When it comes to Netflix’s original shows, they are often hit-or-miss. With the newly released second season of Nobody Wants This, we would argue that this one is a miss. Despite its quick pacing, clever writing and solid soundtrack, Season 2 feels like déjà vu: the same relationship conflicts, the same jokes and the same exhausting question of whether Joanne (Kristen Bell) will convert to Judaism.
From the first episode, it’s clear that Joanne hasn’t grown much since Season 1. She’s still self-absorbed, controlling and — perhaps unintentionally — the least self-aware character in the show. While the show clearly wants to explore the deep complexities of love, religion and identity, it instead circles the same drain, with Joanne’s character development stuck somewhere between frustrating and nonexistent.
Noah (Adam Brody), Joanne’s love interest, doesn’t get off much easier. His communication with Joanne is confusing at best, and bizarre at worst. The two bounce between heartfelt conversations about faith and abrupt comedic bits that undercut any emotional progress. The show wants to be both a sincere relationship drama and a lighthearted rom-com, but neither are done well and the tone never quite balances. Instead, we’re left watching a couple who seems to have no idea why they’re still together — something the audience will start to wonder too.
With that said, Nobody Wants This Season 2 does remain funny. The writing shines when it leans into its supporting cast. Morgan (Justine Lupe), Joanne’s chaotic younger sister, steals nearly every scene she’s in with her dry humor and childlike impulsivity. Esther (Jackie Tohn), Noah’s sister-in-law, also has great comedic timing, though she gets frustratingly little screen time and no real storyline of her own. The dynamic between Morgan and Sasha (Timothy Simons), Noah’s brother and Esther’s husband, is more confusing than it is charming, but at least their scenes break up the monotony of the primary couple.
A storyline that felt completely outlandish is the relationship between Morgan and her former therapist, known as “Dr. Andy” (Arian Moayed). Not only is it unethical and out-of-nowhere, but the show romanticizes the fact that Morgan has fallen in love with her therapist, which is a dangerous trope to follow. Morgan constantly explains that he knows everything about her and still loves her, but it is clear throughout the season that this unconventional relationship only comes as a result of Morgan’s desire for a romance like her sister’s.
The finale, which is meant to leave viewers wanting more, actually leaves fans exhausted and wanting less. In every episode, the status of every couple is up in the air, making this season seem less like a rom-com and more like a frustrating melodrama.
On a technical level, Nobody Wants This does nail its rhythm. The episodes are the ideal length, easy to watch despite their glaring flaws and the soundtrack is genuinely fantastic. Songs from artists like MUNA and Kacey Musgraves complement the show’s offbeat tone, and the production value gives it an effortless polish.
But underneath all that productive charm, the heart of the show feels lost. The title — Nobody Wants This — ends up sounding prophetic.