Introduction: The Premise of "Nobody Wants This"

The article discusses the new Netflix romantic comedy series "Nobody Wants This," created by Erin Foster, who converted to Judaism. The show centers around Joanne (Kristen Bell), a non-Jewish woman who falls for Rabbi Noah Roklov (Adam Brody), a charming and desirable Jewish man.

The concept initially hooked the author, a millennial Jewish woman, with the idea of "Adam Brody playing a hot Rabbi."

However, the author feels let down by the series' portrayal of Jewish women as "nags, harpies, and the ultimate villains."

The Idealization of the "Shiksa" and Jewish Men

The article discusses the long-standing trope in popular culture of Jewish men being attracted to non-Jewish women, or "shiksas," while their own Jewish female counterparts are often portrayed negatively.

Examples include Woody Allen's "Annie Hall," Elaine May's "The Heartbreak Kid," and the musical "The Last Five Years."

"Nobody Wants This" operates largely from the perspective of the "shiksa" Joanne, who is not sold on adopting Noah's Jewish culture.

Stereotypical Portrayal of Jewish Women

The article criticizes the show for its one-dimensional and unflattering depictions of Jewish women, who are presented as superficial, mean-spirited, and overbearing.

Noah's mother Bina (Tovah Feldshuh), sister-in-law Esther (Jackie Tohn), and ex-girlfriend Rebecca (Emily Arlook) are portrayed as judgmental and threatening toward Joanne.

The "Wives and Girlfriends" (WAGs) of Noah's basketball team are also depicted as shallow and obsessed with weddings, children, and tacky jewelry brands.

Lack of Nuanced Representation

The author argues that the show lacks a lived-in understanding of Judaism and offers an outsider's perspective on Jewish women, relying on cheap stereotypes rather than nuanced depictions.

The only benevolent Jewish woman character is a rabbi played by Leslie Grossman.

While the author acknowledges Foster's conversion to Judaism, she criticizes the show for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Jewish women.

Contrast with Jewish Male Characters

In contrast to the negative portrayal of Jewish women, the Jewish male characters in the show are presented as more relaxed and likable.

Noah's brother Sasha (Timothy Simons) is depicted as a fun stoner who bonds with Joanne's sister Morgan.

Noah's father (Paul Ben-Victor) is portrayed as enjoying activities like schvitzing (sweating in a sauna) and napping.

The Letdown: Perpetuating Stereotypes

The author expresses disappointment that a show that should have been about a woman's embrace of Jewish culture instead perpetuates negative stereotypes about Jewish women.

The author wanted to fall in love with the series but instead felt targeted by the portrayal of Jewish women.