When someone thinks of a typical romantic show, the mind tends to steer towards the genre of Hallmark movies. The cheesy love stories that have been replayed over and over again. Enemies to lovers, long lost soulmates, forbidden love, the very predictable plot that comes with very little compromises. The stories where everything is perfect and dandy in the end; everyone gets their happily ever after. This isn’t how life is, though. Life isn’t perfect and uncomplicated, especially when love is involved; it’s full of conflict and learning, as well as growth. “Nobody Wants This,” a new 11-episode series on Netflix, is a perfect representation of an imperfect love story that incorporates the struggles and reality of life.
“Nobody Wants This,” created by Erin Foster, focuses on a pair of sisters in their thirties who have their own podcast. On the podcast, they bring up the topics of their personal lives, diving into sexual topics, such as their relationships and the hardships that come with them. In doing so, they also advocate for women’s empowerment and building healthy relationships from those that were emotionally draining and harmful. One of the sisters, Joanne, is the main focus of the show. Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, is a daughter to the complicated relationship between divorced parents due to the father recently coming out. Her mom, played by Stephanie Faracy, is sporadic and impulsive, and her dad, played by Michael Hitchcock, is emotionally unavailable. Joanne takes on the qualities of her mom, where she makes quick decisions and never finds herself in a healthy relationship. Her sister Morgan, played by Justine Lupe, is her best friend and coworker who loves to stir up drama and speak her truth. One day, after being invited to her business manager’s dinner, Joanne meets a rabbi named Noah, played by Adam Brody, who just broke up with his long-term partner. They fall in love with one another, and have to face the conflicts of family and personal lives together due to Joanne not being Jewish.
Within the show, there was not only comedy and romance, but also moments of deep emotion. There were times which had me laughing hysterically, and others that made me want to hide my face in a pillow from second hand embarrassment. All of these moments made me aching for more of the show. I loved how the actors were portrayed, the angle at which the show was taken at, and how real the show felt. It didn’t seem like a far-fetched concept that is specific to only the show, but something that could and probably has already happened. It was so hard to put the remote down and just go to bed; all I wanted to do was continue watching. I would get home from school and get cozy on the coach with a blanket and a snack, and be ready for a good laugh. This was such a fun show to watch, and not something that you have to watch a couple episodes of to start getting into it. Yes, it is a bit mature at moments, but it brings more comedy and funny moments to the show. The two lovers have a passionate and deep want for one another, the want that allows them to put each other’s best interest in mind and work through their problems.
“Nobody Wants This,” not only focuses on personal topics and comedy, but also learning and growing in relationships. Joanne is able to learn what it’s like to live in a healthy relationship, and Noah learns how to speak openly and have uncomfortable conversations. Through this discovery comes their comedy, romance, and touching moments. If you’re looking for a good laugh and a fun romantic show to watch, “Nobody Wants This” is the show for you. I give it five out of five stars. And good news – Netflix already greenlit a second season.
