Through its relatable characters, hilarious writing, and gripping plots, New Girl is one of the best sitcoms that has come out of this decade. The show follows the adventures of Jess, Cece, Nick, Winston, Schmidt, and Coach after Jess moves into an all male loft in Los Angeles following a break up. There’s romance, humor, and plenty of wince inducing awkward situations guaranteed in each episode. Viewers often find themselves relating to one or more characters over the course of an episode, season, or the entire series (so far). The first 5 seasons are currently on Netflix, with Season 6 following within the next few months. It has been renewed for one more final season, yet we are still awaiting a premiere date. In order to avoid spoilers, below are profiles for each of the main characters.
Jess Day (played by Zooey Deschanel)
While it is an ensemble cast, certain characters are highlighted more than others. Jess, a middle such could be considered to be the main protagonist throughout the show. In the pilot episode, she becomes the only girl in an all male loft following a breakup after responding to an online roommate ad. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she’s bubbly, awkward, charismatic, and is unapologetically herself. She always remains optimistic and enthusiastic, and provides funny and interesting female perspectives that counter her male roommates’.
Nick Miller (played by Jake Johnson)
Nick Miller is a law school dropout who either hides himself in his hoodie or moonwalks out of awkward situations. He’s an extremely sarcastic bartender who is one of the roommates that Jess lives with. He sometimes comes off as grumpy, and compared to Schmidt is very calm and one noted. Many fans think that Jess and Nick have a sort of ‘opposites attract’ relationship.
Schmidt (played by Max Greenfield)
On the extreme other end of Nick’s personality, Type A Schmidt is never not wound up. He was Nick’s college roommate, and after losing a significant amount of weight, takes pride in his clothing, hair products, thanksgiving recipes, and is obsessed with Jess’s friend, Cece. He is constantly saying inappropriate or cocky things, and has to put money into the “Douchebag Jar.” He’s the source of most of the laughs on the show due to his quotable one-liners, and is very flamboyant and dramatic, despite being considered a ladies’ man.
Winston Bishop (played by Lamorne Morris)
Winston, who’s not in the pilot, is Nick’s childhood friends and went to college with Nick and Schmidt. He went overseas to Latvia to play professional basketball, and returns in the second episode. He’s hardworking, yet eccentric, and has a cat named Ferguson who he spends most of his time with and loves belting the Wicked soundtrack. He loves messing with Schmidt, and calls himself “Prank Sinatra” because of his outrageous plots for pranks.
Coach (played by Damon Wayans Jr.)
Coach is in the pilot episode, but returns as a guest in later seasons as a fifth roommate. He’s a personal trainer with some rage issues who also doesn’t know how to talk to women.
Cece Parekh (played by Hannah Simone)
Cece is Jess’s best friend from childhood who she moved out to Los Angeles with. She’s a professional model who’s straight forward, and her blunt personality keeps Jess grounded. She’s very loyal and protective, and keeps the guys on their toes. Schmidt becomes obsessed with her, which provides a funny subplot of her messing with him while he becomes this blundering fool whenever she’s in the room.