Is Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” a template for healthy relationships?

Nobody Wants This is a Netflix series, showcasing the love story of Noah (played by Adam Brody), an attractive Jewish rabbi, and Joanna (played by Kristen Bell), an agnostic sex and relationships podcast host, or a Gentile (unbeliever) to practicing Jews. The show was created by Erin Foster, and is based on her own love story with her husband, Simon Tikhman.

What I liked

• The story. Because of how good the story was, I didn’t bother with any other technicalities. It was well written, and well paced. The characters were written so we could root for them, and we did exactly that.
• I loved how they broke the story down in different parts to show us the different stages of their relationship, from how they met, to dating, to meeting the parents, resolving conflict, and even how their relationship affected those around them.
• I liked that they went straight to the point with our protagonists meeting and pretty much falling in love with each other from the first episode. I was hooked.
• The chemistry of the characters was breathtaking. Whenever they looked at each other, it sent shivers down my spine. I had to take it back a few times to rewatch. Everytime we saw them both on screen, we could tell there was interest, and then eventually genuine love.

• The dialogue was brilliant, most especially Adam Brody’s lines. His lines were well crafted for Noah to make Joanna feel seen, safe and loved. She had no reason to doubt her man, so much that she was willing to fight her sister for that. The most iconic line for me was “I’m on your side…I can handle you”. Do you know how many women are waiting to hear this? If ever I decide to settle, I’ll go back to watch that show and remind myself. Noah’s words to Joanna made us dream.

• Morgan and Sasha’s friendship was very awkward but there was something very refreshing about it. I really liked that they included this aspect, because it added a little more heart to the story. Their friendship pretty much saved the relationship between the two sisters.

• Although the show was telling a very serious story about two people’s lives, they also gave us some sweet humour, nothing was misplaced.
• The overall positivity of the show was a breath of fresh air. We need more positive relationship stories and less stories about toxic love.
• Special mention for their first kiss together. I don’t know how else to describe it but the world stopped.

What I didn’t like

Why did the main character have to be a rabbi? Why was religion brought into all of this? I really struggled with this. I wished they had created another character who wasn’t a rabbi. I really struggled with watching a rabbi smoke, drink and have pre marital sex. It was too much for a religious leader who was gunning for the role of a temple leader.

I understand what they were trying to do here — put two people who won’t compromise on their values (whatever they may be), and the best example will be a religious leader but it was way off. They could have left out all those aspects and still had a balanced story.

So because of how they positioned the rabbi, it was then hard for me to understand why Joanna wouldn’t convert. She wouldn’t have had to change anything about herself since she was with a “woke” rabbi.

What I learned

• If you like someone, don’t overthink it just go for it.
• Someone who wants you will choose you regardless.
• Love is hard but it takes two people to make it sweet.
• It’s okay to talk about your feelings, but you need to feel safe to do so. You also need the other party to be vulnerable with you.
• This kind of love is rare but it exists. It can exist for more people if we are more honest about our feelings and we communicate with each other.

With Nobody Wants This, Netflix has given us a healthy ship we can all root for, and we’re super thankful. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and I will be watching many more times. It’s an 8/10 for me.