Nobody Wants This season two came out last month on Oct. 23. The show explores the relationship between podcaster Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, and Rabbi Noah, played by Adam Brody, and how they navigate their different lives and beliefs. Set in Los Angeles, California, the story focuses on two people in their late thirties, trying to figure out how to take their relationship to the next level. Season one of the show ended on a positive note, with Noah and Joanne deciding to continue their relationship and explore their connection. Season two continues these themes, and has been such a success that the show has already been renewed for a third season.
One way that this show differs from other romantic-comedies is how the characters have already reached success in their professional careers. Most romantic-comedies typically focus on characters in their early-to-mid twenties, whose lives are not fully figured out yet. However, in Nobody Wants This, both characters for the most part have their professional lives on the right track. Additionally, they are also much more emotionally mature; both Joanne and Noah are able to have real conversations without dancing around certain topics, like marriage or kids, and do not have the, somewhat unpopular, miscommunication that seems to ruin everything for no good reason.
“I thought that it was really refreshing to see two characters not making silly decisions all the time. It’s really annoying to watch these shows at times because the characters behave so immaturely and mess up, but in Nobody Wants This, that doesn’t happen. Joanne and Noah are able to talk stuff out without messing it all up,” said junior Siena McGuffin.
“I love the characters in that show. They are so funny yet so serious at the same time. They exhibit very human qualities through a television screen, which I think draws viewers in,” said junior Chelsea Tapia – Allen.
This season also explores several other storylines that are focusing on the side characters. Joanne’s sister Morgan, played by Justine Lupe, enters a relationship with her former therapist and gets engaged, but breaks it off at the engagement party after realizing she just wants to keep up with her sister. Noah’s brother Sasha, played by Timothy Simons, and his wife Esther, played by Jackie Tohn, also navigate trials in their relationship, ultimately deciding that it might be best to separate for a while. Joanne also tries to attempt to win over Noah’s mother, Bina, played by Tovah Feldshuh, who throughout the season grows to like Joanne. Additionally, Leighton Meester, who played Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl and is married to Brody, guest stars in an episode. Meester plays Abby, Joanne’s nemesis from middle school.
“I love Gossip Girl, so I was really happy to see Leighton Meester as a guest star. It was really exciting to see her and Adam Brody act together, since they’re married in real life. Her character was hilarious, and her episode was definitely the funniest one of the season,” said junior Vivienne Gilliar-Smith.
One of the prominent themes of the show is love, but, like in any romantic-comedy, there are always obstacles that stand in the way. In Nobody Wants This season two, there is uncertainty if Joanne will convert to Judaism, which creates tension and conflict between her and Noah. Noah’s professional career is put at risk, and Joanne struggles to express her feelings. The show tries to remind viewers that not every television relationship is picture perfect, and sometimes there are obstacles that couples need to overcome, together.
“Noah cannot be with Joanne unless she converts but doesn’t want her to do it for him. Joanne doesn’t want to change for a guy but wants to be with Noah. So there’s an incredible amount of friction,” said Bell in an article in Tudum by Netflix.
Nobody Wants This is a show that explores growth and maturity in relationships, in romantic, familial, and platonic ways. Throughout the season, the show demonstrates what a real life relationship can look and feel like. As the characters navigate through life, dealing with their own baggage, they are having honest conversations and creating real connections with one another. This show is different from many other romantic-comedies, but in all the best ways.