Netflix is known for pushing boundaries in the streaming world. Recently, they’ve dived into creating shows where not much happens—think seasons upon seasons of Emily in Paris and reality shows where houses remain unsold. This trend stretches to Nobody Wants This, a rom-com that just kicked off its second season.
Season one followed the unlikely romance between Noah, a rabbi, and Joanne, a secular woman from Los Angeles. Surprisingly, it was a hit, partly thanks to its stars Adam Brody and Kristen Bell, who have a loyal fan base from their earlier shows like The O.C. and Veronica Mars. Viewers were left hanging at the end of season one, wondering if Joanne would convert to Judaism, but the couple ended up reuniting with a kiss instead of a decision.
In season two, this unresolved question lingers, overshadowing new developments. The entire season feels like a repeat of the first. The couple almost breaks up over the same issue again, yet they end up together without any progress.
So why prolong this story? A well-developed show should have a clear direction and evolve over its run. Other romance shows, like Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty, illustrate how to balance romance with plot advancement. Viewers can only handle so much tension on a single issue before it becomes tiresome.
Additionally, Nobody Wants This struggles with its portrayal of Judaism. While the first season faced criticism for presenting Jewish women in a negative light, season two softens these characters, which paradoxically leaves the plot feeling sparse. The creators should keep some conflict to bring excitement back, even if that involves tackling challenging themes.
Interestingly, the show often neglects its religious core. Based on a real-life story by Erin Foster, who married a Jewish man, you’d expect more depth regarding the rabbi role. The show seems more interested in the romantic angle than the complexities of faith.
At its core, Nobody Wants This raises thought-provoking questions about storytelling. Is it truly engaging if it feels empty? Or does it serve as easy background noise for viewers? Either way, the journey continues, and there’s already buzz about what the next season might hold.
For further insights on romantic comedies and the portrayal of relationships, check out the reports from Pew Research.
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