Despite its title, Nobody Wants This. continues to be a surprisingly delightful romantic comedy, perfectly crafted for anyone who appreciates a heartwarming story in easily digestible episodes. The second season plunges deeper into the unconventional romance between Noah (Adam Brody), a charming rabbi, and Joanne (Kristen Bell), a witty yet cynical dating podcaster.
Nobody Wants This. Season 2 (English)
Season two kicks off with Noah and Joanne taking a significant step, hosting a dinner for their friends. However, a casual comment quickly reveals that the couple, despite their strong bond, still holds different perspectives on important aspects of their future. This relatable struggle is at the heart of the show’s appeal.
The true charm of Nobody Wants This. lies in its universal themes. While set against the backdrop of a white American couple in Los Angeles, the core struggles of love, faith, and trust resonate broadly. As Joanne and Noah’s connection deepens, they confront significant obstacles stemming from their differing religious backgrounds and worldviews. And, as any close-knit family will attest, when a couple comes together, their families inevitably follow.
Joanne’s relationship with her sister and podcast co-host, Morgan (Justine Lupe), remains a captivating blend of affection, rivalry, admiration, and occasional jealousy. Joanne finds herself questioning Morgan’s new boyfriend, Andy (Arian Moayed), a former therapist, seeing him as a walking collection of red flags.
Meanwhile, Noah’s elder brother, Sasha (Timothy Simons), and his seemingly rock-solid wife, the impeccably capable Esther (Jackie Tohn), face their own marital challenges. Season two sees Esther beginning to question the very foundations of her marriage, adding another layer of depth to the ensemble cast.
Expect fireworks when Joanne and Morgan’s mother, Lynn (Stephanie Faracy), and their openly gay father, Henry (Michael Hitchcock), clash with Noah and Sasha’s parents – the formidable “tiger mom” Bina (Tovah Feldshuh) and the peace-loving Ilan (Paul Ben-Victor). These family dynamics provide both comedic relief and genuine emotional stakes.
The sisters’ professional lives are also affected, as their personal differences inevitably spill over into their podcast, much to the chagrin of their friend and agent, Ashley (Sherry Cola). Noah faces professional disappointment when his boss, Rabbi Cohen (Stephen Tobolowsky), overlooks him for a prestigious leadership role at Temple Chai.
A well-intentioned attempt by Joanne to boost Noah’s spirits at a baby-naming ceremony takes an unexpected turn when she encounters her childhood rival, Abby-loves-smoothies (Leighton Meester). During the event, Noah discovers a new opportunity at Temple Ahava, where he receives a warm welcome from Rabbi Neil (Seth Rogen) and his non-Jewish wife, Rabbi Cami (Kate Berlant). However, Noah soon finds Temple Ahava’s progressive approach, complete with a dedicated corner for Steven Spielberg, to be a bit too unconventional for his traditional sensibilities.
This season is packed with memorable moments, including wedding dress shopping, a lively Purim celebration where Lynn has a surprising revelation about her Jewish heritage, and a grand engagement party in the season finale. These events see certain relationships reach their natural conclusion, while others reaffirm their commitments. Each episode, clocking in at under 30 minutes, is a fast-paced, enjoyable exploration of love, faith, and everything that makes relationships so wonderfully complicated.
Nobody Wants This. Season 2 is now available for streaming on Netflix.