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The Redemption Of ‘Nobody Wants This’

Emmy Norton Student Contributor, Boston University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Warning: major spoilers ahead!

When the first season of Nobody Wants This aired in September 2024, I thought it was just another romcom. But I was mistaken. All of my friends continued recommending it the week it was released, so I finally had to see what all the hype was about. 

The second I turned it on, I knew I’d finish it in one sitting. And I did. In one Friday night. I was curled up in my bed, laptop on my bedside table, with a whole bag of Boom Chicka Pop’s kettle corn in hand. It was one of the best nights of my life. 

The show’s witty writing and unique dynamics kept my attention the whole night. Kristen Bell, who plays Joanne Williams, and Adam Brody, who plays Noah Roklov, have the most insane, tangible chemistry out of any show I’ve seen. They not only convincingly pull off their characters being soulmates, but they also have a comedic twist that makes their connection distinctive and entertaining for viewers. 

Watching this, audiences can only think one thing: this is the relationship I want in life. It creates a hopeful, happy feeling for everyone watching.

Since season 1 was so remarkable and unique, I was concerned before season 2 aired in October 2025. I was right to be worried. The subsequent season is simply a replica with a few more side characters. The plot was extremely similar to season 1, where Joanne and Noah are proven to be soulmates, but something gets in the way of their relationship, and they break up. Then, at the last minute, they realize they can get through anything together, and they make up and make out. 

The first season accomplishes this plotline flawlessly, creating suspense for the viewers. But the second season used all the same tactics and similar jokes, so it was easy to foreshadow.

Season 3 is the show’s redemption. After a cliché season 2, I was dreading season 3. But I’m no quitter. I had some hope for a phenomenal season, which I got. Season 3 exhibited the same unique, clever jokes that made me fall in love with the show in the first place. Instead of creating issues for Joanne and Noah to fight about just to end up resolving, the writing centered around their future: them moving in, their engagement, and Joanne’s full emergence into the world of Judaism. 

The dynamic between Joanne being unreligious at first and Rabbi Noah Roklov is the most compelling aspect of the show. It put a twist on the classic “forbidden love” trope and tied in religion in a way that didn’t overwhelm the show, but it informed audiences more about Judaism. 

Initially, I knew nothing about Judaism. But now, I understand so much more, and right now it’s so important to understand others’ beliefs and points of view. This show gives Judaism much-needed representation, while also perfectly curating a complex relationship that audiences can’t get enough of.

Though it may seem simple, my favorite scene by far this season was when Joanne and Noah turned off their phones, got high, and hung out together in their house. They made jokes, asked questions, and talked about their wedding. I couldn’t stop laughing when Joanne tricked Noah into saying who his least favorite of their wedding guests was, and when he admitted it was Derek, she jumped off the couch and yelled, “I knew you hated Derek!” with the biggest smile on her face. 

The joy from that scene is infectious. Viewers can’t help but smile, which shows that the comedy in Nobody Wants This is top tier. 

One of my favorite aspects of season 1 that I wish they continued in season 3 was how Joanne and her sister Morgan, played by Justine Lupe, openly talked about their relationships and sex lives on their podcast. The plot of season 1 heavily centered around their podcast and how they freely discussed their personal lives. 

This was why the podcast in the show was so popular, but also why the show itself became a big hit. This is a topic that people don’t typically share, but is something many women are curious about as a way of relating to each other’s experiences. 

Hearing these sisters confidently sharing details helped portray the main theme of the show: the importance of healthy communication. This is a central issue in Joanne and Noah’s relationship that they end up resolving.

In season 3, Joanne and Morgan’s sex lives aren’t talked about as much. This is because they have matured since the first season. Joanne is fully committed to Noah, and Morgan begins to develop real feelings for Noah’s brother Sasha, played by Timothy Simons. 

Morgan and Sasha’s chemistry has been prevalent since season 1, but it’s been strictly platonic. This season, after Sasha’s divorce — unrelated to Morgan — they got together for a night. As a friend, Sasha accompanied Morgan to New York City, gifted her a stunning dress, and stood by her as she faced her fears of being on a talk show. Even though it’s obvious they have real feelings for each other, they don’t end up together because it would complicate Noah and Joanne’s relationship. 

I’m happy with the writer’s decision. Sasha and Morgan are both going through periods of self-discovery, so I think it’s beneficial that they explored the potential of them being together, but then not staying together. 

Morgan’s heartbreak enhances her development because audiences haven’t seen her have serious feelings for someone so far in the show. I’m intrigued by how they will continue Morgan’s story, making me more eager for season 4, which creator Erin Foster has expressed her hopefulness to continue. 

Overall, season 3 is a hit. With the classic, witty comedy style brought back from season 1, deeper understanding of Judaism, and more character development from lovable side characters, Nobody Wants This has been redeemed from its mediocre second season. And everybody wants more. 

If you’re looking for a unique romcom, Nobody Wants This is the show for you!

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Emmy is a freshman in BU's College of Communication studying Journalism. When she's not writing, you'll often find her watching movies (shoutout to Good Will Hunting), playing volleyball, or listening to music. She loves writing about pop culture and movie reviews, and is excited to continue to grow her writing skills at Her Campus!