Our Gen X panel and a guest star weigh in on Netflix’s #1 rom-com and the questionable choices it makes regarding interfaith couples and Jewish identity
Yes, I'd like a season 2. I just hope they can find the humor in a more realistic way. Maybe Noah and Joanne meet other interfaith couples. I think it would be hilarious (and real) to see a Chris Hemsworth-looking guy who is Jewish with a "shiksa" who looks like Mayim Biyalik. Like I said in Beth's comments, I was thrilled to see a popular show with a Jewish theme in this climate of Jew hatred. I'm surprised there aren't any protests outside of Netflix corporate. Also, as a comedy writer, I forgave much of the humor that was depicted in stereotypes.
As someone who has very limited exposure to the Jewish faith, I really appreciate this review. I was a bit skeptical about the whole "Rabbis cannot marry non Jews because it gives a bad example to the congregation and then Judaism will die if they start marrying non Jews as well". I like that you commented on the interfaith relationship and that it is definitely more common than the show portays in a place like LA. I totally get that Noah is a rabbi so that's a special situation but the show kind of made it seem like Jewish people only hang out with Jewish people and aren't open to others.
I did really like that they had a female rabbi at the camp though. My first comment to my partner was: Women can be rabbis!!! That's so cool.
There are lots of delightful women rabbis in Netflix shows and movies, from "You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" to "Dead to Me," also in "...And Just Like That" and "Transparent." And just a ton of women and queer rabbis especially in the reform movement and more progressive denominations and even in less progressive ones! And plenty of intermarried rabbis, too. So in that sense, it's giving a bit of a skewed picture of what being a practicing Jew in America is.
I enjoyed the show too! But as a Jewish woman, I think that Being Erica is such a beautiful example of the opposite dynamic to the age-old (like literally almost a century old on the movie screen) Jewish man falls for a shiksa trope that we want more of: A show that centered a Jewish woman as someone who was worthy of romance, of being the heroine.
LOVED this show. It's been like ten years since I saw it, but if I recall a bit, the representation of the Jewish family felt more regular (less like they were oddities) and exclusive.
It’s a Canadian TV show from the early 2010s that did get some international attention.
The main character is a Jewish woman who has a Rabbi for a father. I think it’s the only other show I’m aware of to feature a Jewish family as main characters.
I did a whole series of pieces on the show myself, in case you’re curious.
I think this was an important show to review in this way, Beth. It opened my eyes to things I may not have realized at first had I just breezed through it.
Looks like the show has been renewed for season 2.
Yup! Check out our latest on this! Hot off the presses Andrew. https://bethlisogorsky.substack.com/p/season-2-of-nobody-wants-this-is
Yes, I'd like a season 2. I just hope they can find the humor in a more realistic way. Maybe Noah and Joanne meet other interfaith couples. I think it would be hilarious (and real) to see a Chris Hemsworth-looking guy who is Jewish with a "shiksa" who looks like Mayim Biyalik. Like I said in Beth's comments, I was thrilled to see a popular show with a Jewish theme in this climate of Jew hatred. I'm surprised there aren't any protests outside of Netflix corporate. Also, as a comedy writer, I forgave much of the humor that was depicted in stereotypes.
The power of romance!
As someone who has very limited exposure to the Jewish faith, I really appreciate this review. I was a bit skeptical about the whole "Rabbis cannot marry non Jews because it gives a bad example to the congregation and then Judaism will die if they start marrying non Jews as well". I like that you commented on the interfaith relationship and that it is definitely more common than the show portays in a place like LA. I totally get that Noah is a rabbi so that's a special situation but the show kind of made it seem like Jewish people only hang out with Jewish people and aren't open to others.
I did really like that they had a female rabbi at the camp though. My first comment to my partner was: Women can be rabbis!!! That's so cool.
There are lots of delightful women rabbis in Netflix shows and movies, from "You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah" to "Dead to Me," also in "...And Just Like That" and "Transparent." And just a ton of women and queer rabbis especially in the reform movement and more progressive denominations and even in less progressive ones! And plenty of intermarried rabbis, too. So in that sense, it's giving a bit of a skewed picture of what being a practicing Jew in America is.
I got that sense watching it too. And also totally jealous that women are allowed to be rabbis!!
I really enjoyed the show personally. It’s kinda filling the gap that Being Erica left.
I enjoyed the show too! But as a Jewish woman, I think that Being Erica is such a beautiful example of the opposite dynamic to the age-old (like literally almost a century old on the movie screen) Jewish man falls for a shiksa trope that we want more of: A show that centered a Jewish woman as someone who was worthy of romance, of being the heroine.
LOVED this show. It's been like ten years since I saw it, but if I recall a bit, the representation of the Jewish family felt more regular (less like they were oddities) and exclusive.
They’re definitely one of the better examples in media I can think of. I did a whole series of pieces on the show.
I haven’t heard of Being Erica, I have to check it out.
It’s a Canadian TV show from the early 2010s that did get some international attention.
The main character is a Jewish woman who has a Rabbi for a father. I think it’s the only other show I’m aware of to feature a Jewish family as main characters.
I did a whole series of pieces on the show myself, in case you’re curious.
Oh that’s awesome! I will check those out! Thanks so much!
Same. I'll have to look into that...thanks for the rec!
I highly recommend you do. I did a whole series of articles on the show if you want a taste of it.
I think this was an important show to review in this way, Beth. It opened my eyes to things I may not have realized at first had I just breezed through it.