# Timothy Simons Transitions from Comedy Sidekick to Romantic Lead The actor explores new emotional depth in the third season of Netflix's Nobody Wants This. - **Source:** [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ada2f72a-adfe-4d5d-b678-c10ac195c845 ## From Veep to Romance Timothy Simons, known for his role as the abrasive Jonah Ryan on Veep, is shifting gears. In the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, he plays Sasha Roklov, a character navigating complex romantic territory. This transition marks a departure from his typical comedic relief roles, challenging him to embrace a more vulnerable, romantic persona. ## The Sasha and Morgan Dynamic Sasha Roklov finds himself in an unexpected romantic entanglement with Morgan, played by Justine Lupe. Their chemistry becomes a focal point of the third season, complicating Sasha’s existing marriage to Esther. The show explores the tension between maintaining a stable, long-term union and the allure of a new, electric, yet volatile connection. ## Building Onscreen Chemistry Simons and Lupe credit their performance to an innate trust developed during filming. Despite their physical height difference, which they jokingly feared might look awkward, they successfully executed intimate scenes. This comfort level allowed them to portray a nuanced relationship that resonates with viewers, moving beyond standard rom-com tropes into something deeper. ## A Shift in Character Maturity Throughout the season, Sasha undergoes significant personal growth, gaining a sense of maturity and independence. His journey involves navigating a stagnating marriage and the challenges of being a father. This evolution provides Simons the opportunity to display earnestness, proving he can handle dramatic weight alongside his established comedic timing and sharp delivery. ## The Role of Uncertainty The writers kept the cast in the dark regarding the future of Sasha and Morgan’s relationship. Simons notes that this lack of information actually enhanced his performance, allowing him to authentically play the possibility of two different life paths. This ambiguity kept the stakes high for both the actors and the audience throughout production. ## New York City Setting A pivotal moment occurs in Episode Seven when the characters travel to New York City. The sequence, featuring a shared hotel room and a frantic search for clothing, echoes classic urban romances. This tonal shift provides a refreshing change of pace from the domestic drama, grounding the characters in a classic romantic atmosphere. ## Challenging Romantic Archetypes Simons acknowledges that he does not fit the mold of a traditional Hollywood romantic lead, like Glen Powell. He embraces his identity as an offbeat performer, aiming to prove that romance can exist for unconventional characters. His goal is to surprise audiences who may only associate him with his past, more abrasive roles. ## The Weight of Expectations Filming the penultimate episode last added significant pressure to the production. Simons felt the weight of matching the chemistry established by co-stars Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. He approached the scenes with professional rigor, ensuring that the emotional beats felt earned rather than forced, ultimately finding success in the final, tender moments. ## Professional Versatility With a background in independent theater in Chicago and a degree from the University of Maine, Simons possesses extensive training. His career has spanned diverse genres, including dystopian dramas like Station Eleven and action-comedies like Joy Ride. This versatility serves as the foundation for his current pivot toward more serious, romantic character work. ## The Heartbreak of Choice The season concludes with a poignant scene where Sasha turns down a relationship with Morgan. This moment highlights the character's internal conflict and pain, showcasing Simons' ability to deliver subtle, heartbreaking performances. It leaves the audience questioning the future of the characters while cementing the emotional stakes of the show's narrative arc. ## Future Career Trajectory While the status of a potential fourth season remains unconfirmed, Simons is open to exploring romance as a new avenue. He remains realistic about his boundaries as an actor, focusing on roles that fit his unique style. His performance in this season proves he is capable of evolving beyond his previous comedic typecasting. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/timothy-simons-nobody-wants-this-interview-1235651465/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._