Erin Foster was pretty much born into the business (her father is music legend David Foster), but it took a few swings before she finally found her sweet spot behind the scenes after an early career acting in shows including The O.C., Gilmore Girls, Judging Amy, Reno 911, Roswell and others.
Figuring she could flip to the creative side, she started working as a writer on shows like The New Normal, then jumping to creator with sister Sara of the VH1 reality series parody Barely Famous. She has also delved into the world of podcasts with World’s First Podcast, which she has done with her sister since 2021.
But in 2024 she really hit the jackpot with Netflix’s hit out-of-the-box hit comedy series Nobody Wants This, which scored an Emmy nomination for Best Comedy Series for the first season which became one of the most talked about new shows on television. Although it isn’t autobiographical, she took elements of her life and experience — especially as part of an intra-faith couple and in converting to Judaism after meeting her husband. Realizing there hasn’t been a huge demand for a comedy series centered on the romantic relationships of a rabbi, she came up with the ironically titled Nobody Wants This. It turns out people did want it, and it won stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody Emmy nominations. Netflix renewed it instantly and have renewed it for a third season.
Foster joins me for this edition of my Deadline video series Behind the Lens to talk about the breakout hit, for which she is creator, writer and executive producer. She discusses how the search for the perfect “hot” rabbi came about and the casting of Brody, which Bell had something to do with as well; looking for the perfect sexy rabbi took a village. She also talks about the trials and tribulations of her career, especially in fitting in with the writers rooms at the beginning, and also her acting career which she tells me she will be reviving on Nobody Wants This as it tees up Season3. She also gives us details on where the show is headed in the new season.
To watch our conversation and go :behind the lens” with Erin Foster, watch the video above.
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