Let’s be real for a sec — I’m not exactly a rom-com girlie. Let me clarify: I’ll watch When Harry Met Sally for the 40th time when it’s raining, but more often than not, I’m cringing through most of these movies. Why? Because the formula is tired. It’s like, boy meets girl, they fall in love, someone inevitably does something shady (usually boy), and then girl either forgives him or decides she can just, like, deal with his crap for the sake of the happily-ever-after. Yay. Kiss. Roll credits.
Enter Nobody Wants This, the Netflix series that’s basically a rom-com unicorn. You heard me: a romantic comedy without the frustrating, make-you-want-to-scream-at-the-screen miscommunication trope. In fact, the lead couple? They’re practically communication goals. Like, what? In my rom-coms? Yes, in yours too, if you’re ready for something fresh.
The communication they had in “nobody wants this” was so solid. Like open your mouth and talk, and just maybe you’ll sort it out.
— Rüms🌞 (@r___ums) September 29, 2024
What’s This About A Hot Rabbi?
Okay, I personally don’t share this opinion (I am not subscribed to the “white boy of the month” y’all have going on) but based off of what people are saying on Twitter: Adam Brody is a hot rabbi. In Nobody Wants This, Adam plays Rabbi Noah, and surprise, surprise, he’s not your typical rom-com dude. He’s not some emotionally stunted, womanizing playboy who finally sees the light when “the right girl” comes along. No, this guy is actually emotionally available, tender, and — gasp! — he communicates.
Opposite him is Kristen Bell’s Joanne, a podcast queen who’s used to dating disasters. She’s got her Call Her Daddy-esque show with her sister (played by Justine Lupe, aka Willa from Succession), where they drag all the LA dudes who, let’s face it, are all varying degrees of dumpster fire. But then Rabbi Noah enters the scene, and suddenly, Joanne is faced with someone who’s, like, normal? And emotionally healthy? And not sending mixed signals every five minutes?
Finally, A Couple That Talks Things Out
What makes Nobody Wants This different isn’t just the novelty of a “hot” rabbi. It’s the fact that, for once, the couple at the center of the story actually communicates like adults. Instead of throwing a wrench into things for the sake of drama (*cough, cough* every rom-com ever), the show focuses on real-life challenges. Joanne’s character freaks out about the idea of a stable relationship (as one does when they’ve been burned by enough fuckboys), but Noah doesn’t let her spiral into oblivion. He actually sits her down, listens, and addresses her concerns without, you know, gaslighting her.
I know, I know — it’s shocking. A man in a rom-com who can say, “Hey, I understand why you feel that way. Let’s talk about it.” No grand gesture where he shows up at the airport just in time to stop her from moving across the country (that never actually works in real life, btw). No, “I’m sorry I kissed your sister, but I’m just so scared of my feelings” moment. Just two people, trying to figure out their crap together.
Here’s another wild concept Nobody Wants This flips on its head: neither character is perfect. Joanne has baggage, commitment issues, and a track record of running the second things get too real. Rabbi Noah, on the other hand, messes up too (seriously, a sportcoat and basketball shorts? Sir…). But what matters is that they deal with it. There’s no dramatic breakup that leads to months of sulking and pining. Instead, they hash things out like, I don’t know, grownups?
The show isn’t about some woman fixing a broken man, or a guy saving a girl from her messy life. It’s about two people who meet, who mess up, and who, shockingly, are accountable for their actions. And honestly, it’s kind of refreshing to watch.
Let’s be clear, though — just because Noah is emotionally available doesn’t mean he’s boring. He brings the perfect balance of charm, humor, and nerdy dad energy that makes you want to see him win. And there’s undeniable chemistry between him and Joanne. But the real magic? It’s how he treats her with respect, listens to her insecurities, and reassures her without playing mind games. I mean, what a concept, right?
In the end, Nobody Wants This might be the first rom-com where you’re not screaming, “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!” at the screen. And for that alone, I think we all want this.
