‘Nobody Wants This’: The Heartwarming True Story Behind the Netflix Hit Series
As viewers across the globe tune in to Erin Foster’s latest romcom series, ‘Nobody Wants This,’ many are curious to know if the show is based on a true story. The plot and characters in the hit series are actually inspired by Foster’s own real-life love story with her husband, Simon Tikhman. Warning: spoilers for ‘Nobody Wants This’ ahead.
The romcom follows the unlikely romance between Joanne (played by Kristen Bell), a serial dater who candidly shares details about her romantic escapades on a podcast she co-hosts with her sister, and Noah (portrayed by Adam Brody), a progressive rabbi fresh out of a long-term relationship. As their bond deepens, the couple navigates through the challenges of their different lifestyles and pushback from their families.
There are striking parallels between Foster’s own marriage and the series, including her husband’s background and her journey towards converting to Judaism, mirroring the characters’ experiences in the show. However, in reality, Foster and Tikhman faced fewer obstacles compared to Joanne and Noah.
In a unique twist, Joanne’s podcast confessions in the series were inspired by Foster’s real-life podcast with her sister, Sara Foster, called ‘The World’s First Podcast.’ Elements from the original podcast, such as the concept of “the ick,” have been cleverly integrated into the series.
Foster revealed that the character of Noah was entirely based on her husband, describing him as emotionally available, chivalrous, and witty. She also incorporated aspects of Tikhman’s Jewish Russian heritage into Noah’s background, reflecting their diverse upbringings. Unlike the fictional couple, Foster and Tikhman did not face opposition from their families when they got together.
While the series depicts Joanne and Noah’s meet-cute at a dinner party, the real-life couple’s romantic story began at a gym in Los Angeles in 2018. After getting engaged in 2019, Foster and Tikhman tied the knot during a New Year’s Eve celebration and welcomed their first child together in 2019.
In a poignant similarity between reality and fiction, Joanne’s hesitation to convert to Judaism in the series mirrors Foster’s own journey towards conversion before her marriage. The storyline was inspired by Foster’s personal experience of converting to Judaism and was a central theme in ‘Nobody Wants This.’
The memorable sunflower scene in the series, where Noah presents Joanne’s mother with a bouquet of sunflowers in his gym gear, was also drawn from a real-life moment in Foster and Tikhman’s relationship. While the oversized sunflowers initially unnerved Foster, it eventually became a sweet memory for the couple.
‘Nobody Wants This’ not only entertains audiences with its engaging plot but also offers a glimpse into the heartfelt love story that inspired the series. As fans continue to immerse themselves in Joanne and Noah’s romance on screen, they can appreciate the real-life love and commitment that brought this captivating story to life.