The hit Netflix series “Nobody Wants This” has charmed audiences, but its title makes viewers do a double-take. The name perfectly captures the central conflict of the show, where a couple’s relationship unfolds against a backdrop of family doubts and cultural differences. The title’s clever meaning goes much deeper than it first appears.
The Story Behind the Title
The show’s title was not the original choice. The series was initially called “Shiksa,” a Yiddish word for a non-Jewish woman. This was a direct reference to the plot, which is based on creator Erin Foster‘s own experience of dating and marrying a Jewish man. The creators later decided to change it to the more relatable and intriguing “Nobody Wants This.”
The title connects directly to the podcast hosted by the main characters, Joanne and her sister Morgan. Within the show’s world, “Nobody Wants This” is the name of their podcast, where they talk about the messy, complicated, and often awkward realities of love and dating. The irony is that Joanne ends up living out the very kind of complicated relationship she and her sister would discuss on their show.
What ‘Nobody Wants This’ Really Means
In the series, Kristen Bell plays Joanne, a free-spirited, agnostic sex podcaster. Adam Brody plays Noah, a kind-hearted and progressive rabbi. After they meet and fall for each other, they discover their wildly different worlds are not easy to merge.
The title reflects the constant pressure they face from everyone around them. Noah’s family worries about their cultural differences and has doubts about their relationship. Joanne’s own sister questions if she is ready for a life that is so different from her own. As one analysis of the show pointed out, the title sums up the challenge of “following your heart when nobody seems to believe in it.”
The name captures the universal feeling of being in a relationship that others don’t approve of or understand. It’s about two people trying to make something work, even when it seems like the whole world is telling them it’s a bad idea.
A Hit with Critics and Fans
Despite its self-deprecating name, the show has proven that everybody, in fact, does want this. Critics have praised the series, with one review calling it “the funniest, sweetest, most scabrous, most romantic, most real thing” seen in a long time. The on-screen chemistry between Bell and Brody has been singled out as a major highlight, feeling “utterly convincing to the audience.”
Fans have also embraced the show, with many bingeing the entire first season in one sitting. Viewers have taken to social media and review platforms to express their love for the relatable characters and the smart, witty dialogue. The show’s exploration of an interfaith romance feels fresh and modern, making the characters’ journey both funny and heartfelt.
The Hyper-Realistic World of Joanne and Noah
A key reason the show and its title feel so authentic is its basis in real-life experience. Creator Erin Foster drew from her personal life, which gives the story a layer of hyper-realism.
In an interview, Kristen Bell discussed Foster’s unique writing style, noting that the creator “discovered something about hyper-realistic writing, and she committed to it and fought for her vision.” Bell added that the show is “meant to feel small, it is meant to feel like it could happen to you, or happen to your neighbor.” This realistic approach makes the central conflict—that “nobody wants” this relationship—feel genuine and relatable.
A Look Ahead to Season Two
The story of Joanne and Noah is far from over. The success of the first season, which earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for its stars, led Netflix to renew the series for a second season.
Fans can look forward to seeing how the relationship develops past the initial honeymoon phase. Creator Erin Foster shared that the new season will explore “how you can make it work with each other’s friends, day-to-day routines, and how you handle the milestones.” The second season of “Nobody Wants This” is set to premiere on October 23, 2025 on Netflix.
Also Read: Adam Brody’s Career Soars with Golden Globe Recognition After Netflix’s ‘Nobody Wants This’ Success
Credits: Forbes, Netflix Tudum
