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The real story behind Nobody Wants This: How Erin Foster’s life inspired the hit romcom

Nobody Wants This may be a fictional romcom, but it’s deeply rooted in Erin Foster’s reality.
Erin Foster and Simon TikhmanInstagram

Nobody Wants This has taken the romcom world by storm, and it’s not just the hilarious, heartwarming moments that have everyone talking. Fans are also curious about the real-life inspiration behind the show. Turns out, the series’ creator Erin Foster didn’t have to look far—she based much of the storyline on her own life, including her relationship with her husband, Simon Tikhman. Here’s everything you need to know about the real story behind Nobody Wants This.

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PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Erin Foster, Adam Brody, and Sara Foster attend Netflix's Nobody Wants This - Favorite Daughter Fan Screening at Bay Theatre on September 19, 2024 in Pacific Palisades, California.
 Erin Foster, Adam Brody, and Sara Foster attend Netflix’s Nobody Wants This fan screening. (Credit: Getty)

Is Nobody Wants This Based on a True Story?

Yes! The show draws heavily from Erin Foster’s personal experiences, particularly her relationship with Simon Tikhman. Erin has been open about how her journey with Simon, especially her decision to convert to Judaism for him, which served as the backbone for the romcom’s love story. The series centres around Kristen Bell’s character, Joanne, as she navigates love, faith, and her professional life—echoing much of Erin’s own story.

In Nobody Wants This, Joanne falls for Noah (played by Adam Brody), a rabbi-in-training, and the complexities of their relationship unfold in a slow-burn way that mirrors Erin and Simon’s real-life romance. Like Joanne, Erin went through her own moments of uncertainty and personal growth while figuring out what love and commitment meant to her.

PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 19: (L-R) Simon Tikhman and Erin Foster attend Netflix's Nobody Wants This - Favorite Daughter Fan Screening at Bay Theatre on September 19, 2024 in Pacific Palisades, California.
Simon Tikhman and Erin Foster attend Netflix’s Nobody Wants This Fan Screening (Credit: Getty)
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Who is Erin Foster’s Husband, Simon Tikhman?

Simon Tikhman, the man who stole Erin Foster’s heart, is a successful tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist. The couple tied the knot in 2019 in a glamorous Nashville wedding, with stars like Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston in attendance.

One of the most notable aspects of their relationship is Erin’s decision to convert to Judaism for Simon. It wasn’t just a quick decision but something that added depth and meaning to their connection, much like what Nobody Wants This portrays with Joanne and Noah. Erin has shared that the religious aspect was a significant part of their relationship, something that clearly influenced the show’s plot, where Joanne and Noah’s love story centres around the challenges of balancing faith, love, and career aspirations.

TV personality Erin Foster, composer David Foster, and TV personality Sara Foster attend VH1's "Barely Famous" Season 2 Party on June 14, 2016 in West Hollywood, California.
Erin Foster, David Foster and Sara Foster (Credit: Getty)

How Did Erin Foster’s Dad React to Nobody Wants This?

David Foster, the legendary music producer and Erin’s proud father, couldn’t be more thrilled about his daughter’s latest project. In an interview, David gushed about how Erin and her sister Sara Foster, who co-produced the series, worked on the show for five years.

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David even sees a lot of Erin in Kristen Bell’s portrayal of Joanne. “I think she’s a lot like Erin,” David told E! News. “I know Erin wrote most of the lines, and I can pick out every line that she wrote because I know her so well.” Clearly, Nobody Wants This feels like a family affair!

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