I spent the weekend blissfully binging Nobody Wants This, and it seems like everyone I know is hooked too. Starring Adam Brody—yes, the beloved “Seth” from The O.C.—and Kristen Bell, this Netflix rom-com is getting major love for its fresh take on what a healthy relationship looks like. It’s not about the alpha-male lawyer (Harvey Spector – Suits), a mysteriously avoidant Mr.Big (Sex and the City), or a lovable man-child (Chandler Bing – Friends). Instead, we meet a 44-year- old rabbi who has a sky-high EQ or has clocked in some serious therapy hours. Either way, it’s a must-watch.
On paper, he’s got enough “baggage” to send anyone running—a dominating mother, the “big C” (conversion), and a recent breakup. But what makes him irresistible is how effortlessly he navigates these challenges (and dresses!). Sure, he’s not perfect (spoiler: he introduces his girlfriend as “just a friend”), but his communication skills are top-tier. He owns his mistakes, talks about his feelings, and skips the games. Watching him felt like spotting a unicorn—an emotionally available man. It makes you wonder: could this exist offscreen?
“The appeal of Adam Brody’s character in Nobody Wants This comes from his portrayal of a deeply flawed yet self-aware individual,” says therapist Ruchi Ruuh. “By healthily embracing his emotional scars, he shows a softer, more authentic side that resonates with viewers seeking genuine connections. It’s the emotional depth people crave.” It’s a breath of fresh air in a TV landscape that often glamorises emotional unavailability. Who doesn’t love being in a relationship that nurtures, rather than drains, our emotional intelligence?
And it’s not just me—people everywhere are swooning over this “hot rabbi”! Bhaavya Goenka, founder of Iro Iro, says, “He wasn’t trying too hard; there was a natural ease about him that allowed Joanne to grow emotionally. As women, we’ve often had to be reactive to survive—it’s an unhealthy coping mechanism. This felt like a refreshing portrayal of finding emotional safety in a heterosexual relationship.” Hasnain Patel creative director adds, “Noah’s character stands at the intersection of romance, family drama, and sabbat duties. He knows that if he wants to be with Joanne, he’s got to get in with her friends. Men like him aren’t next door, nor are they on the Raya’s of the world. If there’s someone so neo-realistic, yet raw in the flesh, with that ‘out-of-bed’ charisma in their hair—bring him home.”
Dating in 2024 is no picnic—whether you’re on the apps or already coupled up. With everyone tuned into attachment styles and what a healthy relationship looks like, it’s clear why the rabbi’s secure attachment style spoke to my insecure-avoidant self. He’s the emotional tour guide we didn’t know we needed. Reminding us that, yes, relationships come with tough choices, but leaning into vulnerability and honesty makes all the difference. As we navigate the nuances of modern love—complete with attachment styles and emotional baggage—characters like Brody’s rabbi show us that the real magic is in authentic communication. Maybe that’s the fairy tale we should all be rooting for..see you in season 2!