Nobody Wants This: How Netflix’s Surprise Rom-Com Hit is Reviving a Genre

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Trevor Maddison
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In a streaming landscape dominated by gritty dramas and high-fantasy epics, a new contender has emerged to capture the hearts of millions: Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This.” The romantic comedy, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, has not only defied its own title but has become a certified sensation, topping the Netflix charts and earning critical acclaim. But how did this seemingly simple story of an unlikely couple become one of the biggest streaming hits of the year? And what does its success mean for the future of the rom-com genre?

Just when you thought the romantic comedy was a relic of the past, “Nobody Wants This” has proven that love, laughter, and a healthy dose of witty banter are exactly what audiences have been craving. The series, which premiered on September 26, 2024, has been a runaway success, and with a second season already in the works, it’s clear that everybody, in fact, wants this.

Official poster for Netflix's "Nobody Wants This" starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Caption: Official poster for Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Credit: Netflix Source: Netflix Media Center

An Unlikely Couple in a Modern World

At the heart of “Nobody Wants This” is a classic “opposites attract” story, but with a refreshingly modern twist. Joanne (Kristen Bell) is a sharp-witted, agnostic sex podcaster who has built a career on her unfiltered and often hilarious takes on love and relationships. Noah (Adam Brody) is a thoughtful, newly single rabbi trying to navigate the complexities of his faith and his personal life. When their worlds collide, the chemistry is undeniable, but so are the challenges.

The series cleverly explores the cultural and religious differences that both define and complicate their budding romance. Joanne’s secular, no-holds-barred lifestyle is a world away from Noah’s close-knit Jewish community and the expectations that come with his role as a spiritual leader. The first season saw the couple grapple with these tensions, culminating in a powerful season finale where Noah makes a bold choice to prioritize his love for Joanne, even if it means defying the expectations of his family and community.

A Streaming Juggernaut is Born

In a market saturated with big-budget fantasy and sci-fi, the success of “Nobody Wants This” has been a welcome surprise. The show’s performance on Netflix has been nothing short of phenomenal. In its second week of streaming, the series skyrocketed to the #1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 English-language TV shows, pulling in an impressive 15.9 million views and dethroning the highly anticipated true-crime drama “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” This wasn’t a one-week fluke; the show remained in the Top 10 for six consecutive weeks, accumulating a staggering 48.7 million views since its release.

The critical reception has been equally enthusiastic. The series boasts a “Certified Fresh” 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 85% audience score, proving that both critics and viewers are captivated by its charm. Publications like The Guardian have hailed it as being “as funny, sweet, scabrous and romantic as comedy gets,” comparing it to classics like “When Harry Met Sally.” This level of success is a testament to the show’s smart writing, endearing characters, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads.

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody star as an unlikely couple in Netflix's romantic comedy "Nobody Wants This" Caption: Kristen Bell and Adam Brody star as an unlikely couple in Netflix’s romantic comedy “Nobody Wants This” Credit: Los Angeles Times Source: Los Angeles Times

Is the Rom-Com Making a Comeback?

The massive success of “Nobody Wants This” has sparked a conversation about the state of the romantic comedy. For years, the genre has been largely absent from the mainstream, with many critics and industry insiders declaring it dead. However, the overwhelming response to this series suggests that audiences are more than ready for its return. The show’s stars, Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, have their own theories about why the show has resonated so deeply with viewers.

In a recent interview, Brody noted the lack of romantic comedies in the current entertainment landscape, stating, “We are in a tense moment of massive upheaval, and there doesn’t seem to be [many romantic comedies], period.” Bell echoed this sentiment, adding, “It feels like we have the field to ourselves for a moment… something lovely in the rom-com space hadn’t been felt by the masses in a while.” Their comments highlight a void in the market that “Nobody Wants This” has expertly filled, offering a comforting and heartwarming escape for viewers.

What’s Next for Joanne and Noah in Season 2?

With the series officially renewed for a second season, fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for the unlikely couple. The first season left off with Noah making a grand romantic gesture, but as Adam Brody himself noted, the challenges are far from over. “In the light of day, will he still feel that way? I don’t know,” Brody said in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum. “It’s an open question.” Season 2 is poised to explore the complexities of their relationship as they navigate the day-to-day realities of their vastly different lives.

Creator Erin Foster is excited to delve deeper into this new phase of their relationship. “It’s such an interesting part of every relationship when you now have to see if you can make it work with each other’s friends, day-to-day routines, and how you handle the milestones that come in those first few months together from holidays, birthdays, and what you each think the future should look like,” she told Tudum.

Adding to the excitement, Season 2 will introduce a host of new characters played by some familiar faces. Leighton Meester, in a delightful reunion with her former The O.C. co-star Adam Brody, is set to join the cast. Also joining are Miles Fowler (Bottoms), Alex Karpovsky (Girls), and Arian Moayed (Succession, Inventing Anna). While details about their roles are still under wraps, their addition to the cast promises to bring new dynamics and potential conflicts to the series. For more on what to expect from upcoming TV seasons, check out our article on the future of TV.

The Future is Bright for “Nobody Wants This”

With a winning combination of sharp writing, endearing performances, and a whole lot of heart, “Nobody Wants This” has proven that the romantic comedy is far from dead. The series has not only captured the attention of millions of viewers but has also created a space for a genre that has been sorely missed. As we look forward to the second season, one thing is clear: everybody wants more of this smart, funny, and refreshingly modern love story. For more on what to watch, check out our TV show recommendations.

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