Erin Foster’s Marriage Inspires Netflix’s Nobody Wants This Romantic Comedy

Nobody Wants This creator Erin Foster married Simon Tikhman in 2019 and based the Netflix series on their relationship

Erin Foster, creator of the successful Netflix series Nobody Wants This, married music executive Simon Tikhman in 2019. The romantic comedy, starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, draws heavily from Foster’s real-life relationship with Tikhman, where religion, love, and cultural differences play key roles. Foster converted to Judaism ahead of their wedding, mirroring the show’s plotline of navigating faith and identity. The couple welcomed their daughter Noa in 2024 after a challenging IVF journey, and the show has evolved through critical acclaim and behind-the-scenes drama. The sophomore season, released in October 2024, deepens the exploration of love, religion, and personal growth.

Key points:

• Erin Foster met Simon Tikhman in 2018 and married him in 2019; their romance inspired the Netflix series Nobody Wants This.
• Foster converted to Judaism for her husband, reflecting the show’s central theme of interfaith relationships and cultural identity.
• Their daughter Noa was born in 2024 after over 20 rounds of IVF, a journey Foster has openly discussed.
• Season two of Nobody Wants This addresses criticism regarding representation of Jewish characters while expanding character development.
• Behind-the-scenes challenges marked the first season, including creative tensions and multiple showrunner changes, but the production stabilized in season two.

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Introduction to the couple behind Nobody Wants This

Netflix’s Nobody Wants This has captivated audiences with its unique blend of romantic comedy and cultural exploration, centered around the relationship between agnostic podcaster Joanne (Kristen Bell) and “hot” rabbi Noah (Adam Brody). The series is loosely based on Erin Foster’s relationship with Simon Tikhman, a music executive from San Francisco. Their story not only inspired the show’s narrative but also shaped its emotional core, including the complex dynamics of religion, love, and personal transformation.

Simon Tikhman: The man behind the inspiration

Simon Tikhman is a music industry executive who co-founded The Core Entertainment, partnering with major companies like Live Nation and Universal Music Group. Born and raised in San Francisco to Russian-Jewish parents who fled the Soviet Union due to persecution, his heritage deeply influences his values and expectations, particularly regarding Judaism and family traditions. Despite not being a rabbi as portrayed in the series, Tikhman’s identity and background were fundamental in crafting the show’s authentic depiction of interfaith romance.

How They Met and Fell in Love

Erin Foster and Simon Tikhman met in 2018 at a Beverly Hills gym and quickly connected over casual encounters that blossomed into a serious relationship. Foster described Tikhman as “funny and cool and modern,” with a charmingly old-fashioned sense of family and friendship. Their romance progressed swiftly, with Tikhman proposing in Napa Valley in August 2019 and the couple marrying later that year in Nashville.

Religion and conversion: mirroring real-life in the series

Central to both the real and fictional romances is the theme of religion. In Nobody Wants This, Joanne’s agnostic perspective contrasts with rabbi Noah’s devout Judaism and hope to marry a Jewish woman. Similarly, Tikhman made it clear to Foster that any future spouse had to be Jewish. Although not overtly religious, his family’s history of persecution instilled in him a sense of responsibility to continue the Jewish lineage. Foster embraced this, converting to Judaism as an adult, finding fulfillment in the traditions she never had growing up, and bringing a genuine outsider’s perspective to the storytelling.

Parenthood and IVF journey

In May 2024, Foster and Tikhman welcomed their daughter Noa Mimi, born via a home birth two weeks early after a grueling six-year IVF process involving more than 20 rounds. Foster has been transparent about the emotional and physical challenges of fertility treatments and credits periods of disconnection and support from family, particularly her sister Jordan, for sustaining her through the ordeal. This profound personal experience adds depth to her creative work and public persona.

Initial tensions over the show’s creation

Despite the show’s eventual success, Tikhman initially reacted with apprehension when Foster revealed she had sold a TV series based on their relationship. He was wary of public exposure and asked her not to proceed. Foster delayed writing the pilot for some time due to these concerns but was encouraged to push forward by producers who highlighted the compelling conflict between a Jewish and a gentile partner. Over time, Tikhman came to accept and appreciate Foster’s creative talents and the project, which she regards as a love letter to him.

Season two: evolving narratives and response to criticism

Nobody Wants This achieved critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations, but its first season also drew criticism, particularly for its portrayals of Jewish women, which some viewed as perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes. Rabbi Elan Babchuck initially expressed discomfort but later recognized the importance of representation, even if imperfect. The second season, led by new showrunners Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan alongside Foster’s executive production, aims to portray more nuanced characters, explore identity complexities, and address prior critiques while maintaining the series’ signature humor and heart.

The Foster sisters: creative collaborators and inspirations

Erin Foster co-produces Nobody Wants This with her sister Sara Foster, with whom she shares a longstanding creative partnership. The sisters have worked on various projects, including the VH1 series Barely Famous and their podcast The World’s First Podcast. Their close bond influences the show’s themes of female friendship, personal growth, and romantic relationships. Season two also deepens the storyline of sister characters Joanne and Morgan, fictional reflections of their real-life dynamic.

Behind the scenes: overcoming creative challenges

The show experienced significant behind-the-scenes challenges during its debut season, including script rewrites and showrunner turnover, which reportedly caused tension among the cast and crew. Kristen Bell has spoken openly about initially struggling to connect with her character’s emotional layers, and Foster resisted some changes, determined to preserve her vision. Netflix’s decision to bring in experienced showrunners for season two helped stabilize production, resulting in smoother creative processes and improved collaboration among the team.

Public openness and privacy boundaries

The Fosters maintain a balanced public persona, choosing to share candid discussions about personal matters like IVF and relationships on selective platforms, such as podcasts, while preserving privacy regarding family life, especially concerning children. They consciously avoid the overexposure common to social media influencers, focusing instead on authentic storytelling through their creative projects.

Looking ahead: future plans and the rom-com space

Although Nobody Wants This has not yet been officially renewed for a third season, Erin and Sara Foster are actively developing new content under an overall deal with Disney and express ambitions to own the romantic comedy genre. Their ongoing work reflects a commitment to telling relatable, complex stories about love, identity, and modern womanhood.

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In conclusion, Erin Foster’s personal journey with Simon Tikhman is not only a compelling romantic story but also a foundational element that shaped the acclaimed Netflix series Nobody Wants This. Through honest exploration of faith, family, and the challenges of modern relationships, the series has resonated deeply with audiences while evolving in response to both internal creative forces and external feedback. Foster’s openness about her life experiences, including her conversion to Judaism and her IVF struggles, enriches the narrative authenticity and emotional impact of the show, marking her as a distinctive voice in contemporary television.

Questions and answers

Q: Who inspired the Netflix series Nobody Wants This?

A: The Netflix series Nobody Wants This? is inspired by the real-life experiences of Erin Foster, a writer and actress. The show draws from her personal journey and challenges, offering a dramatized exploration of her life events and emotions.

Q: Erin Foster and Simon Tikhman marriage story

A: Erin Foster and Simon Tikhman have a publicly shared relationship marked by love and mutual support. Their marriage story includes navigating life's ups and downs together, often highlighted by Erin's openness about personal struggles, including those related to fertility and family planning.

Q: IVF challenges of Erin Foster

A: Erin Foster has been candid about her challenges with in vitro fertilization (IVF), sharing the emotional and physical toll it took on her. Through public discussions and her creative work, she has shed light on the complexities and difficulties many face during fertility treatments, aiming to create greater understanding and empathy.

Q: Meaning behind Nobody Wants This show

A: Nobody Wants This is a show that delves into the raw and honest portrayal of personal struggles, particularly focusing on themes of infertility and loss. It aims to destigmatize these often private issues by bringing them to the forefront, encouraging conversations about the emotional realities people endure.

Q: Season two of Nobody Wants This themes

A: While specific details about season two of Nobody Wants This are limited, the themes are expected to continue exploring personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of relationships amid adversity. The show likely expands on the emotional narratives introduced in the first season, deepening the exploration of family and identity.

Key Entities

Erin Foster: Erin Foster is an American actress, writer, and producer known for co-creating the Netflix comedy series 'Santa Clarita Diet.' She has also acted in various television projects and is recognized for her work in comedic storytelling.

Simon Tikhman: Simon Tikhman is a television writer and producer known for collaborating on projects such as 'Santa Clarita Diet' on Netflix. His work spans various comedy series where he contributes to scriptwriting and production.

Netflix: Netflix is a leading global streaming service that produces and distributes original television series and films, including the comedy horror series 'Santa Clarita Diet.' The platform has reshaped entertainment consumption through on-demand streaming.

Kristen Bell: Kristen Bell is an American actress noted for her role as Sheila Hammond in the Netflix series 'Santa Clarita Diet.' She is acclaimed for her performances in both television and film, spanning comedy and drama genres.

Adam Brody: Adam Brody is an American actor who stars as Joel Hammond in the Netflix comedy series 'Santa Clarita Diet.' He is also recognized for his earlier work on the television series 'The O.C.' and various film roles.

External articles

• Nobody Wants This
• The Real Love Story Behind Nobody Wants This - ELLE
• How Erin Foster's real-life romance inspired 'Nobody ...

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YouTube Video

Title: Nobody Wants This | Official Trailer | Netflix
Channel: B.I.T.S.O.W.
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO9-6a7-7dQ
Published: 1 year ago