Nobody Wants This Creator Addresses Season 2 Criticisms, Explains Wedding and Cameo

Erin Foster, creator of the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, has revealed how viewer feedback from Season 2 influenced the writing of the show's third season, particularly concerning the pacing of the central romance between Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody). Foster explained that the writers' room actively considered audience comments that indicated a desire for more significant plot developments.

"We definitely took into account that Season 2 ending felt, you know, a lot of people felt like not enough happened or shifted forward," Foster told Decider. "The cadence that we’re on in the writers’ room is that we start writing the next season before the season previously airs and so we were already planning on giving Season 3 all the big romantic moments that we weren’t able to do in Season 2."

Foster acknowledged that the slower pace of Season 2 might have frustrated viewers but expressed hope that the season would be viewed in the context of the entire series. She described Season 2 as a "stutter step and pause" that allowed for the earned progression of major events in Season 3, such as Noah and Joanne's surprise engagement and their impromptu wedding.

Developing the Engagement and Wedding

The decision to postpone significant romantic milestones from Season 2 to Season 3 was a deliberate creative choice, according to Foster. She emphasized the importance of allowing the characters' relationship to develop authentically, particularly Joanne's journey with her conversion to Judaism. "If you move too quickly, you don’t earn it," Foster stated. "And I really wanted Season 2 to accurately reflect the steps in the relationship that you have to take first before you get engaged, before you get married, before you jump on board."

The season culminated in a wedding on the beach, a moment that was initially considered for Season 2 but was ultimately placed in the finale of Season 3 to be served properly. Foster elaborated on the rationale behind the "wedding on their own terms," explaining that as an older couple, Noah and Joanne sought to reclaim the event from the potential complexities and stresses of traditional wedding planning, which can often distract from the core of the union. The ceremony was also tied to Joanne's mikveh, a significant ritual that proved challenging to film due to winter weather conditions in Los Angeles.

Creator's Cameo and Character Arcs

Foster also discussed her own cameo appearance in Season 3 as Nicole, a character who helps Joanne navigate feelings of leaving her friends behind as she settles into her relationship. The role arose organically from conversations within the writers' room. "I really didn’t want to force it at all. I really wanted to focus behind the scenes," Foster said about initially not planning to appear on screen. However, the character of Nicole developed in such a way that it became clear Foster was the right person to portray her.

The show also delved deeper into the relationship between Sasha (Timothy Simons) and Morgan (Justine Lupe) in Season 3. Foster explained that the timing was right after resolving Sasha's relationship with Esther in Season 2. The storyline explored the complexities of second chances and finding happiness after difficult past relationships, with hints of a potential future storyline involving Morgan's ex-husband.

Regarding the possibility of a fourth season, Foster expressed openness to continuing the series, stating that the team is ready to proceed if Netflix decides to move forward. The positive reception to Season 3 has been a validating experience for the creator and the cast and crew, who invested significant time and effort into its production.