Kristen Bell hoped to depict a different kind of love story in Nobody wants that.

While Netflix’s latest hit has a distinct character Romeo and Juliet quality — she’s an agnostic podcast host, he’s an unconventional rabbi — the Bell/Adam Brody show also carries the unusual quality of two people genuinely trying to get along.

“The sweetest surprise about the response to the show is how many people have said they’re so grateful to see a healthy, communicative relationship on screen,” says Bell.

As Erin Foster’s fall show continues to generate buzz (it was just renewed for a second season), The Hollywood Reporter chatted with the star about how she absorbs the phenomenon, reunited with Brody, and what kind of Jewish-based research she’s done.

What is your reaction to the positive response the show has received?

It’s hard to wrap my head around it. It was thrilling to hear how many people enjoyed it. That’s kind of my main goal with any kind of performance. Ultimately, I just want people to have a nice escape while watching something that I’ve been in, and I feel like that’s given so many people.

Did you know the show was something special when you joined?

Yes, because I hadn’t worked in a while, by choice, and I never really know what I want to do next. I don’t have a grand plan. I read things and see if they connect and I found the dynamic very interesting and it felt like an endless cauldron of stories. In a romantic comedy, there’s usually a lot to work with, and with them coming from such different backgrounds, that kind of Romeo and Juliet the element about it has been really modernized, being current and their ages.

What initially drew you to the role?

When I read a pilot, I think about it from the audience’s perspective of A, can I relate to this character? B, does this character have a very clear problem? And C, do I want her to solve it? These are three of the questions I asked myself and they were all yes. I also really like supporting a female showrunner.

What was it like reuniting with Adam Brody after working on this together? House of Lies and Some girls?

I just know that he’s a hard worker and a delight to be around and a problem solver, so that was a no brainer. And when I read the first couple of pages, it became clear to me that these characters were going to have really great chemistry on camera, which I know Adam and I have, and it’s going to have to be endlessly charming to keep you employed. , and it makes sense.

What was it like working with creator Erin Foster and helping bring this series, based in part on her own relationship, to the small screen?

Slightly stressful. I’ve never played (a real person) before. And I wasn’t sure where to start with that, so I spent most of my time getting ready just observing her and not trying to assume her characteristics, but rather trying to observe how she moves in world and how it could be different. from the way I move in the world. And using that as a basis for Joanne, because Erin is admirably confident and quite carefree and direct, but also vulnerable. There are a lot of paradoxes about Erin, which made her really interesting.

What did you hope people would take away from the show?

We hoped people would walk away and think weeks later about: Is love really this story we’re told about finding your puzzle piece, or is it something much more nuanced than that? Is it a choice you constantly have to make because you are faced with it all the time? And I think the latter, and I think the show did a good job of saying that you can start with connection and chemistry, but there’s a lot that’s going to get in your way, and you just have to decide what you’re willing to compromise. on, depending on how much you want it.

It was also comforting to see a positive relationship portrayed on TV. Did that element also attract you to the original project?

I wasn’t aware of it until people started commenting on it because my perspective was completely from inside Joanne’s head. I wasn’t thinking about Noah’s behavior. I was thinking about Joanne’s mistakes and Joanne’s anxiety and his determination. I wasn’t really aware of that, but I’ll tell you, the sweetest surprise overall has been the response to the show is how many people, especially women, have said, “I’m so grateful to see a healthy, communicative relationship depicted on screen, where it’s not just a bunch of crazy, toxic behavior. There are two people who are really trying.”

This series also includes so many relatable moments. What was it like to bring them to the screen?

I have to commend the writers room for this. But also, Adam and I worked hard to make these characters very real, and that’s something that Adam is particularly good at. One of its special qualities is that when you interact with it, you just feel like you’re talking to a real person; you don’t feel like it’s scripted. So I will say that I feel like I’m a little bit different as a performer when I’m with Adam because he keeps me grounded so well.

You have been part of several successful shows throughout your career. Does this feel different?

I’ve never had a response to any show I’ve ever been on like this show. This is uncharted territory for me. … You can do a really good project, but there’s a bit of fairy dust when it happens to fall at a time, culturally or socially, when people really want something like that. And this was a time when people wanted a romantic comedy, so it kind of caught his eye.

The TV landscape when it comes to original content versus IP content, and this show proved that original ideas are still wanted by audiences. What do you think of this?

I think there’s room for both, I really do. It also depends on the demographic you’re talking to, because sometimes I’ll feel very comforted and nostalgic when I watch a remake with my kids and want to expose them. Other times, I’ll feel like I’ve seen it all and I just want something new and fresh and crazy that I haven’t seen before. So I really think there’s room for both to exist. Of course, I think the big companies think about it maybe a little differently because IPs tend to be tried and true, so I’m just thankful that people are still taking chances on new stories.

What is your response to those who have criticized the show for its portrayal of “stereotypical” Jewish characters?

I don’t think I really deserve an answer. That’s up to the people who were hired to play the Jews and worked with the writers to create their dimensional characters to comment on.

Although your character is not Jewish, did you do any research on Judaism to help you prepare for the show in general?

I didn’t have to. It’s not my part. Joanne was exposed to Judaism, so that would actually have been the antithesis of the work I was supposed to be doing. I will say that I grew up in an entirely Jewish community. I was one of two Gentiles in my elementary and middle school neighborhoods, so I had quite a bit of education, but I didn’t use it.

Is there an episode or scene that was your favorite to film?

I really enjoyed shooting the fight scene with Morgan (Justine Lupe), the fight between the sisters. They’re usually on the same team even when they’re fighting because the sisters are so close and I love that dynamic, but I like to separate them a little bit so you can feel more deeply for each of them. Justine is also an incredible stage partner. I love working with her and we really have a blast with each other. And I remember that scene starts with me banging on the door saying, “Morgan, Morgan, let me in,” and I did it three or four times from outside. I didn’t even realize it, but the next morning I woke up and my whole hand was purple from hitting the door.

Since Nobody wants that has already been renewed for a second season, what are you most looking forward to?
This is difficult because my answer would have been to see where the characters were going, but then I went into the writers room and now I know. (laugh.) Overall, I’m excited to do it all over again. I’m excited that people will be full of anticipation. There is nothing better for an artist or performer than to know that what you are working on will be consumed and make people happy.

This story first appeared in the November Independent issue of The Hollywood Reporter. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.