Well, Season 2 of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” is upon us, and the opinions are polarizing. In some cases, nobody does want this—critics have called this installment trite, superficial and sluggish, while others praise the cast’s chemistry and fun product placement (there was even a Dunkin’ cup in one scene!).
“It’s an achievement in nothingness. Essentially zero happens in the course of 10 episodes,” sneers Slate.
Other critics felt the portrayal of Judaism was superficial, though The New York Times recently ran an in-depth piece about the Jewish backgrounds of creator Erin Foster (on whom the show is based) and show runner Jenni Konner, who invited her own rabbi to consult with the Season 2 writers.
Quick plot recap: Sensitive rabbi Noah (Adam Brody) and non-Jewish, type-A dating podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell) have fallen in love, much to everyone’s surprise. The typical tension ensues: Noah’s mom, Bina (Tovah Feldshuh), wants him to please, please, please marry a nice Jewish girl; Joanne is unsure if she wants to convert, which Noah feels strongly about since it would help his career; and Joanne’s sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe), is a self-centered comic foil with relationship woes of her own—including an improbable quasi-crush on Noah’s married and slightly dim brother, Sasha (Timothy Simons).
We asked our own local Jewish community for their opinions, and wow: You did not hold back! But first, a few musings of my own:
- How old are Noah and Joanne supposed to be here, anyway? In real life, both actors are in their mid-40s, but Joanne’s forehead (and behavior) place her squarely in the late-20s range.
- How do Joanne and Morgan have any money? Is podcasting that lucrative? It’s been established that Noah has family funds, but these sisters? Mysterious. (In real life, Joanne inspiration Erin Foster is the child of legendary music producer extraordinaire David Foster, so no fiscal surprises there.)
- It’s so nice to see Leighton Meester back on screen! Adam Brody’s real-life wife has a saucy turn as a cringey mom-fluencer mid-season, bringing much-needed comic relief and that signature “Gossip Girl” smirk.
- I’m still very unclear what Noah sees in Joanne. She’s brittle, high-maintenance, kinda selfish … think Meredith Morton (Sarah Jessica Parker) in “The Family Stone.” What’s the appeal, Noah? Is it her flawless application of night serum? Her ability to pull off pleated pants? I don’t get it.
Now, for your thoughts:
Some viewers appreciated the show’s willingness to explore Jewish identity and interfaith relationships, even if they didn’t always agree with the execution.
“I think it’s great that there’s a funny, relatable show featuring a rabbi and so many Jewish characters and conversations. I love that there’s a real discourse around what it means to ‘feel Jewish.’ I’m not sure I fully agree with how that’s depicted, but I guess that’s the point—that there are many ways to be Jewish. At the same time, I wouldn’t want to undermine the actual process of becoming Jewish.”
—Leah
“As someone in an interfaith relationship, I’ve really enjoyed watching Rabbi Roklov and Joanne’s dynamic. It’s both funny and genuinely heartwarming to see how they navigate their traditions together. I especially love those moments when my boyfriend recognizes something from Judaism that’s become familiar to him through our relationship.”
—Lexi
“Not as good as Season 1, but it sparked some really meaningful conversations between me and my non-Jewish husband—especially about how different things might have been for us without the support of our family and friends. We were glad to see the couple get back together in the end, but it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary drama along the way. The biggest thing we talked about was how much pressure their families and friends put on them to make decisions and share their plans, instead of giving them the opportunity to go through it together without everyone else getting involved. It all hit very close to home.”
—Jake
Others were more critical, taking issue with the writing, tone or depiction of Jewish life.
“I actually found some of the episodes and the shtick offensive: the episode with the baby-naming, for example. And if Noah’s job is important to him and Joanne loves him, why would she act so disrespectfully?”
—Susan
“There is occasionally witty dialogue, but beyond that, this show is a complete miss with respect to its portrayal of Jewish life, from our rabbi ‘hero’ who is never in shul on Saturday and only wears a kippah when he’s sermonizing to the shallow thematics when there is a conversation about a parsha, or Jewish practice, or holidays. Honestly, I think the target audience is not Jewish. If it’s Judaism or Jewish/culture/community/history with substance you are after, watch ChaiFlicks or the Israeli productions on Netflix, such as ‘Shtisel‘ or ‘Fauda.’”
—Amy
“I wasn’t happy with how Jews are portrayed, from the new-age shul with superficial values to the materialistic influencer mother. I wish it was more balanced.”
—Lauren
“The first season was awful, full of tired stereotypes. The only normal Jew there was a woman counselor in the summer camp. The first season had a Jewish mother eating salami from the garbage, Jewish women who were shallow or boring, a tired old rabbi and an old congregant giving big donations to the synagogue to cover up his sex-shop adventures. The second season was much better.”
—Mila
“It’s totally offensive. I may seem like I don’t have a sense of humor, but the show is the opposite of what we need right now. Better to focus on ‘Long Story Short,’ a fantastic show.”
—Jes
“I stopped watching a few episodes in. It felt very contrived and pretty boring. So sad because I had such high hopes!”
—Lindsay
“I thought it was boring. It wasn’t edgy or funny.”
—Miriam
“I loathed the first season while watching the whole thing. And I can’t wait to watch the second season, loathe that too, and then await the third. I can’t make any sense of this.”
—Dan
But not everyone was ready to write it off. Some found the second season more developed and emotionally grounded—or simply fun to watch.
“I think it got much deeper with the second season and the characters were a lot more developed. I especially liked the relationship between Morgan and Dr. Andy.”
—Diana
“I enjoyed it! I did like the first season better, but I’m invested in it. I want a Season 3 to find out what happens to each couple.”
—Amy
“I wouldn’t say it was a piece of art or worthy of awards, but I enjoyed watching it and loved the message in the final scene with Esther.”
—Rachel
“I think I’m the only one who actually enjoyed the second season.”
—Emily
“I loved both seasons so much! It’s not at all offensive; Sasha is hilarious. I think it shows so many beautiful parts of Judaism. Can’t wait for Season 3.”
—Jessica
Love it or hate it, nobody seems indifferent to “Nobody Wants This.” And if you haven’t watched yet, both seasons are streaming now on Netflix.