The new Netflix series “Nobody Wants This” features an intriguing meet-the-parents scene where Adam Brody’s character, Noah, arrives at his girlfriend Joanne’s house, played by Kristen Bell, bringing a bouquet of sunflowers in an attempt to make a good impression. However, Joanne is taken aback by his gesture and decides that a breakup is necessary. Before Joanne ends things, Noah confronts her, expressing his desire to make a positive impression on her parents without any apologies.
The show’s creator and showrunner, Erin Foster, drew inspiration from her own experiences, particularly from meeting her husband in 2018. She reflects on how being with the wrong person can lead to placing blame on everything, while being with a healthy and accountable partner can bring self-realization of one’s flaws in a relationship.
Within the series, Joanne and her sister host a podcast where they candidly share their dating experiences, including breakups. When Joanne meets Noah, their chemistry is evident despite their contrasting religious backgrounds. As their relationship evolves, religious differences become a point of contention as societal pressures and personal beliefs come into play.
Addressing the authenticity of the Jewish representation in the show, Foster consulted with her own rabbi to ensure accurate portrayal. Despite potential inaccuracies, she acknowledges the limitations of TV portrayal and the need for some creative liberties.
Adam Brody, though being agnostic, found the role of Noah, a devout believer in Judaism, to be an exciting departure from his personal beliefs. He embraced the challenge of portraying a character deeply committed to his faith, adding complexity to his interactions with others.
Amidst these relationship dynamics, the series avoids incorporating real-world conflicts like the Hamas attack on Israel during production. Foster explained the decision to focus on the interpersonal conflicts within the story rather than delving into global issues, maintaining the authenticity of the narrative.
Kristen Bell, an executive producer on the show, emphasized the importance of highlighting relationship conflicts based on individual labels and beliefs rather than external events. The narrative aims to explore the complexities of relationships, especially when faced with conflicting values and identities.
Overall, “Nobody Wants This” delves into the challenges of navigating relationships, societal expectations, and personal beliefs, offering a nuanced portrayal of individuals grappling with differences in a complex world.