In a recent social media revelation, Erin Foster, the creator and writer of the Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” shared how her personal engagement experience inspired a pivotal moment in the show’s third season. The proposal scene, featuring characters Noah and Joanne, played by Adam Brody and Kristen Bell respectively, showcases a similarity to Foster’s own engagement to Simon Tikhman, which occurred in August 2019.
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On Instagram, Foster provided insight into the elaborate setup that led to her engagement. She explained that roughly a month prior to the actual proposal, she and Tikhman received an invitation to a wedding vow renewal. “It had attire and a schedule for the whole weekend,” she recalled, noting that Tikhman had suggested the event as a “work thing” with no pressure for her to attend. However, he cleverly hinted at its romantic possibilities.
Unbeknownst to Foster, Tikhman was secretly orchestrating the proposal. She described how he encouraged her to get a manicure with her niece to ensure her nails were camera-ready for what she thought would be a simple vow renewal. At that point, she had no inkling of the surprise he was planning, as he was acting completely normal.
Upon their arrival at the hotel in Napa Valley, Foster discovered that Tikhman had gone to great lengths to ensure the event’s secrecy. The hotel staff handed them an envelope with a detailed itinerary of the weekend, reinforcing the illusion of a wedding event. “Simon had flown up there and prepped them all to pretend that this wedding was happening,” she shared.
The couple then made their way to a vineyard, where they believed a faux vow renewal was set to take place. Foster later recalled feeling relieved to learn that the other guests—who were in on the surprise—had gone on a wine tour, leaving them in what they thought was an empty setting. In a heartwarming touch, the couple’s families had been carefully hidden inside a barn, eagerly awaiting the moment of the proposal.
As Tikhman dropped down on one knee, the hidden family members could be heard gasping with excitement. Foster’s sister, Sara, famously exclaimed, “Oh God,” highlighting the emotional intensity of the moment. This scene closely mirrored the events in “Nobody Wants This,” where Bell’s character reacts with shock and disbelief as Noah proposes.
Foster edited together clips from both her proposal and the series, showcasing the touching similarities. In her video, the moment she bends down to meet Tikhman’s gaze is juxtaposed with Bell’s character kissing Noah. The joy is palpable as their respective families rush out to celebrate the moments.
Concluding her video, Foster affectionate remarked, “And that’s how I got engaged to a psychotically romantic genius,” celebrating the love and creativity that both her fiancé and the series encapsulate. She also included photographs from their engagement celebration, highlighting the joyous occasion further.
The inspiration drawn from her real-life relationship adds a profound layer to “Nobody Wants This,” which Foster has described as a reflection of her marriage. The show, which debuted to acclaim, weaves elements of her personal experiences into the narrative, creating a unique blend of fiction and reality.
Foster and Tikhman first crossed paths in a Los Angeles gym in 2018, quickly sparking a romance that culminated in their New Year’s Eve wedding later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in May 2024, further intertwining their personal story with the creative production of the series.
In past interviews, Foster asserted her belief that both seasons of “Nobody Wants This” encapsulate a blend of truth and fiction, declaring, “I don’t feel like season 1 was more true to my life, and season 2 is more fiction. They both are really a mix.” This creative exploration not only highlights her romantic journey but also invites viewers to connect with the heartfelt narratives presented in the series.