The third season of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” explores the complexities of relationships beyond the central romance, focusing on a complicated dynamic involving Justine Lupe’s Morgan, Timothy Simons’ Sasha, and Jackie Tohn’s Esther. The season, currently streaming, delves into the ramifications of long-term relationship changes and the emotional fallout that follows.
At the core of the storyline is the fallout from Esther’s decision to separate from her husband Sasha, who is also the brother of Joanne’s love interest, Noah. The show’s main narrative centers on Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody), but the supporting trio’s intertwined lives provide a nuanced look at the challenges of shifting adult relationships. After Esther separates, she reenters the dating world, confronting the difficulties and uncertainties of modern romance, while Sasha temporarily moves in with Morgan and her parents. When Sasha accompanies Morgan to New York City for a work opportunity, their tension escalates, resulting in a one-night encounter that complicates all their lives.
The actors discuss the delicate boundary between friendship and romance that their characters navigate. Tohn describes the situation as emotionally “sticky,” while Lupe emphasizes that although the relationship might not be toxic or a straightforward betrayal — since no explicit boundaries were crossed following Esther and Sasha’s separation — it nonetheless carries significant emotional weight. Simons adds that the show portrays a different phase of relationships, focusing on mature characters who are dealing with long-term compatibility issues rather than the drama often associated with younger couples.
Esther’s journey also introduces a new character, Julian (Steven Weber), as she tentatively explores dating again. Despite her attempts to move forward, Esther struggles with lingering feelings for Sasha and the pain of seeing him and Morgan grow closer. Tohn highlights this emotional conflict, noting Esther’s internal battle between independence and unresolved love.
The actors reveal that the storyline evolved during production. An earlier script suggested that Sasha might have fled New York after the encounter, but the cast felt this was inconsistent with their characters’ development. Instead, the decision was made to have Morgan actively engage with her feelings, showing growth and complexity. This shift allowed for a portrayal of mature relationship dynamics, where neither character seeks an easy romantic resolution.
The season’s romantic New York subplot held particular significance for Lupe, who grew up admiring classic rom-com films. She and Simons shared a sense of humor about the physical comedy involved in their on-screen romance, noting the challenges presented by their height difference during intimate scenes.
As the season closes, none of the characters find clear resolution. Esther, Sasha, and Morgan all face emotional dissatisfaction and uncertainty about their futures. The actors express hope that, if renewed, the show will continue to explore the nuanced and realistic portrayal of adult relationships, emphasizing maturity over traditional romantic conclusions. Simons reflects on the importance of the show’s approach, noting that the story neither closes the door on romance nor presents it as simple or perfect, highlighting the complexity of evolving relationships in midlife.