Netflix’s beloved romantic comedy, Nobody Wants This, wrapped its second season with Joanne and Noah once again choosing each other amidst their complex interfaith romance, and creator Erin Foster and stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are “all in” for a potential season 3.
The enchanting dynamic between Rabbi Noah (played by Adam Brody) and the unconventional Joanne (portrayed by Kristen Bell) has captivated audiences since Netflix’s Nobody Wants This first premiered. The series masterfully explores the intricate journey of an interfaith relationship, challenging societal expectations and personal beliefs.
The Enduring Charm of ‘Nobody Wants This’: A Fan Retrospective
From its inception, Nobody Wants This has resonated with viewers through its honest portrayal of love against the odds. The core premise – a secular woman falling for a traditional rabbi – sets the stage for both comedic moments and profound emotional challenges. Season 1 left fans on a cliffhanger, as Joanne confessed she wasn’t ready to convert to Judaism, despite previously making peace with the idea. This led to a temporary break in their relationship, complicated by Noah’s promotion to head rabbi.
Creator Erin Foster deliberately crafted this ending, drawing inspiration from classic romantic films like John Hughes’ Sixteen Candles. Her goal was to provide a “heart-melting” romantic conclusion, but one that still left room for the story to evolve. As she told The Wrap, “This is the kind of show where you want to give the audience what they want,” ensuring a satisfying, yet open-ended, resolution.
Season 2’s Romantic Rollercoaster: Same Core, Deeper Commitment
The second season of Nobody Wants This delved deeper into the complexities of Joanne and Noah’s relationship, forcing them to navigate the realities of blending their vastly different lives. From merging friend groups to hosting dinner parties, the couple continually faced the underlying tension of Joanne’s potential conversion to Judaism—a question they had, for a time, pushed aside.
The season 2 finale, titled “When Noah Met Joanne,” echoed the structure of its predecessor, culminating in another significant event—this time, Morgan’s engagement party. Once again, Joanne and Noah found themselves at a crossroads, leading to a temporary breakup. However, true to the show’s romantic heart, they swiftly reunited, with Joanne admitting she might finally be ready to consider conversion. The season closed with a familiar, yet more resonant, chase and kiss.
Kristen Bell shared her perspective on the season’s dynamics with Entertainment Weekly, explaining, “Any relationship, you get super close to someone and then something builds up where the two people get nervous and they ebb and then they flow back together. So I see each season as a bit of an ebb and flow with friction moments provided in between for entertainment value.” She emphasized the creative team’s “obligation… to give the people what they want,” which is to see Joanne and Noah together, while still injecting enough drama to keep it engaging.
Adam Brody further elaborated on the evolved commitment in season 2, stating, “In terms of the difference, I think it’s the same but more. They came together in the end of last season, like, ‘I’m committing to you.’ And now they’ve gotten a much longer, more in-depth look at the difficulties and the compromises necessary of that and are still saying, all that aside, ‘I know what I’m getting into and I’m still doing it.’ So I think it’s a stronger commitment.”
Adding to the excitement of season 2, fans were treated to notable guest appearances, including Brody’s real-life wife, Leighton Meester, and comedic talent Seth Rogen. They joined returning co-stars Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, and Jackie Tohn, enriching the show’s ensemble cast.
Erin Simkin/Netflix
Adam Brody as Noah and Kristen Bell as Joanne on ‘Nobody Wants This’
What’s Next for Joanne and Noah? The Road to Season 3
With both seasons ending on a note of renewed, yet still unresolved, commitment, the question of Joanne’s conversion remains the central narrative engine for future installments. Erin Foster, along with stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, have openly expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the story.
Foster noted that there’s “so much more story to tell,” while Brody playfully confirmed his interest in a potential next installment, “contractually and spiritually.” The show’s consistent presence on Netflix’s Top 10 list since its debut further solidifies the strong audience demand for more of Joanne and Noah’s journey.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how Joanne’s burgeoning readiness to convert will shape their relationship and what new challenges and compromises await them in a potential season 3. The narrative potential is vast, promising deeper exploration of faith, family, and personal growth within the framework of a heartfelt romantic comedy.
