How did Nobody Wants This Season 2 make major changes after season 1 backlash? Details explored in depth

Promotional poster for Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix
Promotional poster for Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix

Nobody Wants This returns to Netflix on October 23, 2025, for its second season. The series, led by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, debuted on September 26, 2024, earning favorable reviews and quickly finding an audience. Along with the praise came a conversation about certain creative choices, particularly how some Jewish characters were written in the opening run.

This new chapter does not try to overhaul the show. The format stays as a romantic comedy, though there is now a clear effort to bring in more texture. Scenes and dialogue are being approached with fresh input, and the production has taken steps to give certain characters more dimension. The tone that worked before is still in place, but the process behind it has widened.

Behind-the-scenes changes in Nobody Wants This season 2

For season two, Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan join creator Erin Foster as co-showrunners. Another move came with inviting Rabbi Sharon Brous to meet with the writers. Her role was to share perspective and insight on how Judaism is shown in the scripts. Konner has said the intention is to keep building on what already works rather than reshape the series into something else.

Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix
Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix

Shifting focus for characters

Esther, played by Jackie Tohn, is one character set to receive more attention. In season one, some viewers saw her as strict or overly critical. The plan now is to explore her background and motivations so that more sides of her personality come through. This is meant to make the character richer while holding onto the humor that has always been part of her presence.

Storyline direction

The central pairing of Joanne, a podcaster with no religious ties, and Noah, a rabbi, stays at the heart of the show. The difference is in the focus: rather than centering on whether they will be together, the new season looks at life after that choice is made. Their days with friends, family connections, and the continuing conversation about conversion are all part of it. Supporting characters such as Morgan and Sasha will step forward, and new faces will add more variety to the circle around them.

Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix
Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix

Addressing earlier criticism

Season one drew notes from some viewers who felt that stereotypes appeared in the portrayal of Jewish women. Erin Foster has said she was surprised by the reaction, pointing out the number of Jewish voices already in the production and her aim to present Judaism positively. The decision to involve Rabbi Sharon Brous and bring in co-showrunners with their backgrounds reflects a direct answer to those concerns. The stated approach is to look deeper into these portrayals while keeping the same light spirit.

How the first season was received

The first run found its way into Netflix highlight lists soon after release, gaining favorable write-ups from critics. Even with the strong response, certain character choices, Esther’s in particular, sparked debate. Those reactions played a part in shaping how the team planned season two, from adding outside consultation to reworking specific arcs.

Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix
Nobody Wants This | Image via Netflix

Production timeline and release

Filming for the upcoming season of Nobody Wants This began in March 2025. The release date sits between Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah. While no official schedule pattern has been announced, the timing keeps the show on roughly a yearly cycle, which supports continuity in both story and audience engagement.

What lies ahead

Current information points to Nobody Wants This holding onto the mix of romance and comedy that marked its start while opening space for more layered storytelling. The relationship between Joanne and Noah remains the anchor, but the world around them is set to expand. How audiences respond to Esther’s updated arc may serve as the clearest measure of whether these adjustments deliver the intended effect.

With leadership changes in place and specific consultation on cultural portrayal, the second season is positioned to connect with returning viewers and address earlier concerns at the same time. The late-October release will reveal whether the goal of adding depth without losing the show’s charm has been met.

Edited by Priscillah Mueni