Dive deep into the world of romantic comedies that echo the charm and unexpected connections of Netflix’s hit series Nobody Wants This. This guide offers fans a comprehensive look at shows featuring quirky protagonists, unconventional relationships, and plenty of laughs.
Netflix’s breakout romantic comedy series, Nobody Wants This, starring Adam Brody as unconventional rabbi Noah and Kristen Bell as relationship podcaster Joanne, has quickly become a fan favorite. Despite its ironically titled name, the show has resonated deeply with audiences for its fresh take on modern romance, showcasing how two vastly different individuals can unexpectedly find love and make each other better.
The series masterfully blends humor with heartwarming moments, exploring the chaos of modern dating, differing worldviews, and the complexities of blending families. Kristen Bell herself noted that the show’s arrival was perfectly timed to “reinvigorate the modern TV rom-com,” a sentiment widely shared by its enthusiastic fanbase who watched the series multiple times, as reported by People. With its recent renewal for a second season, fans are eager for more of Noah and Joanne’s unique love story.
Why Nobody Wants This Resonated with Fans
At its heart, Nobody Wants This thrives on the classic “opposites attract” trope, but with a modern, grounded sensibility. Noah, a dorky nice-guy rabbi, and Joanne, an outgoing, agnostic wild child, challenge each other’s perspectives and ultimately foster significant personal growth. Their intercultural and interfaith dynamic adds a layer of depth often explored in contemporary rom-coms.
The show’s supporting cast, including Justine Lupe as Joanne’s sister Morgan and Timothy Simons as Noah’s brother Sasha, also contribute to the show’s comedic hijinks and emotional richness, creating a supportive (mostly) and often chaotic world for the central couple, as detailed by People.
The Ultimate Watchlist: Shows That Capture the Nobody Wants This Spirit
If you’ve binged Nobody Wants This and are searching for more romantic comedies that offer unexpected relationships, plenty of laughs, and heartwarming stories of personal discovery, this curated list is for you. Here are 16 shows that embody the spirit of Noah and Joanne’s journey:
Fleabag
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag, especially season 2, draws clear parallels with its story of an agnostic woman falling for a man of faith. Often cited as the most similar to Nobody Wants This, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s acclaimed British comedy truly shines in its second season. Here, Fleabag, an agnostic and flawed protagonist, embarks on a forbidden romance with a priest (Andrew Scott). Like Noah and Joanne, they are vastly different but learn to embrace fun and faith, making each other better in the process.
Love
Judd Apatow’s Love dives into the messy realities of modern relationships with thoughtful humor. From Judd Apatow, Love is a romantic comedy-drama that thoughtfully explores its titular concept. It follows socially awkward Gus (Paul Rust) and erratic Mickey (Gillian Jacobs) as they navigate an unlikely relationship, confronting their significant emotional baggage while learning new insights about love and healing from past heartbreaks.
New Girl
The quirky ensemble of New Girl offers both comedic charm and a heartwarming journey to love and family. This heartwarming and comedic series sees freshly single teacher Jessica (Zooey Deschanel) move in with three male friends. Similar to Noah and Joanne’s dynamic, New Girl features an intercultural relationship between Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cee-Cee (Hannah Simone), and explores how friendships can blossom into deeper romantic connections, much like Jess and Nick’s evolving bond.
How I Met Your Mother
The iconic group dynamics and quest for love in How I Met Your Mother resonate with fans of Nobody Wants This. Centered on a group of young adults navigating life and love in New York City, How I Met Your Mother mirrors Nobody Wants This’s premise. Protagonist Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), much like Noah, is a good guy seeking true love, frequently sharing dating stories akin to Joanne’s podcast. He’s supported by a ragtag group of friends including Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris.
The Good Place
Kristen Bell stars in The Good Place, where her character undergoes a profound journey of self-improvement. For fans who adore Kristen Bell’s portrayal of a rough-around-the-edges character learning to be better, The Good Place is a must-watch. Bell’s character, Eleanor Shellstrop, accidentally lands in a heaven-like utopia, leading her on a journey of ethical growth and self-discovery with the help of those she meets, proving that even seemingly undeserving individuals can earn their spot.
Platonic
Platonic explores the evolving dynamics of adult friendships with humor and honesty. While not strictly a rom-com, Platonic, starring Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, offers a look at navigating adult relationships. Recently divorced Will reconnects with his old friend Sylvia, and they help each other through life’s challenges in ways others cannot. Its exploration of non-romantic adult bonds, sometimes with risqué antics, would likely get Joanne’s approval.
Sex and the City
Sex and the City, with Carrie Bradshaw’s dating column, is a spiritual predecessor to Joanne’s podcast. If Joanne’s dating podcast were the central focus of a show, it would undoubtedly be Sex and the City. Sarah Jessica Parker’s Carrie Bradshaw chronicles her dating life in N.Y.C. with a similar sense of humor to Joanne’s, surrounded by her iconic girlfriends (Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis) navigating their own romantic escapades.
Love Life
The anthology series Love Life beautifully captures different journeys to finding ‘the one’. This anthology series mirrors Nobody Wants This’s romantic comedy tropes by focusing on a central protagonist’s journey to finding love each season. Season 1 follows Darby (Anna Kendrick) through her relationships in 2010s N.Y.C., while Season 2 features Marcus (William Jackson Harper) re-entering the dating world after divorce, offering charming and compelling stories of adult love.
Happy Endings
With its ensemble cast and rapid-fire humor, Happy Endings is a high-energy romantic comedy. Flipping the typical rom-com formula, Happy Endings begins with Dave’s fiancée, Alex, leaving him at the altar, yet they remain part of the same friend group. This series is a romantic comedy with a strong emphasis on the comedy, featuring a dynamic ensemble cast (Damon Wayans Jr., Eliza Coupe, Adam Pally, Casey Wilson) and natural comedic hijinks that fans of Nobody Wants This will appreciate.
Lovesick
Lovesick delivers a humorous and heartfelt look at modern dating dilemmas. With a comedic tone similar to Nobody Wants This, Lovesick follows Dylan (Johnny Flynn) as he’s forced to confront his past love life after a chlamydia diagnosis. His journey of informing ex-partners leads him to realize that casual flings lack long-term fulfillment as he falls for his best friend Evie (Antonia Thomas). Dylan and Joanne would certainly bond over dating stories!
How I Met Your Father
A new generation’s quest for love in New York City is chronicled in How I Met Your Father. The main character Sophie (Hilary Duff) in How I Met Your Father shares many traits with Joanne from Nobody Wants This, including a wicked sense of humor and an obsession with discussing her dating life. This spin-off of How I Met Your Mother sees Sophie narrate her story of meeting her son’s father while she and her friends navigate life and love in New York.
Friends
The enduring appeal of Friends lies in its portrayal of real-life relationships and unexpected romances. The enduring classic Friends features a group of six friends in N.Y.C. grappling with life and relationships, much like the ensemble in Nobody Wants This. The unexpected bond between Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry), with her outgoing nature and his sarcastic demeanor, closely parallels Noah and Joanne’s dynamic. Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) also shares Noah’s goofy, lovable qualities.
Starstruck
This charming screwball comedy focuses on Jessie (Rose Matafeo), a directionless millennial, and Tom (Nikesh Patel), an A-list actor, whose one-night stand leads to an undeniable, albeit unlikely, connection. Their electric chemistry and attempts to make a seemingly impossible relationship work will strongly appeal to fans who loved the contrasting dynamic of Noah and Joanne in Nobody Wants This.
You’re the Worst
A darker, sharper romantic comedy, You’re the Worst centers on two self-destructive individuals, cynical writer Jimmy (Chris Geere) and reckless publicist Gretchen (Aya Cash), who vehemently reject conventional romance but inadvertently fall for each other. The series delves into their struggles with commitment, mental health, and growth, offering a raw yet humorous look at how flawed characters can find genuine connection despite their differences, much like the unconventional pairing in Nobody Wants This.
Insecure
Issa Rae’s critically acclaimed series Insecure brilliantly navigates the complexities of love and friendship in adulthood. Following Issa Dee and her best friend Molly (Yvonne Orji) through their late twenties in Los Angeles, the show explores their relationship hang-ups and personal growth. Its honest portrayal of awkward, imperfect life and love will resonate with those who appreciate the modern, grounded approach of Nobody Wants This.
Modern Love
Amazon Studios’ Modern Love explores the myriad forms of human connection in an anthology format. Inspired by The New York Times’ popular weekly column, Modern Love is an anthology series that showcases a diverse array of true love stories. Featuring an impressive cast including Tina Fey and Anne Hathaway, it delves into various forms of love—platonic, romantic, and familial—across different ages and backgrounds, offering thoughtful musings on relationships that will appeal to fans of Nobody Wants This.
Whether you’re looking for more unlikely romances, heartfelt journeys of self-discovery, or simply a good laugh, these shows offer a compelling extension of the modern romantic comedy spirit championed by Nobody Wants This. So grab your popcorn, and get ready to fall in love with a new series.
