Netflix's latest rom-com show, Nobody wants thatStarring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, the film pays homage to the actors' past roles. Two teen drama icons famous for coming-of-age soaps fall in love Nobody wants thata series She's unabashedly romantic, but sets herself above the competition by asking provocative questions. However, at the heart of the series is the traditional narrative of two people finding each other. There are moments where it could have gone further, but that's not what the show is for. It's idealistic, it's compelling, and it doesn't ask much of us.
Nobody wants that is a television show that takes on the difficult task of tying its entire core to a single romantic relationship. Joanne (Bell) is a non-religious podcaster living in Los Angeles who meets Noah (Brody), a rabbi at a dinner party. Both are looking for serious changes in their love lives, but despite clear signals that getting into a relationship will not be easy, the couple can't help their attraction.
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody's Chemistry Nobody Wants This' Plot
Their Comedic Skills and Timing Make for Exciting Moments of Matched Minds
Bell and Brody are veterans of the dynamic and rom-com genre, and they return to those roles in the new series. Funny and charming in different yet complementary ways, Joanne and Noah are an easy couple to root for. From the witty banter to the physical chemistry, their love story is believable and not as unconventional as the story. It is their first kiss a romantic, tense moment that could rival the best sitcom first kisses of all time, or even Nick and Jess' kiss New Girl.
Bell and Brody starred Veronica Mars and OCtwo teen drama TV shows with impressive soundtracks. Nobody wants that. From HAIM and Remi Wolf to Olivia Rodrigo, the Netflix series successfully communicates the show's conversation with popular culture through its music. Joanne's career as a sex and relationship podcaster is played for laughs along with her sister Morgan (played by the always hilarious Justine Lupe). However, it is also taken seriously as a career, and Noah never takes his profession for granted.
Nobody wants that' supporting cast are some great comedy performers, most notably Timothy Simons VeepSherry Cola and Jackie Tohn. Their characters mirror the lives and relationships of Joanne and Noah, bridging two hopeless romances in a much-needed reality. Sasha (Simons) is Noah's brother, and he and Morgan play a strong role for the central couple, as the family dynamic is a big part of the family. Nobody wants that. The more we learn about Noah and Joann's parents and their backgrounds, the more sense their relationship dynamic and its inevitable pitfalls make.
Nobody Wants This Struggle to Keep Their Contract Fresh All Season Long
The back and forth between Joanne and Noah can grow tiresome
Bringing the rom-com genre to television is difficult and the biggest sin Nobody wants that so it could easily have been a 90 minute movie. The series expands its premise as much as possible, but there's plenty of time the story could have played out another scenario, exploring how Noah and Joanne's different worlds will drive them apart. As the episodes progress, the show introduces plot points about other characters and Joanne and Noah's careers, but the series is afraid to go as far as it can.
The real conflict, anger, and consequences of the character's decisions never come, making it hard to feel the stakes of the relationship.
The real conflict, anger, and consequences of the character's decisions never come, making it hard to feel the stakes of the relationship. Although Joanne gets a little more attention than Noah, it's his characterization and development that I wanted more of. Joanne constantly asks herself if she is capable of changing and becoming better. Rather, we are required to assume and accept that Noah was personally prepared for this relationship; only external forces hold it back. He's still charming and lovable, but I want to know as much about him and his fears as I do about Joanne.
Likewise, the secondary characters could have used more screen time. The growing relationship between Morgan and Sasha and the human moments between Esther (Thon) and her daughter Miriam (Shiloh Bearman) are signs of what's to come. Nobody wants that tries to be, but falls short. Large family dynamics, pressures and expectations affect everyone; they are not unique to Joanne and Noah. This is a strength for the series Navigating an imperfect family is a universal experience, and it makes Joanne and Noah all the more interesting people.
There's Potential That No One Wants A Season 2, But The Series Will Have To Work For It
Joanne & Noah Can't Be the Sole Focus of Another Season
Joanne and Noah find that their relationship can deepen and their barriers can be overcome. In their attempts to get closer, the couple is forced to grapple with their hidden fears and motivations, and the serious tone the show takes in these moments isn't always natural. Characters can tend to be thinly veiled mouthpieces for the theological and moral debates the couple often engages in. Nevertheless, the series makes some good points and encourages us to be vulnerable.
There is a way forward for season 2, and it could be even better if the series only revolves around Noah and Joanne. Even though it's a rom-com through and through until the season finale, Nobody wants that begins to make good use of the larger narrative and gets some strong emotional beats as Joanne and Noah deal practically with their situation. I was very interested in their fates and futures while watching and was only waiting for more for Bell and Brody.
Nobody wants that is now available to stream on Netflix.