Because of “Nobody Wants This”: The Netflix rom-com is a global hit. A sex podcaster and a rabbi fall in love in LA. The series is currently causing a lot of conversation.
The romantic comedy series “Nobody Wants This” with Kristen Bell and Adam Brody is becoming the romantic streaming hit of the year – or at least fall. The series (ten episodes of 20 to 30 minutes each) seems to be on everyone’s lips at the moment and, according to Netflix, has already been viewed 42 million times worldwide within three and a half weeks (counted as so-called views).
The series about two people in their late thirties in love (Bell and Brody are both actually 44) is celebrated as a rescue and renaissance of the otherwise often very predictable rom-com (romantic comedy) genre. The plot seems familiar: two people from different worlds fall in love. The environment prevents them from quickly getting together happily.
What makes the series extraordinary
Rom-Com material is told a little differently here. Topics such as fear of commitment are addressed sensitively. A couple here doesn’t get lost in the usual plot elements and misunderstandings. The series shows how dating could work in the age of superficial online flirting: honest and open communication, no games.
The cast
Many Millennials (today’s 30- to 45-year-olds) are freaking out about the cast. The casting of Brody and Bell reminds them of their youth. In the noughties, Brody played a leading role in the teen series “OC California”, Bell in the young adult crime thriller “Veronica Mars”.
What the series is about
“Nobody Wants This” is set in Los Angeles. Joanne, a podcaster who likes to chat about her love life, meets Noah, a rabbi, at a friend’s dinner. Joanne is irreligious; God and faith play a big role in Noah’s life. Both feel an incredible attraction. Despite many opposites, they start dating.
What the main characters’ problems are
Noah’s family is very traditional and his mother (Tovah Feldshuh) is not happy that her son is now dating a non-Jewish woman (original sound: “Schickse”). And Joanne’s family, especially her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), find the sensitive rabbi off-putting.
The integrative aspect
The intercultural story comes from author Erin Foster and is based on true events. Foster, 42, converted to Judaism out of love (her husband, however, is not a rabbi). The series is also a kind of crash course on Jewish traditions – a good program in times of rampant anti-Semitism worldwide.
The highlight
“Is there a world where that works?” Noah asks after the first smooch. The kissing scene at the end of the second episode, set to music by Francis and the Lights, is considered by many online to be the best in a long time on the international moving image market.
“That first kiss – for a moment I thought I was pregnant from it,” some women commented.
Debate about Noah as a perfect man
Noah is praised as a “non-toxic male” – in other words: an alternative to many male characters and dominant attachment disordered people who otherwise fumble through films and series. Noah can talk about feelings and deal with his counterpart’s quirks. When in doubt, he just hugs you. No benching, ghosting, gaslighting, red flags and whatever the technical terms of modern dating are today.
What the series is compared to
The chemistry between the main actors and Brody’s atypical character probably made the series a hit. The “Hot Rabbi” is often compared to the “Hot Priest” (Andrew Scott) from the series “Fleabag”. But Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s British BBC dramedy a few years ago was far more unconventional.
Criticism of the series
The complicated marriage of Joanne’s parents is too over-the-top for some – the father is now gay, the mother is totally esoteric. Some Jewish women are portrayed in the episodes as controlling, strict and vindictive. This is just before anti-Semitic clichés.
What’s next?
In any case, the series doesn’t live up to its name “Nobody Wants This” because the surprise success is extended. A second season of the romance has already been announced after 14 days. Will Joanne and Noah get married and start a family soon?
Netflix: “Nobody Wants This”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
