Nobody Wants This Season 2: Improved Jewish Representation and Storytelling

by

Warning: This article includes SPOILERS for Nobody Wants This season 2!

The first season of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This faced criticism for its portrayal of Jewish women and Judaism, but the show has made significant improvements in representation with its second season. The Emmy-nominated romantic comedy is back, featuring both familiar and new characters.

Season two has some changes behind the scenes. Jenni Koner and Bruce Eric Kaplin are now co-showrunners, taking over from the show’s creator, Erin Foster. Importantly, the new team has taken feedback from season one into account.

Season 2 of Nobody Wants This isn’t flawless, but it’s a significant step up from the first season, and critics agree – the reviews are much more positive.

Nobody Wants This Season 2 Makes Its Jewish Women Characters More Likable

©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

A common and valid criticism of the first season of Nobody Wants This is that it presented Jewish women in a negative and stereotypical way. While the show made an effort to portray Jewish rabbis and Judaism positively, it relied on harmful stereotypes when developing its female characters.

Okay, let me tell you, the female characters in this film were… a lot. Rebecca came across as incredibly anxious and self-absorbed – the classic ‘Jewish American Princess’ trope, honestly. And Bina? She was just relentlessly overbearing, always needing to control everything. Esther didn’t fare much better, presenting as harsh and immediately suspicious of anyone not in the inner circle. Honestly, the only woman I genuinely connected with was Rabbi Shira, but she was barely in the movie! It’s a shame, because she offered a much-needed breath of fresh air. The lack of well-rounded, sympathetic female characters was a real weakness, in my opinion.

Season two of Nobody Wants This shows a clear improvement in how Jewish women are represented, offering more complex and positive characters. Rebecca, who was unfairly criticized in the first season, finally confronts Noah about his behavior and how he hurt her feelings, getting the resolution she deserved.

Bina remains difficult and unwelcoming towards Joanne, but there’s a surprising moment of connection for her. She unexpectedly bonds with Morgan while they’re both upset in the bathroom, offering Morgan a comforting reminder of her worth and showing a softer side to her personality.

The show finally gives Esther, a character many viewers disliked from the beginning, a chance to shine. We learn about her past, which helps us understand her tough exterior. While she can still be sharp, her teasing now feels more good-natured, and she undergoes a really compelling and moving character journey.

“Shiksa” Isn’t Used In Nobody Wants This Season 2

Viewers also reacted negatively to the frequent use of the term “Shiksa” in the first season of Nobody Wants This. The show even considered being named “Shiksas,” and Morgan jokingly suggested rebranding their podcast, Nobody Wants This, as Slutty Shiksas.

The show also misrepresents the word’s meaning, presenting a completely inaccurate, positive definition. While the characters claim it was once an insult, they now define it as simply a hot, blonde, non-Jewish person. This is far from the actual meaning, which roughly translates to “detestable thing.”

Many Jewish people pointed out that the word ‘shiksa’ is still used as an insult. At the very least, it’s offensive to women who aren’t Jewish, and some consider it a hateful slur. Fortunately, the second season of the show Nobody Wants This avoids using the term altogether – it isn’t said once.

Nobody Wants This Shows That There Are Many Types Of Judaism

Erin Simkin/Netflix

Television often doesn’t portray Jewish communities or Judaism accurately, creating a challenge for shows that include them. When minority groups are rarely seen on screen, viewers may mistakenly believe the limited representation is a complete picture of that group’s experience.

The first season of Nobody Wants This presented a limited view of Jewish identity, failing to showcase the wide range of beliefs and practices within Judaism. Just like any other group of people, Jewish individuals aren’t all the same. There are many different ways to be Jewish, and season 2 of Nobody Wants This did a better job of reflecting that diversity.

People have different views on what’s acceptable. Some might be surprised to learn a rabbi like Noah is dating someone who isn’t Jewish, and Noah himself might be upset if someone skipped the Sabbath to go to a movie premiere. Similarly, some celebrate Purim as a fun excuse to dress up and party, while others see it as a more meaningful time for personal growth.

Season two of Nobody Wants This offers a wider look at Judaism, highlighting the many different ways people practice their faith, celebrate traditions, and build community. The season leaves viewers with the sense that anyone can find a place within Judaism.

Nobody Wants This Explains Why Noah & Joanne’s Relationship Is Contentious

Credit: Erin Simkin/Netflix

Okay, so season two of Nobody Wants This finally gives us some clarity on Noah’s Jewish background, which is great. As I understand it, a rabbi is meant to be a leader and a role model for their community. Because of that, most stricter branches of Judaism wouldn’t allow a rabbi to be in a relationship, let alone marry, someone who doesn’t share their faith. It just doesn’t really fit with the expectations of the role.

At first, it was unclear what branch of Judaism Noah followed. However, in the second season, he mentions that Temple Chai is conservative while talking about his new position at Temple Ahava. This explains why his relationship with Joanne is considered inappropriate by the temple, and why he insists she convert to Judaism.

Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism generally permit marriage between people of different faiths. Conservative Judaism doesn’t officially approve of these marriages, although some individual congregations are more accepting. Orthodox Judaism, however, completely prohibits them.

Given Noah’s conservative beliefs and his family’s traditional values, his struggle with conversion in season 2 of Nobody Wants This is understandable. It would have been better, though, if he’d been upfront about it being a deal-breaker.

​

Read More

2025-10-26 17:10