The 10-episode series follows Joanne (Kristen Bell), an agnostic/atheist free spirit who hosts a sex and relationship podcast for forward-thinking single gals, and Noah (Adam Brody), a newly single, progressive rabbi (aka ‘hot rabbi’) poised to take over the position as Head Rabbi in his congregation. Their meet-cute at a dinner party ignites their obvious attraction and undeniable chemistry, but at the same time, it highlights their differences.
The supporting cast includes Justine Lupe (Succession) as Joanne’s divorced sister and co-podcaster, and Timothy Simons (Veep) as Noah’s brother, Sasha. Together, they play crucial roles in the ‘nobody’ who wants their relationship to work.
The story is semi-autobiographical, based on creator Erin Foster’s (daughter of music industry giant David Foster) experiences dating a Jewish man, and the cultural differences that reared its head between their families. Foster upped the stakes in the series when she made Noah a rabbi in the story.
Bell says, “The story explores what a modern love story looks like when the world isn’t desiring for you to get together because it doesn’t fit with their narrative of who should fall in love.” Of course, that against-the-odds storyline is as old as time but Foster puts a fresh millennial spin on a tired premise. “I think people can feel the reality of falling for the wrong person, and there’s a lot of comedy within that. In this case, they’re polar opposites.”
Brody’s Jewish upbringing helped him find his way into the role. “I went to Hebrew school and I was bar mtizvahed, and [Judaism] was a part of my education I overlooked completely when I was younger, or at least I didn’t have an appreciation for it, but I certainly do now.”
Brody and Bell’s apparent chemistry, developed over several years and five projects together, is a testament to their professional and personal rapport. Bell nods, “We have a sense of comfort and an ease with each other.” Their offscreen friendship and shared mutual friends, including each other’s spouses, further enhance the believability of their onscreen connection.
Both Bell and Brody are married and raising two children with their respective spouses. Bell’s husband is actor/podcaster Dax Shepard, while Adam Brody is married to actress Leighton Meester, who played Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.
Bell deconstructs her theory on onscreen chemistry between actors, a mysterious factor that can make or break the viewing experience for audiences. “For me, there’s a math to actors who have chemistry,” she explains.
“Sometimes it just jumps off the screen, and sometimes an actor has that mode where they can stare doe-eyed into someone’s eyes, longingly and believably. And I’ve seen Adam do that; he has that mode, and I have that mode. When you put that together you can take the audience on a ride without any words.”
Brody offers, “I was very pleased when I saw the first episode. Kristen is a lovely person and wonderful collaborator, but again, there are probably people who have great chemistry who hate each other.” Bell laughs. “Well, I’ve been in situations where I’ve … not hated the other person by any stretch, but definitely I’ve been like, ‘Oh, this probably wouldn’t be a person I’d have dinner with.'”
Bell responded to the script immediately. “I had taken a three-year break where I had stayed home to raise my kids. I don’t have a road map of what I want to do next, my gut tells me. The character and the story spoke to me because the stakes were so high, and the intimacy was so real,” she says. “It wasn’t like Godzilla attacking the world. It was real from a human perspective.
“These two people have a connection, but the world says, ‘Don’t do it!’ That’s very interesting to me.” She pauses. “I think I was also secretly craving a romantic comedy. I haven’t seen one I’ve connected to in so long, and this was funny, thoughtful, and edgy. There’s just no better way to spend your time entertainment-wise than laughing and crying and rooting for love.”
Due to the couple’s obstacles, they move forward regardless of how difficult, with honesty and integrity, whatever the cost. “I enjoyed that our characters struggled to stay honest, even when it was really, really difficult,” Bell says. “Honesty brings you much closer, not only with these characters, but with the people in your own life.”
For Brody, playing a religious leader added weight and a desire for authenticity. “Playing a Jewish community leader came with some responsibility. I wanted to do my best to make it someone who Jews could feel proud of,” he says. “There’re millions of ways to be a Jewish person.”
As for whether a couple such as Noah and Joanne can reconcile the differences and obstacles, Bell says, “I’m not sure everyone will agree, but my personal philosophy is that we have one time on this planet. Why not open your mind and your heart to as much possible forgiveness and curiosity as you possibly can and be open to reconiciling differences?” Brody nods. “I think the differences can be reconciled.” He pauses. “Even though I want to say that love conquers all, they both have very different lifestyle choices, so I guess it depends.”
The film offers a liberating perspective on the pressure we put on ourselves to persuade those around us to accept our romantic choices. Nobody Wants This provides both humour and heart, while encouraging viewers to pursue their own paths to happiness. And not everybody has to like it.
