What makes a good romantic comedy? To be honest, it feels like the argument is already dying, even though the examples of this all seem like a lifetime ago. What is the name of a recent romantic comedy that made me feel like the world was a better place? I can’t remember. When Harry Met Sally to 10 Things I Hate About You and About Time, the common thread here is that these stories intentionally want us to believe that two people put their differences aside and treat each other with love can. (Also read: ‘One Day’ review: Netflix strikes gold with a beautiful, decades-long love story)

Everyone wants a good romantic comedy

The genre has been done so many times, but there’s always something missing – either the guy is creepy, or at the end of the day there’s not that much chemistry. Worse, it’s all a little too optimistic to deal with the world as a whole. Luckily and quite unexpectedly, the new Netflix rom-com “Nobody Wants This” doesn’t fall prey to all of these clichés and traps.

It’s a pretty simple, straightforward series about two people who bond over the course of ten half-hour episodes, and it helps that those two people are played by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. Her Joanne is an agnostic, while his Noah turns out to be, of all things, a rabbi. Of course, he’s referred to as the “hot rabbi” at work.

She runs a podcast about sex and relationships in the modern world, where she makes a living alongside her sister and co-host Morgan (Justine Lupe aka Willa from Succession). He now takes his calling seriously and earns the good opinion of his superiors and a few friendly looks from the older women who want to introduce their daughters to him.

Inspired by creator Erin Foster’s relationship with her Jewish husband, the series maintains an empathetic and gentle tone throughout and brings these characters together with care. Their introduction takes place quite unobtrusively in the pilot episode, although Joanne can’t help but decide what she wants for herself. While the series takes some time to find its own pace, even when Joanne and Noah try, the big gaping crisis in their relationship is that she’s the outsider within the community in which he thrives. His parents are outraged, but they’re sure this won’t last more than a few minutes.

“Nobody Wants This” is about an interfaith romance, but the series fails to address Noah’s identity as a Jewish person, leaving the impression that it is a segment designed to address the larger question of Whether the two are compatible, somehow manageable whether they make it or not. Brody brings more to the screen than is given to him, imbuing Noah with an aching sense of vulnerability and thoughtfulness.

In comparison, Bell appears more pragmatic and confident. This is certainly because the series focuses more on Noah’s calling and therefore shows more about Noah’s family, his community and his hobbies. What’s left is Joanne’s podcast, which miraculously continues to grow despite her growing reluctance.

Final thoughts

Directors Hannah Fidell, Karen Maine, Greg Mottola, Oz Rodriguez and Lawrence Trilling manage to balance the emotional interests of these two characters well, even if their equation threatens to collapse due to misunderstandings. It helps that there’s an electric chemistry between Bell and Brody that really holds the series together despite its flaws. Brody, in particular, overcomes the stereotypical urge to make Noah someone who has to suffer and cry and be a complete man-child. He is more than that. Noah asks the questions, is willing to take responsibility when a situation becomes critical, and can speak from a perspective that is not his own. Brody forces us to root for him that this relationship works out.

Nobody Wants This feels like a breath of fresh air in the sea of ​​OTT shows obsessed with the pitfalls of modern relationships. Or where the man isn’t a complete fool. Yes, there is desperation and cynicism and the world is dealing with so many problems outside of work. Misunderstandings are a beast. But there can be a safe space if we give it a little time and consideration.

Nobody Wants This gives Noah and Joanne time and energy to patiently wait for this love to not go unanswered. It’s one of the most romantic shows of the year so far.

Nobody Wants This is currently streaming on Netflix.