Real Romance is Completely Misunderstood: ‘Nobody Wants This’

Being a woman in my mid-30s, I am a fan of romantic comedies, so naturally, I had to watch the latest sensation, “Nobody Wants This” starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell this fall.

The buzz around the show has been off the charts: It quickly climbed to the top spot on Netflix within hours of its release and continues to dominate two weeks later. Every online mention of it garners hundreds of comments raving about the writing and the chemistry between the main characters.

Many American women have embraced this as the epitome of romance. Brody and Bell are seen as the ideal couple, representing modern love in 2024.

However, there’s a twist, as is customary in this genre: Brody plays Noah, a reform rabbi, while Bell portrays Joanne, a blonde agnostic with an active dating life chronicled in her podcast.

Every good rom-com needs a hint of suspense, leaving viewers questioning, “Will they or won’t they?”

After watching 10 episodes, I was left wondering: Why would they?

Noah and Joanne have absolutely nothing in common and all we see them discuss is their incompatibility.

The show conveys the message that their differences don’t matter, implying that it won’t hinder the prospects of their relationship.

Despite their discord, the two characters share chemistry, particularly in their bedroom scenes.

While physical attraction is vital, the show’s underlying message that only sexual energy matters is fundamentally flawed.

Reflecting on my own marriage, I recall the importance of shared values in a relationship, ones that ultimately led to our lasting commitment. Unlike the transient chemistry shown in “Nobody Wants This,” our bond was built on a foundation of mutual respect and common beliefs.

The disparity between Noah’s religious devotion and Joanne’s ignorance of Jewish traditions creates a glaring contrast in the show.

Even after meeting her new partner, Joanne shows no interest in embracing his faith or family culture.

The show’s drama revolves around how external factors perceive the differences between Noah and Joanne.

In reality, such fundamental disparities would likely doom their relationship from the start.

Having shared core values and beliefs is essential for a lasting relationship, be it concerning religion, politics, or other significant aspects of life.

Major differences in foundational beliefs don’t bode well for Joanne and Noah’s future together.

For those seeking lasting relationships, “Nobody Wants This” fails to depict a healthy model.

Relying solely on sexual attraction without a shared foundation is not a recipe for a sustainable relationship.

While Adam Brody’s Noah would be focused on his congregation, Kristen Bell’s Joanne would be indulging in brunch, showcasing the disconnect between them.

This lack of compatibility is not a romantic premise, suggesting that the show should conclude after just one season.

Bethany Mandel is co-author of “Stolen Youth” and a homeschooling mother of six in greater Washington, DC.