Why Everybody Wants More of “Nobody Wants This”

It’s really hard to root for Netflix sometimes.

The studio seems to bury every promising project that crosses its desk, especially original shows that don’t have massive fan bases like “Julie and the Phantoms,” “Shadow and Bone,” and “I Am Not Okay With This.” It’s hard to get deeply invested in a Netflix show while thinking about its impending demise, but in late September, there was a rare glimmer of hope.

A new 10-episode romantic comedy series starring every 2000s girl’s crush Adam Brody and Disney princess Kristen Bell titled “Nobody Wants This.” It was somewhat of an anomaly — two leads in their mid-40s, a focus on the Jewish religion and a humorously mindful outlook on love and sex. It received a mild TV-MA maturity rating on Netflix, mainly for “allusions to sex” and moderate profanity.

Maturity ratings are tough nowadays because it’s hard to find middle ground between steamy Netflix programs like “Bridgerton” and the painfully bland like “My Life With the Walter Boys.”

“Nobody Wants This” bridged the gap and landed on the perfect middle ground maturity-wise because there’s still plenty of passion from Brody and Bell’s characters, but it’s nothing that anyone would find discomfort in.

Three generations of Murphys ended up watching this show — my 16-year-old sister, parents, aunts and nana. This fact alone is enough to make me strongly believe that “Nobody Wants This” is setting a new gold standard for romantic comedy projects, both in film and television. How often can shows be enjoyed equally by a teenage girl and her dad? (“Glee” might be another example of this).

10 episodes was the perfect length for this series because there was plenty of time to get to know and love the characters. Bell’s character Joanne is refreshingly blunt and self-assured. It’s hard to introduce a “girlboss” character without making her seem cringey, but Joanne also displays moments of sadness and doubt throughout the show that remind viewers she’s far from a flat stereotypical female lead.

Now — Adam Brody’s character, Noah. Potentially the most wholesome male romantic lead in a television series since Jake Peralta in “Brooklyn 99.” Social media had a field day with Noah, claiming he’s Brody’s character Seth Cohen from “The OC” all grown up.

Brody certainly has the charmingly-awkward-guy routine down to a science by now, and I don’t see anyone complaining. Brody was simply born to play an emotionally mature hot rabbi who would do absolutely anything to make Joanne happy, even if it meant veering off the path his traditional Jewish family set for him.

The family aspect of “Nobody Wants This” is another strong point, since every scene feels intentional and not like the showrunners were using it to fill up time when Joanne and Noah weren’t onscreen. Joanne’s sister and podcast co-host, Morgan (Justine Lupe) hasn’t had luck in her dating life and holds Joanne accountable for catering to their podcast audience even after she starts dating Noah.

Morgan also has a side-plotline with Noah’s hilariously oblivious brother, Sasha (Timothy Simons), where the two become unlikely friends after bumping into each other on multiple occasions.

There was undeniable chemistry between Morgan and Sasha, despite Sasha being married with a tween daughter. Even though it would be fun to see them get together, it’s unlikely that Sasha would abandon his family for Morgan, and that’s okay. Home wrecking for drama isn’t always cool, and wouldn’t fit the vibe of the show.

“Nobody Wants This” works so well because every character is a grown adult who knows what they’re looking for in a life partner. Audiences have experienced plenty of romance shows starring hormonal teenagers who make terrible decisions and have us inches away from punching the TV, so it’s a breath of fresh air to see a show solely focused on the love between two people from different worlds, and how their family lives and careers are realistic obstacles that they must overcome.

Not all romantic media needs drama, sometimes trading out plot twists for genuine character development is just what a series needs to be great. Netflix watchers of all ages can appreciate the relationship between Joanne and Noah, and will see more of their story unfold in season two, which was announced by the studio on Oct. 10.

“Nobody Wants This” is proof that the romantic comedy genre isn’t going anywhere, and can thrive when treated with the love and care it deserves.

Kaitlyn Murphy is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email kvm6255@psu.edu.