Noah, a religiously inclined man who is willing to listen more than speak.
No love story is without its hurdles, but Nobody Wants This doesn’t limit itself to being a social commentary; instead, it uses societal prejudice and issues as a crutch to accentuate the love story with humour.
The writing helps both Adam and Kristen showcase their undeniably easy chemistry on screen. It also helps that both their characters are fleshed out enough for the audience to invest thoroughly and root for them. The 30-minute watch time of each episode doesn’t feel like a drag; it is crisp, well-edited, and well-structured.
The ending, however, feels rushed and almost like a token happy ending for rom-com lovers when a lot more was left to be discussed. This decision felt alien when compared to the other nine episodes of the show, which focus heavily on communication, reflection, and vulnerability in love.
Nobody Wants This is audacious in many ways, while ending with a cliché climax, perhaps leaving a page to be turned for Season 2.
Nobody Wants This is streaming on Netflix.