'Nobody Wants This' season 3: critics find it sweeter, lower-stakes

The third season of Nobody Wants This is out, and critics say it is gentler than before. Netflix said all 10 episodes of Season 3 were released on Oct. 22.

Reviews point to a calmer show with a stronger supporting cast. The Guardian said the stakes are lower and some of the old spark has faded, while The Hollywood Reporter said the series is growing into a sweeter, steadier version of itself but still falls back on old bad habits.

Key facts

• Netflix said Joanne, played by Kristen Bell, and Noah, played by Adam Brody, move in together this season.
• Netflix said Sarah Silverman, Andrew Rannells and Keyla Monterroso Mejia join in major recurring roles.
• The Guardian said Timothy Simons and Justine Lupe, as Sasha and Morgan, are arguably even better than the lead couple.
• The Hollywood Reporter said the season cuts back sharply on its look at Judaism and Jewish culture.
• The Hollywood Reporter said the tight half-hour episodes make for a quick, easy binge.

What's new this season

The main couple takes a big step. Netflix said Joanne and Noah move in together in Season 3.

New faces join the cast. Netflix said Silverman plays Rabbi Eden, who leads Joanne's conversion class. Netflix also said creator Erin Foster makes a cameo this season.

Netflix also named the people in charge. Netflix said Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan are the showrunners, and 20th Television produces the series.

What critics say

The Guardian found less drama this time. The Guardian said one or two mid-season episodes lack a major event, and the old fizz has somewhat fizzled. Still, its review summed up the season kindly: "Nobody Wants This in safe mode still delights."

The supporting cast gets the most praise. The Guardian said the will-they-won't-they bond between Sasha and Morgan becomes the spark of the season. The Guardian also noted that Sasha and Esther finally split this season.

The Hollywood Reporter singled out two actors. The Hollywood Reporter called Lupe the comic MVP and praised Brody as a romantic lead.

The show's themes have shifted. The Hollywood Reporter said Season 3 scales back its focus on Judaism and Jewish culture in a big way.

IndieWire's take

Not every critic found the season tame. IndieWire's Kate Erbland gave the season a B+ and called it the show's long-promised "champagne" season, with self-sabotage as a darker theme underneath.

The new episodes bring back old history. IndieWire said Joanne's new neighbor Travis, played by Avan Jogia, turns out to be her ex, which reopens old wounds.

The supporting couple's split has its own twist. IndieWire said Sasha and Esther try "nesting" after they separate, taking turns living in the family home for their daughter, Miriam.

Background

The story picks up from a big decision. Netflix said Joanne decided to convert to Judaism in the Season 2 finale.

The show has drawn large audiences. Netflix said Season 2 was No. 1 on its English TV list for two weeks, with 18 million views in its first 11 days. Netflix also said Season 2 made the Top 10 in 82 countries, and Season 1 has reached the Top 10 in 89 countries.

What it means for you

For fans who liked the first two seasons, critics suggest the new episodes are an easy watch. The Hollywood Reporter said the short 30-minute episodes make a quick binge.

Viewers hoping for big twists for the lead couple may find less of that. The Guardian said the stakes are lower this season.

Fans of Sasha and Morgan have the most to look forward to. The Guardian said their bond is the spark of the season.

Practical steps

• Watch now. Netflix said all episodes are streaming on Netflix.
• Plan for a short binge. Netflix said Season 3 has 10 episodes, and The Hollywood Reporter said each runs about 30 minutes.
• Read the reviews. Both The Guardian's review and The Hollywood Reporter's review are online.

What happens next

Netflix has not said whether the show will return for a fourth season.

FAQ

How many episodes are in Season 3? Netflix said all 10 episodes came out on Oct. 22.

Who's new? Netflix said Sarah Silverman, Andrew Rannells and Keyla Monterroso Mejia have recurring roles, with guest stars including Avan Jogia and Sadie Sandler.

Who plays Rabbi Eden? Netflix said Sarah Silverman plays Rabbi Eden, who runs Joanne's conversion class.

What do critics say? The Guardian said the stakes are lower, and The Hollywood Reporter said the show is becoming sweeter and more even-keeled.

Who are the showrunners? Netflix said Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan run the show.