Nobody Wants This (2024) is a Sharp Romcom for Skeptics
Nobody Wants This is a refreshingly grounded comedy-drama that succeeds because it favors character chemistry over the saccharine tropes typical of the genre. It is a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate witty dialogue and the messy, realistic friction that comes with modern dating.
Chemistry Within the Cultural Divide
The central dynamic between Joanne, an agnostic podcaster, and Noah, a newly single rabbi, avoids the stale pitfalls of the traditional opposites-attract narrative. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody possess an effortless rapport that makes their unlikely connection feel earned rather than forced by the script. Their banter captures the specific anxiety of dating someone whose life trajectory fundamentally clashes with your own.
While the show excels at portraying the sparks between the leads, the supporting cast—particularly Justine Lupe as Morgan and Timothy Simons as Sasha—often feels like a distraction. These side characters are occasionally pushed into broad, sitcom-style antics that clash with the more nuanced, quiet moments between the protagonists. The show is at its strongest when it focuses on the internal doubts of a rabbi navigating a secular world, rather than the loud, predictable interference of his family.
A Los Angeles Perspective
The series utilizes its Los Angeles setting as more than just a backdrop, effectively contrasting the superficiality of the podcasting world with the rigid structures of Noah’s religious community. Duncan Blickenstaff’s score subtly underscores this duality, shifting between lighthearted, modern cues and more grounded, acoustic tones. This environment acts as a third character, forcing the couple to define their relationship against the backdrop of their respective social circles.
However, the pacing occasionally falters when the narrative leans too heavily into the “meddling family” trope to generate conflict. By relying on external pressure from the Roklov clan to drive the plot, the series occasionally loses the psychological intimacy that makes the first few episodes so compelling. It would have been more effective to let the characters’ own insecurities dictate the tension rather than relying on the predictable disapproval of parents and siblings.
Who Should Tune In
This series is a perfect fit for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories where the stakes are emotional rather than life-or-death. If you appreciate shows that balance sharp, cynical humor with moments of genuine vulnerability, you will likely find the interplay between Joanne’s secular skepticism and Noah’s faith-based lifestyle engaging. It works best as a slow-burn exploration of how two people from different worlds attempt to build a shared reality.
Conversely, those looking for a high-concept drama or a fast-paced slapstick comedy may find the tempo frustratingly uneven. If you are exhausted by the “will-they-won’t-they” structure of standard television romances, the predictability of the family interference might prove grating. Skip this if you prefer your television without the lingering, slow-motion gazes that define this specific brand of romantic television.
