Nobody Wants This: A Rom-Com's Jewish Representation Sparks Debate

The Netflix show "Nobody Wants This" (starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell) has brought on some intense criticism and stirred up discussions!

Controversy Around the Show:

While this romantic comedy became a huge hit on Netflix and made a solid score on Rotten Tomatoes with 95%. It received some backlash. What was initially a well-received romantic comedy, got a lot of comments about its potential problems, from many people, regarding the show's depiction of Jewish characters!

Also Read: Nobody Wants This: A New Netflix Rom-Com You Can't Miss

The Jewish Stereotypes of Nobody Wants This:

Noah and Joanne from Nobody Wants This are in front of a purple striped background. Image

If you think that "Nobody Wants This" is going to shy away from making a point. You might find that it's one of the reasons people are criticizing the show. A common thread running throughout, is that the show seems to center some common "Jewish stereotypes," bringing those characteristics out and giving fans something that isn't a favorite among Jewish women.

Jewish Women are typically seen as being greedy, pushy, aggressive, domineering, overbearing, neurotic, and liars

The show explores a lot of these characteristics as they appear through its Jewish women characters!

In this show, it seems Rebecca, might have those classic, negative "Jewish American Princess" vibes
Another figure who may seem over the top and a bit of a cliché. You have the character of Esther (played by Jackie Tohn)
Esther's over-the-top character as a Jewish "Mother" trope who is known for being overbearing and in the way.

The show did a lot to push against these tropes.

Also Read: Nobody Wants This: Exploring Interfaith Relationships on Netflix

Reclaiming the Term "Shiksa":

Joanne and Morgan hold drinks at the bar in Nobody Wants This season 1 episode 2 Image

Many in the Jewish community felt as if a term used "shiksa.", didn't quite fit the context of the series! That word has many origins! It may sound super familiar but can come across as super offensive.

It comes from the word "Sheketz," meaning abomination. That might sound a lot more harmful, even if people don't recognize the origin. It was a term that described dirty and "non-kosher" animals.
A very charged word that is truly offensive. For some people, it is a "slur"! However, over time many women who've transitioned into the Jewish culture and now are married to Jewish men have taken this word and embraced it.

What made the "shiksa" issue a big deal for "Nobody Wants This." is that it was used for a long time! With the Jewish community being so welcoming of all types of relationships, the general sentiment has been to completely stop using it as a whole.

It appears to be very prevalent in the Reform Jewish movement that has become the most widely known practice!

Even in "Nobody Wants This, this brought up such a complex question about using this word.

Also Read: Nobody Wants This Soundtrack: Every Song in the Netflix Rom-Com

The Response To Nobody Wants This:

Noah and Joanne hold coffee mugs while talking in Nobody Wants This Image

Many people took a strong stand on their views. Many who gave feedback pointed to the fact that the show was not doing a great job representing the Jewish culture. This also extended to the role of Jewish women as it made a lot of these individuals feel "othered!" It brought up the harsh reality about representation!

However, you could also get a sense of a mix of feedback on how they felt about this movie. There are just so many people with diverse backgrounds!

The Jewish community really gave mixed feedback on how "Nobody Wants This" turned out!

To provide context you might see some different views!

Jessica Radloff loved the series and even called "Noah" one of the greatest TV boyfriends on-screen! However, she didn't see the representation in the show the same way for some of the Jewish women!
One critique, came from Esther Zuckerman who even expressed that the show “loathe[s] Jewish women”
One of the key players Jackie Tohn, spoke up about this, saying "Nobody Wants This" is made in a way to lean into some of those well-known perceptions about Jews and then tried to change it in the best way possible.

Also Read: 'Nobody Wants This' - A 'The Good Place' Reunion on Netflix?

Eerin Foster's View On Critics:

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody sitting on a couch in Nobody Wants This Image

Erin Foster is the mastermind behind "Nobody Wants This." It's her unique vision. The fact that the show inspired so much talk makes this even more powerful!

In her response she explained that she was more concerned with making the rabbi not look like a cliché!

You may think she just dismissed any flaws! But, Foster put a strong emphasis on her vision for how to depict Jewish culture.

You may wonder if it was just a brush-off, but even though some will question how Jewish culture was portrayed in "Nobody Wants This", it appears to be the heart of her project!

It certainly raises a discussion! What will the future of this show be? Fans may have their minds made up, but as viewers we may have our own perspectives on whether this show represents Jewish culture or the Jewish community in a fair, compassionate, and meaningful way!

As a show, it is entertaining!