The hit Netflix romantic comedy Nobody Wants This is back with its second season, continuing the story of an agnostic podcaster and a charismatic rabbi navigating their unlikely relationship. While the show’s first season was famously inspired by creator Erin Foster‘s own romance, she has confirmed that the new season charts a different, more fictional course.
In a recent interview, Foster was direct when asked if the second season continues to draw from her personal love story, stating, “Definitely not.” She explained that her on-screen counterpart, Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, does not follow the same path she did in real life. “I hope that they have the same ending point of marriage and kids and happy ending,” Foster shared, clarifying that the creative process now focuses on what feels most authentic and relatable for viewers rather than sticking to real-life events.
From Personal Story to Broader Fiction
The first season of Nobody Wants This was loosely based on Foster’s relationship with her now-husband, music executive Simon Tikhman. The couple began dating in 2018, got engaged the following year, and married during a 2019 New Year’s Eve celebration. They recently welcomed a daughter in 2024.
For the new season, the narrative has shifted away from this personal blueprint. Foster explained that the writer’s room prioritizes stories that “feel relevant to the show or transcend my life into the writer’s room and really resonates for people.” She added, “If it doesn’t resonate and there’s something different, someone else’s experience that resonates for me and for the room, then that wins.”
Despite the move away from specific real-life situations, the show’s co-showrunner, Jenni Konner, emphasized that Foster’s emotional perspective remains central. “She is like Joanne, she has a very clear idea of who she is, what she wants, what she feels. And so the emotional truth of Erin and of Erin’s life is getting into every single part of it, whether the exact situation has happened to her or not,” Konner said. Foster agreed with this sentiment, noting, “The emotional truths will always stay sort of on course.”
New Challenges for Joanne and Noah
Season 2 continues to explore the relationship between Joanne and Adam Brody‘s character, Rabbi Noah, focusing on the central question of whether Joanne will convert to Judaism. The season follows the couple as they navigate the first six months of their relationship, getting to know each other’s friends and family more deeply.
A significant new challenge arises when Joanne is unexpectedly evicted from her home. While looking at real estate, she finds a three-bedroom apartment and hints to Noah about moving in together. Noah, however, is hesitant, explaining that he is scared to take that step before the question of conversion is resolved. This creates tension, with Joanne expressing her frustration that Noah seems to have “one foot on the gas and one foot on the break.”
The season also expands its focus to include other relationships. Joanne’s sister, Morgan, played by Justine Lupe, embarks on a whirlwind romance with her former therapist, Dr. Andy, which leads to an engagement. Meanwhile, Noah’s brother, Sasha, and his wife, Esther, face marital issues as Esther begins to question the life she has built.
Cast and a Five-Season Goal
The new season features several notable guest stars, including Leighton Meester, who plays a mommy influencer and childhood rival of Joanne. The casting was a clever touch, as Meester is married to Adam Brody in real life. Of the experience, Brody said the best part was “driving to work together and getting a little alone time.” Other guest appearances include Seth Rogen, Alex Karpovsky, and D’Arcy Carden.
Looking forward, Foster has revealed ambitions for the show to continue beyond its second season. She has expressed a five-season goal for the series, and Kristen Bell has confirmed that the writers’ room is already at work on a potential third season, though Netflix has not yet made an official renewal.
The show’s success demonstrates that a love story, even one that begins with a personal experience, can grow and surprise its audience with new, universally relatable chapters.
Also Read: Nobody Wants This Season 2: Kristen Bell Promises a Funny and Provocative Return
