In Netflix’s Nobody Wants This Season 2, Seth Rogen’s Rabbi Neil is a warm, funny, and deeply unconventional rabbi of Temple Ahava. He becomes a key figure in Noah’s (Adam Brody) journey of faith and identity. Across the new episodes, Neil’s relaxed, modern approach to Judaism both inspires and frustrates Noah.
The hit Netflix rom-com stars Kristen Bell as Joanne and Adam Brody as Noah, a couple navigating love, religion, and expectations. Season 2 premiered on October 23, 2025, on Netflix with Rogen joining the cast alongside Kate Berlant as Rabbi Cami (via Tudum).
Rabbi Neil’s Progressive Judaism Clashes With Noah’s Faith in Nobody Wants This Season 2
Rabbi Neil first appears in Episode 6, Anything Can Happen, when Noah interviews at Temple Ahava. Raised in a conservative household, Neil found renewal through Ahava’s inclusive, lighthearted approach to faith. He immediately says he is a fan of Noah and offers him the role of senior rabbi. Neil’s humor and warmth, including his line, “We keep-a-it very casual,” summarize his casual character.
In Episode 7, When You Know, You Know, Noah begins working under Rabbis Neil and Cami. They tell Naoh how non-rigid their temple is. He tells a Steven Spielberg story of not having any plan on set and also Spielberg being a congregant.
However, the temple’s informal style, no dress codes, minimal structure, and free-flowing discussions instead of strict Torah study leave Noah uneasy. They played a game with the students where Noah couldn’t “Agree,” skipping Sabbath for the Fantastic Four movie, while the students were on the “Strongly Disagree” side. Funny enough, Noah somehow “Agreed” that Kyle is the best Kardashian when Neil said Timothée is Jewish.
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Neil’s belief that Judaism should be “fun, not hard” conflicts with Noah’s more traditional view that rituals and rules give faith meaning. The contrast between them highlights how modern Jewish identity can take many forms.
By Episode 8, A Better Rabbi, Neil’s influence grows even as Noah’s doubts deepen. When Joanne’s mother, Lynn, starts a conversion program at Temple Ahava, Noah objects to the temple’s six-month track, seeing it as too easy. Neil now becomes a mirror for Noah’s inner struggle.
Rabbi Neil stands as both comic relief and quiet catalyst. He represents a form of Judaism that adapts to modern life without apology. At the end of it, his character was just a reawakening for Noah, who took it too far with his faith and his relationship with Joanne.
Seth Rogen’s Neil is more than just the “cool rabbi,” he’s a reminder that faith, like love, doesn’t always follow rules.
What do you think? Is Rabbi Neil’s approach refreshing or too relaxed? Let us know your thoughts.
Nobody Wants This Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix (US).
