It is a tale as old as time; the classic will-they-won't-they TV couple whose brief moments of romance keep an audience invested to see if they will finally get together. This trope can be dismissed as repetitive and unoriginal; however, Netflix's Nobody Wants This proves that with great writing and chemistry, this rom-com concept can feel new and revolutionary.
Now returning for its second season, creator Erin Foster's semi-autobiographical series about a laid-back podcast host, Joanne (Kristen Bell), falling in love with Noah (Adam Brody), a modern-day Rabbi, and exploring the complexities of modern dating. As Joanne and Noah begin a relationship, their differences in faith threaten to tear them apart, with the pending decision Joanne has to make about converting to Noah's faith looming over them throughout the season.
Nobody Wants This rests on the chemistry between its two stars – Bell and Brody – who are the heart of the series. This amplified the show's first season from a cute rom-com into something electric, where rooting for Joanne and Noah to get together feels like a certainty. In season 2, this is explored further as the actors not only showcase the love between their characters but also allow for moments of vulnerability, which were missing from the first season. The supporting cast also helps with bringing layers of emotional depth and comedic relief, with Morgan (Justine Lupe), Joanne's younger sister and co-host of her podcast, returning, as well as Sasha (Timothy Simons), Noah's older brother. Initially, it is unclear whether their friendship will evolve into a romance, but in season 2, this is deferred as Sasha becomes involved in a fast-paced relationship with Dr Andy (Arian Moayed).
When a show becomes popular enough for a second season, the addition of new characters to flesh out the evolving story is inevitable. This season, Nobody Wants This' most notable guest stars include Leighton Meester as Abby, who plays Joanne's middle school nemesis (and is also Brody's real-life wife), as well as comedic legend Seth Rogen, who reunites with Bell after appearing in the 2018 film Like Father.
The reason why Nobody Wants This works so well is that not only does it deliver on the essential elements of a romantic comedy series (namely being genuinely funny and full of love), but it isn't scared to show the good, the bad and the ugly sides of a real relationship. This is especially evident in season 2, as the stakes are higher than before. In a usual rom-com setting, Joanne and Noah's differences would likely be brushed to the side and used as a cheap plot device. However, their differing views of religion are a reflection of reality, and the season does well to explore what it means for someone fully committed to their religious beliefs to date someone who doesn't share them, and how that impacts their life and family.
The magic of the first season is still apparent, which makes Nobody Wants This season 2 an enjoyable watch overall. The writing is still full of snappy exchanges, witty one-liners and often the hard truths, which allow the characters to have moments of self-reflection. The comedy is rooted in character and conflict, not just jokes and slapstick comedy. It is reminiscent of a modern-day When Harry Met Sally, which evokes nostalgia in its audience and reminds viewers that with good writing and undeniable chemistry, rom-coms can be unmissable viewing.
Nobody Wants This Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix from 23rd October
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