In the realm of modern romantic comedies, chemistry is everything — and few series deliver it as effortlessly as Netflix’s breakout hit Nobody Wants This. From the fiery back-and-forth between romantic leads Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody), to the witty, emotionally textured bond between sisters Joanne and Morgan (Justine Lupe), the show thrives on its electric character dynamics.
Sisterhood at the Heart of the Show
At a recent FYC event hosted at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Lupe shared how the on-screen magic between her and Bell clicked almost instantly:
“Kristen’s such an incredible actress… I kind of just made it my mission to focus on her, and everything would fall into place. The chemistry was just there from the beginning,” said Lupe.
The warmth and tension between the two sisters—who also co-host a podcast within the show—mirror the authentic, grounded writing that gives Nobody Wants This its unique voice.
Sparks in the Gray Areas
While romance is front and center, the series also explores relationships that exist in more ambiguous spaces. One such bond is between Morgan and Sasha (Timothy Simons), Noah’s socially awkward brother.
“We wanted to explore the attraction without pushing it into overt romance,” Lupe said. “That emotional ambiguity is something many adults relate to — when someone brings out a surprising energy in you, even when you’re already committed elsewhere.”
This layered storytelling adds richness to the show’s comedic core, making it resonate with viewers looking for something deeper than the typical rom-com formula.
A Fresh Take on Love After 30
Showrunner Erin Foster, along with her sister and producer Sara Foster, emphasized how the show reinvents genre expectations by focusing on love later in life.
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“They’re in their late thirties and still discovering who they are,” Lupe noted. “That gives the romance more weight and complexity.”
Instead of relying on dramatic plot twists, Nobody Wants This leans into the “small stuff” — navigating shared social circles, merging routines, and long-term compatibility. These subtler hurdles feel more real and relatable, especially for mature audiences.
“Real relationships are messy, layered, and never simple,” said Sara Foster. “That’s what our show explores.”
Season 2 Promises More Realism, More Depth
The second season of Nobody Wants This premieres October 23, and fans can expect more of the heartfelt, awkward, and sharply written moments that made the first season such a success.
The show continues to charm audiences not just with its clever dialogue and lovable cast, but with its grounded take on modern relationships—romantic and otherwise.
For fans who enjoy emotionally intelligent storytelling and character-driven drama, Nobody Wants This offers an experience akin to some of the most beloved foreign drama series — filled with layers, vulnerability, and just the right amount of tension.
