Nobody Wants This became one of Netflix’s surprise hits thanks to its witty writing and the unlikely romance at its core, between Kristen Bell’s agnostic sex podcaster Joanne and Adam Brody’s charismatic rabbi Noah.
But off-screen, the cast of the Golden Globe-nominated rom-com have equally compelling love stories that fans can’t get enough of. With Season 2 set to premiere on October 23, here’s a look at the real-life romances behind the ensemble.
The show’s creator, Erin Foster, drew directly from her own relationship with husband Simon Tikhman when creating the series. “This show is based on the only good decision I ever made: falling for a nice Jewish boy,” she told Netflix’s Tudum in January 2025. While the series deals with the messy realities of modern dating, Foster explained her inspiration came from realizing that happiness itself can be complicated.
For many viewers, Nobody Wants This reignited the nostalgia of 1990s and early 2000s romantic comedies while also showcasing a modern interfaith love story that felt authentic. Brody’s return to the spotlight reminded fans of his days as Seth Cohen on The O.C., while Bell’s natural charm and wit brought depth to Joanne. Together, they created one of TV’s most talked-about couples, but their real-life partners prove equally fascinating.
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
Bell has been happily married to actor and podcast host Dax Shepard for over a decade. The couple first met at a 2007 dinner party for a mutual friend but initially didn’t feel sparks. It wasn’t until they ran into each other again at a Detroit Red Wings hockey game that Shepard asked for her number, courtesy of producer Shauna Robertson. From there, their romance blossomed.
They became engaged in 2009 and tied the knot in a small courthouse ceremony in Beverly Hills in October 2013. “We didn’t want to look at or talk to anyone else other than each other,” Bell told People of their intimate wedding. They are parents to two daughters, Lincoln (born 2013) and Delta (born 2014). Shepard often jokes about his wife’s on-screen chemistry with Brody, telling People in 2024, “I didn’t even know she could kiss like that.”
Adam Brody and Leighton Meester
Bell’s co-star Adam Brody found his own happily-ever-after with Gossip Girl alum Leighton Meester. After dating for a year, the pair secretly wed in February 2014. Meester will even appear in Season 2 of Nobody Wants This as Joanne’s middle school rival turned mom-influencer.
Brody and Meester are no strangers to working together, they co-starred in the 2023 film River Wild. Brody admitted in an August 2025 interview with Deadline that he loves watching his wife on set, calling it a joy to see her in action. Together they share two children, daughter Arlo, born in 2015, and a son born in 2020. Their close partnership extends beyond family life; they also share managers and agents. “He’s my best friend,” Meester once said of Brody, solidifying them as one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples.
Timothy Simons and Annie Simons
Simons, who plays Noah’s eccentric brother Sasha, has been married to wife Annie since 2008. The pair share twins, born in 2011. Though his kids aren’t the main demographic for Nobody Wants This, they loved seeing their dad appear in Disney+’s Percy Jackson series.
Simons has said his children are curious about meeting his co-stars, including Bell and Lupe, though he jokes they seem more excited about the rest of the cast than about him. After 16 years together, he and Annie have built a strong foundation, and his posts on social media often highlight their enduring bond.
Justine Lupe and Tyson Mason
Lupe, who plays Joanne’s witty sister Morgan, recently married actor Tyson Mason in February 2025. Much like Bell and Shepard, the couple chose a courthouse wedding in Beverly Hills. Their daughter Ellis, born in 2024, was part of the celebration, featured in Lupe’s Instagram announcement.
During filming, Lupe was pregnant and kept it quiet at first, later sharing that the cast and crew went above and beyond to support her. She continues to share heartfelt glimpses of family life, including posts celebrating Ellis’ first birthday.
Jackie Tohn and Joe Gillette
Jackie Tohn, who portrays Esther, has been in a relationship with actor Joe Gillette. The two made headlines in 2025 when it was revealed Gillette would appear in Season 2 of Nobody Wants This, playing the husband of the character portrayed by Leighton Meester, Brody’s real-life wife. Bell joked in an Entertainment Weekly interview, “Jackie’s boyfriend is playing Adam’s wife’s husband and Adam’s wife is playing Jackie’s boyfriend’s wife. It got so incestuous.”
The couple also turned heads at Netflix’s Golden Globe Afterparty in January 2025, where Tohn wore a sparkling black dress and Gillette sported a sleek tux.
With these behind-the-scenes romances, Nobody Wants This blurs the line between real life and fiction, giving fans even more reason to swoon. From courthouse vows to secret weddings and enduring long-term partnerships, the stars’ love stories prove that sometimes reality is just as captivating as the screen.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
