While streamers are swooning over the new Netflix romcom, “Nobody Wants This”, I didn’t feel it lived up to all the hype on socials.
Loosely based on creator Erin Foster’s real-life experience, the 10-part series centres on the romance between an agnostic podcaster and a rabbi on the brink of promotion.
Think of a hilarious culture clash à la “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”.
Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) meet at the dinner party of a mutual friend, Ashley (Sherry Cola).
Having recently split from his Jewish girlfriend Rebecca (Emily Arlook), Noah is drawn to Joanne’s feisty personality.
She, on the other hand, doesn’t have the best dating history. But the blunders have worked to her advantage as they have been turned into comedy gold for her podcast with her younger sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), where they banter about being single and the dire dating pool.
There are no sacred cows here.
Joanne is also attracted to Noah but she’s unsure about acting on her feelings as he has baggage with an ex, who was his almost-fiancée.
As Joanne and Noah try to figure out that situationship, their loved ones weigh in with their opinions.
Morgan is not a fan of Noah. She feels he is disrupting their single-girl dynamic by changing her point of view on relationships.
With a major Spotify podcast deal on the cards, a lot of weighing on them to maintain the cheeky and sassy flow of the show.
When a couple breaks up, friends and family end up taking sides.
For Noah, it’s a bit more complicated. His mother Bina (Tovah Feldshuh) feels like the breakup with Rebecca is temporary.
His father Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor) is also not keen on Noah’s new romance.
Meanwhile, Sasha (Timothy Simons), Noah’s older brother, is his only ally. And it’s not easy for him as his wife Esther (Jackie Tohn) is Rebecca’s BFF. That he strikes up a friendship with Morgan doesn’t help either.
Then there is Joanne’s dysfunctional family. The sisters' mother Lynn (Stephanie Faracy) is seeking solace in self-help gurus after divorcing Henry (Michael Hitchcock), who recently came out of the closet.
But Lynn is still madly in love with her ex-husband.
In the getting-to-know-each-other phase of their relationship, Joanne and Noah navigate those nerve-wracking moments of meeting each other's friends and parents.
It’s easier for Noah, who exudes charm.
Joanne, on the other hand, has her work cut out for her. While his friends like her, their wives control their social interactions.
And with Esther leading the campaign against welcoming her into the fold, Joanne gets creative when it comes to currying favour with the ladies.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate this romcom. It’s cute, fun and relatable, especially with Joanne insecure about Noah’s ex.
I love the chemistry between Bell and Brody. And he’s quite easy on the eye.
The casting is spot-on and the characters and cleverly etched to ensure the drama is penned with plenty of comic levity.
As a fan of the “Bridgerton” franchise, “From Scratch” and “Firefly Lane”, I enjoy romcoms.
“Nobody Wants This” is a clichéd but fun romcom. And it seems the masses have spoken as the series has been given the green light for a second instalment.