Rabbi Maya Zinkow expressed outrage over the new Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, for its use of stereotypes about Jewish people. The show, which depicts an unlikely romance between an agnostic podcaster and a young rabbi, has generated intense online reaction. While some rabbis appreciated the portrayal of rabbis as human in the series, others criticized its depiction of Jewish women and the use of offensive language like “shiksa” to describe non-Jewish characters.
Despite the controversy, many viewers have celebrated the show for its light comedy and the character of the “hot rabbi,” played by Adam Brody. Some rabbis, like Rabbi Steve Leder, appreciated the show for bringing some humor and distractions from real-world issues facing the Jewish community. While Zinkow and others found some relatable moments in the series, they criticized the missed opportunities in exploring serious themes about relationships and religion.
Ultimately, the show’s creator, Erin Foster, defended the portrayal of Jewish characters as comedic points of view, aiming to shed a positive light on Jewish culture. Despite its flaws, some rabbis agreed that the show provided a fun escape and positive representation of Jewish tradition. In the midst of the ongoing debate surrounding its portrayal of Jewish characters, “Nobody Wants This” continues to attract both praise and criticism from viewers.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com