Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' Attempts to Untangle Modern Romance, But Falls Short of Sparkle

In the crowded landscape of romantic comedies, Netflix often throws its hat into the ring with varying degrees of success. Its latest offering, 'Nobody Wants This,' starring the undeniably charismatic duo of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, attempts to dissect the messy, often contradictory world of modern dating.

While the series boasts a promising premise and two leads who radiate charm, it ultimately struggles to transcend the familiar, leaving viewers with a feeling of missed potential rather than enduring delight.

Kristen Bell, ever the relatable everywoman, plays Joanne, a successful podcaster who’s built a career out of her cynicism regarding relationships.

Her perfectly curated single life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Noah, portrayed by the perpetually charming Adam Brody. Noah is everything Joanne seemingly isn't looking for: a laid-back, commitment-averse charmer who navigates the dating app scene with an effortless ease that both fascinates and frustrates her.

Their initial encounter, sparked by a dating app match that neither quite expects to materialize, quickly ignites a complicated, on-again, off-again entanglement that forms the core of the series.

The central premise — two attractive, intelligent people with emotional baggage try to make sense of a connection they didn’t anticipate — is fertile ground for a compelling romantic comedy.

Bell and Brody, individually and together, bring a natural chemistry that is genuinely palpable. Their banter is sharp, their awkward moments endearing, and you can believe the magnetic pull that keeps drawing Joanne and Noah back to each other, despite their inherent differences and the array of external pressures.

They are, in many ways, the show's strongest asset, making even the show's wobblier moments watchable simply for their presence.

However, 'Nobody Wants This' often feels like it's trying to do too much, too quickly, and then not enough, all at once. The pacing can be erratic, sometimes rushing through significant relationship milestones, then lingering on less impactful subplots.

The series endeavors to tackle big themes: the pressure on single women in their late 30s and 40s, the complexities of online dating, the societal expectations placed on women to settle down, and the fundamental question of whether true love can conquer personal fears and ingrained habits. These are all worthy topics, but the show bites off more than it can chew, touching on them superficially rather than delving into them with the depth and nuance they deserve.

Many of the supporting characters, unfortunately, feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals.

They exist primarily to facilitate Joanne and Noah's narrative, offering advice, creating conflict, or simply moving the story along without developing much inner life of their own. This lack of robust secondary storylines or truly memorable ensemble dynamics is a noticeable void, especially when compared to rom-coms that master the art of a vibrant supporting cast.

Ultimately, 'Nobody Wants This' is not a bad show.

It’s a breezy, often amusing watch, perfect for an evening when you're looking for something light and undemanding. Bell and Brody are delightful, and there are moments of genuine humor and emotional resonance that shine through. Yet, despite its strong leads and timely themes, the series struggles to leave a lasting impression.

It's a rom-com that promises a thoughtful exploration of modern love but delivers a competent, albeit forgettable, journey. One can’t help but wish for a little more bite, a deeper dive into its characters, and a sharper execution of its promising premise to truly elevate it beyond just another entry in Netflix's vast catalog.