Nobody Wants This review: The premise is stupid, but I quite enjoyed the show

I really love a great romantic comedy. I consider When Harry Met Sally to be one of the best films of all time. However, the key word here is "great." It feels like nearly every possible storyline for rom-coms has already been exhausted, which leads filmmakers to create absurd plots in an effort to be seen as “unique” and to shake up the traditional rom-com formula.

This leads us to "Nobody Wants This," the inaugural entry in a peculiar new genre (seriously, we hope this doesn’t catch on): a romantic comedy about a rabbi intended for non-Jews. Struggling to come up with fresh concepts? Just imagine how hilarious it could be if a rabbi found romance with a gentile woman (and yes, the term used in "Nobody Wants This" is the one we’re talking about).

However, Rabbi Noah is not your typical rabbi. He is a charming character portrayed by Adam Brody, who gained fame from the popular teen drama The O.C. He's so undeniably attractive that when Joanne, a sex podcast host who is not of the Jewish faith, encounters him at a dinner party, she comically fails to recognize him as a rabbi. This leads to a mix-up and, ultimately, a television series.

If I come off as pretentious, it's because I am. I won’t spoil the surprise twists in the story, but let’s just say the basic idea is pretty ridiculous. It’s not that a rabbi couldn't fall in love with someone outside of their faith; it's that the character of Joanne (played by Kristen Bell, who seems to be coasting through her role) is incredibly annoying, self-centered, and actually pretty dull. For instance, she doesn’t seem to know that pork isn’t kosher and brings prosciutto as a gift for the rabbi’s mother, Bina. Funny, right? On the other hand, Noah is depicted as the perfect guy: good-looking, charming, loyal, forgiving, kind to seniors, and very intelligent. Seriously? There’s no real effort to develop either character beyond the simple labels of The Rabbi and The Shiksa. It feels very half-hearted.

Here comes the “but.” Even though I somewhat dislike Nobody Wants This (a title that practically makes its own jokes), I surprisingly found myself enjoying it. One reason is that it’s uncommon to see a mainstream drama or comedy that portrays rabbis in a balanced way instead of as oddballs. Additionally, the supporting cast delivers fantastic performances, and the various challenges that arise in Joanne and Noah’s relationship are handled thoughtfully. For example, the typical overbearing Jewish mother is definitely exaggerated, but she’s depicted in a way that makes her relatable rather than just a stereotype.

I'll avoid giving away any plot details, as you might want to experience it for yourself.

Regarding the supporting characters, Timothy Simons, known for his role as Jonah Ryan in Veep, shines as Noah’s beleaguered brother, fitting perfectly into the comedic tone of the show. Honestly, I would love to see a series centered on Simons' character and his wife, portrayed by Jackie Tohn, who brilliantly embodies the typical tough yet fiercely protective Jewish wife—especially if Tovah Feldshuh played their mother, Bina. Additionally, Justine Lupe from Succession impressively transforms the somewhat vague role of Joanne’s sister into a more engaging character.

Here's my idea for the second season: shake things up a bit. Reduce Joanne and Noah's roles to something smaller, and let the others enjoy their moment in the spotlight.

Nobody Wants This came out on September 26.