I Went on the ‘Nobody Wants This’ tour of L.A. and Fell in Love With the City Again
On Location Tours has launched a guided experience centered on the Netflix series “Nobody Wants This,” which has transformed Los Angeles into a central character in its romantic comedy narrative. The tour traces key filming locations, including the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Koreatown, which stood in for Noah’s synagogue, and LACMA, where the show’s creators highlighted the museum’s iconic “Urban Lights” installation. Participants also visited a pocket park, two residential buildings, and the Los Feliz 3 theatre, where the series’ first kiss took place.
The tour, led by guide Rachel, blends behind-the-scenes insights about the show with historical context about Los Angeles. Stops included the Wilshire Boulevard Temple, a 1920s-era landmark partially funded by Warner Brothers, and Jetrag, a vintage store featured in Apple TV’s “Platonic.” The experience also touched on local lore, such as the notoriously chaotic intersection of Virgil Avenue, Sunset Boulevard, and Hollywood Boulevard, where participants were treated to a free sample of Handel’s ice cream before navigating the area.
For fans of the show, the tour offers a chance to engage with the city’s hidden gems and the production’s creative choices. However, its appeal extends beyond fandom, as it provides a lens through which to view Los Angeles’ architectural and cultural layers. The blend of pop culture and local history underscores how television can amplify a city’s identity, even as it occasionally feels curated for outsiders.
The tour’s future could hinge on its ability to evolve beyond checklist-style sightseeing. If it continues to weave in local history and invite deeper reflection, it may attract a broader audience. However, without such depth, it risks remaining a niche attraction for dedicated fans.
Where does the tour begin? It starts outside the Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Koreatown, which served as a stand-in for Noah’s synagogue.
What are some notable stops? Participants visit a pocket park, two residential buildings, LACMA, Jetrag vintage store, and the Los Feliz 3 theatre, where the show’s first kiss occurred.
Would a tour that blends television and local history be worth the drive for someone unfamiliar with “Nobody Wants This?”