Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' proves that Adam Brody has always been rom-com leading man material. Here are his best movie and TV roles.
Adam Brody plays a charming rabbi on Netflix's new series "Nobody Wants This," costarring Kristen Bell.
Brody's big breakout role was Seth Cohen in the hit teen drama series "The O.C."
He played similarly likable characters in "Gilmore Girls" and the "Shazam!" movies.
The Adam Brody renaissance is in full swing thanks to Netflix's new show "Nobody Wants This."
The rom-com series, which has sat comfortably on the streamer's current top 10 TV shows list since its debut on Thursday, stars Brody as a rabbi named Noah Roklov and Kristen Bell as an agnostic sex podcaster named Joanne.
Despite their differences and complications, Noah and Joanne embark on a relationship that unfolds over the course of 10 episodes.
Brody's off-the-charts charisma, plus his chemistry with Bell, has left viewers charmed (and horny). For people just discovering Brody through "Nobody Wants This," it's baffling why he isn't one of the most booked and busy rom-com actors. But those who have been following the actor since his days playing the sarcastic but lovable Seth Cohen on "The O.C." know that he's always been adept at playing a swoon-worthy leading man.
While fans eagerly wait to see if Netflix will renew "Nobody Wants This" for a second season, here are nine more of Brody's most notable TV and film roles to revisit in the meantime.
"Gilmore Girls"
For years, "Gilmore Girls" fans have debated and ranked who Rory Gilmore's (Alexis Bledel) most suitable match was on the series. Although Brody doesn't play one of her suitors, he does have a brief, nine-episode arc in season three as Dave Rygalski, Lane Kim's (Keiko Agena) love interest.
His awkwardness and romantic efforts (like reading the Bible in one night so he and Lane could go to prom together), easily win her and fans over.
Unfortunately, Brody didn't last long on the show because he ended up booking what would become his true breakout role on "The O.C."
"The O.C."
Millennials mostly associate Brody with his role as Seth Cohen on "The O.C.," which aired for four seasons on Fox between 2003 and 2007. The show is a cornerstone of early 2000s culture, known for its stellar indie needle drops and ability to find the balance of angsty teen drama and humor — with Brody effortlessly delivering plenty of sarcasm and zingers.
In a cast that includes 2000s icon Mischa Barton, Ben McKenzie, and Rachel Bilson, Brody's character stands out as the show's endearing, awkward nerd who loves reading comic books and cares more about bands like Death Cab for Cutie than mainstream artists.
And let's not forget Seth's most important legacy: creating the hybrid holiday Chrismukkah as a nod to his interfaith upbringing.
"Jennifer's Body"
Brody portrays Nikolai Wolf in "Jennifer Body," the cult classic 2009 horror comedy starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. In the film, he plays the front man of an indie band named Low Shoulder that kidnaps the titular character and sacrifices her to Satan so they can become rich and famous ("Satan is our only hope," he explains during the memorable sacrifice monologue).
Brody doesn't sing for real in the movie. But he delivers a convincing performance complete with black eyeliner, drawing comparisons to The Killers lead singer Brandon Flowers circa the band's "Mr. Brightside" era.
"New Girl"
"New Girl" ended six years ago, but thanks to streaming services, the beloved sitcom has cultivated a loyal following and spawned a rewatch podcast with stars Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris.
The show boasts dozens of guest stars over its seven seasons, including Brody, who appears in season three, episode 15 ("Exes"). Brody hilariously portrays Jessica Day's (Zooey Deschanel) ex-boyfriend Berkley, who's still in love with her despite having a wife — albeit an emotionally unavailable one — and a baby.
"Life Partners"
Brody plays the leading man who shakes up a codependent female friendship in the 2014 romantic dramedy "Life Partners," which coincidentally stars his real-life wife and "Gossip Girl" alum Leighton Meester.
The film centers on two friends named Paige (Gillian Jacobs) and Sasha (Meester), whose close dynamic is challenged when Paige begins a serious relationship with a sweet, nerdy dermatologist named Tim (Brody).
"Ready or Not"
Brody gets involved with satanic rituals again in the 2019 horror movie "Ready or Not."
The film stars Samara Weaving as Grace, a newlywed who is completely oblivious to the dark secrets of the family she married into until she participates in a nightmarish version of the game hide-and-seek.
Brody plays Daniel Le Domas, one of Grace's in-laws who, unlike his relatives, has somewhat of a moral compass.
"Shazam" and "Shazam! Fury of the Gods"
Brody flexes his superhero muscles in the "Shazam!" movies, released in 2019 and 2023 as part of the DC Extended Universe. The actor stars as the adult, super-powered version of young Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer). Brody plays the role with ease, earnestness, and child-like enthusiasm. It seems like a natural extension of his comic-book-obsessed "O.C." character, and Seth Cohen would be proud.
"Promising Young Woman"
After years of playing likable characters, Brody weaponizes his charm in writer-director Emerald Fennell's controversial film "Promising Young Woman." In the opening scene, he plays a seemingly nice and chivalrous guy named Jerry.
But as it turns out, Jerry is one of many supposedly nice guys who try to take advantage of protagonist Cassie (Carey Mulligan) when she purposely pretends to act drunk. She, in turn, flips the script and dishes out her own personal brand of justice as she encounters these men.
"Fleishman Is in Trouble"
In the Hulu miniseries based on Taffy Brodesser-Akner's New York Times bestseller of the same name, Brody plays Seth Morris, an old college friend of Jesse Eisenberg's Toby Fleishman. The pair reconnect as the titular character navigates newly single life after getting divorced.
Although Seth is a supporting character, Vox praised Brody for making the most of his screen time while Vanity Fair called him "weary and wonderful."
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