When Does New Girl Get Good?
Fans of New Girl will say the series has a few mild ups and downs but generally remains consistent from the early episodes all the way through the series finale. It won’t take more than a few episodes for a new viewer to determine whether or not they’ll like the style and substance of New Girl.
What Fans Say
Fans of New Girl appreciate its quirky humor, endearing characters, and sharp dialogue. The show’s charm largely stems from its ensemble cast, led by Zooey Deschanel as the adorably offbeat Jess. Many viewers praise the series for its ability to balance heartwarming moments with laugh-out-loud comedy. The dynamic between roommates Nick, Schmidt, Winston, and later Coach creates a unique comedic synergy that evolves throughout the series. Fans also highlight the witty writing, memorable running gags, and strong character development, particularly with Nick’s growth from a slacker to a more responsible partner and Schmidt’s journey from a caricatured ladies’ man to a devoted husband.
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What Haters Say
Critics of New Girl often find Jess’s quirkiness grating, arguing that her personality can feel forced or exaggerated. Some detractors feel that the humor leans too heavily on awkwardness and randomness, making it difficult to engage with the characters or storylines. Others point out that the show’s romantic arcs, particularly the on-again, off-again relationship between Jess and Nick, become repetitive or predictable. Additionally, some feel that certain characters, like Winston, were underdeveloped in the earlier seasons, and that the final season felt unnecessary or rushed.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
Many fans and critics agree that the show experiences a dip in quality around season 5 when Zooey Deschanel took maternity leave, leading to the temporary introduction of Megan Fox’s Reagan. While some viewers appreciated the fresh dynamic, others felt that the chemistry among the core cast suffered. The later seasons, particularly season 6, regained some of the show’s earlier charm, but the abbreviated seventh season was met with mixed reactions, with some feeling it provided a satisfying conclusion while others believed it was too short to properly wrap up all character arcs.
Aggregated Critic Commentary
Critically, New Girl was well received throughout most of its run. The show was praised for its strong character work, sharp comedic timing, and willingness to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling. However, some critics noted that the middle seasons struggled with inconsistent storytelling and pacing.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87% | 7.8 |
| 2 | 94% | 8.2 |
| 3 | 88% | 7.8 |
| 4 | 100% | 8.1 |
| 5 | 79% | 7.6 |
| 6 | 88% | 7.7 |
| 7 | 78% | 7.5 |
Overview of the Show
New Girl follows Jessica Day, a quirky schoolteacher who moves into a loft with three single men after a rough breakup. As she adjusts to her new living situation, she develops close friendships with her roommates: the sarcastic but lovable Nick, the overconfident yet endearing Schmidt, and the eccentric Winston. Over the series, the group navigates career changes, romantic entanglements, and personal growth, creating a heartfelt and hilarious sitcom experience. While Jess initially serves as the show’s focal point, the series gradually expands to explore the other characters’ stories, making New Girl a true ensemble comedy.
Season-by-Season Highlights
Season 1 (2011-2012)
The first season introduces Jess and her three male roommates, establishing the show’s signature blend of humor and heart. Early highlights include Schmidt’s over-the-top antics, Nick’s reluctance to grow up, and Winston’s return from playing basketball overseas. The season builds toward a slow-burn romance between Jess and Nick, while Schmidt’s crush on Cece begins to develop.
Season 2 (2012-2013)
This season refines the show’s comedic rhythm, deepening character relationships. Jess and Nick’s chemistry intensifies, culminating in their first kiss. Schmidt and Cece’s complicated relationship takes center stage, while Winston begins to emerge as a more distinct comedic presence.
Season 3 (2013-2014)
Jess and Nick officially get together, but their relationship faces growing pains, leading to a breakup by season’s end. Schmidt struggles to choose between Cece and Elizabeth, while Winston fully embraces his oddball personality. This season is divisive among fans, as some felt it lacked the energy of the previous season.
Season 4 (2014-2015)
A return to form, season 4 brings back the show’s lighthearted charm. Jess explores new romantic interests, while Nick and Schmidt’s friendship shines. The season also introduces hilarious one-off episodes, like “Background Check” and “The Crawl.” Cece begins to realize her lingering feelings for Schmidt.
Season 5 (2016)
With Zooey Deschanel on maternity leave, Megan Fox’s Reagan temporarily joins the loft, creating a fresh dynamic. Schmidt and Cece’s wedding provides the season’s emotional core. While some fans missed Jess’s presence, others enjoyed the new energy Reagan brought.
Season 6 (2016-2017)
Jess returns, and the show builds toward the eventual reconciliation between Jess and Nick. Cece and Schmidt buy a house, marking their transition into adulthood. Winston’s romance with Aly develops into one of the show’s sweetest relationships.
Season 7 (2018)
The final, shortened season jumps forward in time, showing the loft mates in more settled adult lives. Schmidt is now a stay-at-home dad, Nick is a successful author, and Winston and Aly are expecting a child. The series ends with a nostalgic and heartfelt conclusion, though some fans wished for a longer sendoff.
Similar Shows
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Shares a quirky comedic style and an ensemble cast with strong friendships.
- Happy Endings – A fast-paced sitcom with witty dialogue and an eccentric friend group.
- Parks and Recreation – Features endearing characters and a mix of humor and heartwarming moments.
- How I Met Your Mother – Blends comedy and romance with a focus on evolving friendships.
- The Mindy Project – Another rom-com sitcom led by a quirky and charismatic female protagonist.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like New Girl
- Friends – Both shows focus on a tight-knit group of friends navigating life and love in their 30s.
- Scrubs – Shares a similar balance of comedy and emotional depth, with eccentric humor.
- Community – Features a group of oddball friends with hilarious and heartfelt interactions.
- The Office (U.S.) – While a workplace comedy, it shares New Girl’s awkward yet charming humor and evolving character relationships.