After its debut in September, Nobody Wants This quickly became one of Netflix’s most talked-about and acclaimed new series. Created by Erin Foster and starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, the show has captivated audiences and critics alike with its honest storytelling and emotional depth.
A Story Written from the Heart
Erin Foster’s creative approach was refreshingly personal. “I didn’t write this pilot for anybody else,” she shared in an interview with Gold Derby. “I wasn’t trying to match trends or meet expectations. I simply wrote the story I wanted to tell — in my own voice.”
That heartfelt approach resonated with viewers and critics, earning the series multiple award nominations, including a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Comedy for Adam Brody. The show is also a strong contender for upcoming Emmy nominations.
A Shift in Creative Direction
Foster attributes the show’s success to her decision to break away from conventional writing rules. “After 15 years in the industry, I’ve had plenty of failures. But this time, I didn’t write for the market. I wrote for myself,” she said.
Unlike typical high-concept or joke-heavy comedies, Nobody Wants This is rooted in Foster’s real-life experiences — particularly her marriage to music executive Simon Tikhman. The result is a show that feels raw, relatable, and refreshingly sincere. “My style is conversational comedy,” Foster explains. “Not built around big plot points, but real-life moments.”
Netflix’s Intuitive Support
Foster praised Netflix for their faith in the series. “They weren’t concerned with fitting the show into specific genres like ‘rom-com’ or ‘workplace comedy.’ They simply believed in the story and supported it,” she said.
The chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody is another key ingredient in the show’s success. “You can’t manufacture chemistry,” Foster noted. “I got incredibly lucky with the casting — they brought the characters to life in a way I could only hope for.”
Recognition and Meaningful Representation
One of the most emotional moments for Foster was watching Adam Brody receive recognition at the Critics’ Choice Awards. “Validation like that, especially when it comes alongside commercial success, is rare and deeply meaningful,” she said.
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Season 2, premiering October 23, promises to continue the real-time pacing and emotional storytelling of the first season. “The new season picks up four to six months later and explores the next chapter of their relationship,” Foster revealed.
A Love Letter to Los Angeles and Tradition
Los Angeles remains a central character in the series. Foster and the production team made a conscious decision to spotlight local businesses, making the city feel alive and authentic. The show also thoughtfully integrates Jewish traditions, highlighting their role in personal connection and romance.
“Tradition is the romance,” Foster explains. “Incorporating elements like Shabbat wasn’t just cultural — it was emotional. It’s what makes the love story feel genuine.”
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Beyond her work on the show, Foster also co-runs the clothing brand Favorite Daughter and The World’s First Podcast with her sister and co-producer, Sara Foster — all while navigating life as a new mother.
“It’s not easy,” she admits. “But I want my daughter to see that it’s possible to have a career, a happy family, and still be true to yourself.”
In a world full of noise and uncertainty, Nobody Wants This stands out for its quiet honesty and emotional intelligence. As Foster puts it, “If I can bring people a little joy through my work — that’s the greatest reward.”
