“Nobody Wants This” Season 2 Delivers Laughs Despite Theological Head-Scratchers
Netflix’s “nobody Wants This,” starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, returns for a second season, continuing its exploration of an unlikely romance complicated by religious and familial expectations. The series maintains its strength in sharp writing and undeniable chemistry between its leads, even as it navigates a potentially sensitive premise: the sudden embrace of Judaism by a secular protagonist.
The show’s central conflict – Joanne (Bell) converting to Judaism to marry Rabbi Noah (Brody) - occasionally veers into simplistic territory. A scene where Noah’s sister-in-law, Esther, attempts to define Judaism through personality traits like warmth, cosiness, humour, and a tendency to overshare, feels particularly reductive. Equating these archetypes with a religion “with quite a lot of rules,” especially within an Orthodox context, risks minimizing the depth and complexity of Jewish faith and practice.
However, “Nobody Wants This” excels in its supporting characters and comedic timing. Justine Lupe shines as Morgan, Joanne’s younger sister and podcast co-host, delivering a standout performance as a brattish yet vulnerable figure. Her new storyline involving a love interest,Dr. Andy (Arian Moayed), offers both comedic fodder and surprising emotional resonance. Timothy Simons as Noah’s brother, Sasha, provides a grounding presence as he navigates his own marital challenges.
The series boasts a consistent stream of wry observations – Joanne’s delight in prompting Noah to “kvetch,” and the subtle cracks appearing in Noah’s “nice-guy” facade – making it consistently engaging. While not a laugh-a-minute comedy, “Nobody Wants This” offers a steady flow of smirk-inducing moments and keenly observed details. Ultimately, the show thrives when viewers embrace its premise without dwelling on its theological complexities.
“Nobody Wants This” is currently streaming on Netflix.
