If you aren’t watching Fox’s “New Girl” already, you are missing out. The show, now in its second season, stars Zooey Deschanel as Jess, a quirky teacher who moves into an apartment with three single men after a bad breakup.
Nick, played by Jake Johnson, is a law school drop out who now bartends. Winston, played by Lamorne Morris, is a former basketball player who has a tough time keeping a job. Schmidt, played by Max Greenfield, is a womanizer and the only male employee in his company. He is also the most successful of the roommates. Schmidt briefly dated Jess’ best friend CeCe, a model played by Hannah Simone. The show certainly bears a lot of resemblance to “Friends,” arguably the most successful sitcom in history. While many shows have tried to replicate the chemistry of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross, none have really succeeded. “New Girl” just might be the first to do so, and with Emmy nominations for Deschanel and Greenfield after one season, they are on the right track. Here are the top five reasons why “New Girl” is the new “Friends.”
1. The Lovable Womanizer
What is it about Schmidt that makes everyone love him so much? He’s vain, a womanizer, and kind of a douchebag but so lovable that none of that matters. He is a douchebag with emotions. Cece is really the one who brings these emotions out as the first girl whom Schmidt really has deeper feelings for. On “Friends,” Joey sleeps with more women than he can remember. He, too, is arrogant, a womanizer, and someone who could come across as a douchebag if the part is played wrong. Yet he is one of television’s most beloved characters. Like Cece brings out Schmidt’s inner emotions, Joey feels emotions he has never felt before when he falls in love with Rachel. His hidden love for Rachel makes him a much more empathetic character. Schmidt and Joey may be womanizers, but their charm and empathy makes them some of the best television characters.
2. The Secret Relationship
Until the end of the first season, Cece’s relationship with Schmidt is kept secret from the rest of the roommates, much like Chandler and Monica’s relationship was kept secret on “Friends.”
This allows writers to see how fans react to a relationship before committing to it. It also allows for a great storyline
when the other characters react. Of course, both relationships ended up being one of the best on their respective shows, so the writers had nothing to worry about.
3. The Will-They-or-Won’t-They Couple
We all know that Jess and Nick are meant to be together. On “Friends,” we all knew that Rachel and Ross were perfect for each other. Until these couples get together, we obsessively wait for the writers to leave hints that they will end up together. Nick seems to be the only one who really understands Jess, not to mention his obvious jealousy when she is with someone else. Winston called Nick an “emotional fluffer” for Jess, and when the writers finally let this couple be together, there will be a lot of very happy “New Girl” fans.
4. The Character that Used to be Fat
Let’s face it, there is nothing funnier on television than finding out that a seemingly normal person used to
be fat. Schmidt’s former self, frequently shown in flashbacks makes the arrogant character seem more relatable.
On “Friends,” the same was true for Monica. For writers, it is a way to add depth to a character while making everyone laugh. Also, check out this video of fat Schmidt dancing. Are you in love yet?
5. Chemistry of the Cast
The most important thing that can make or break a new show is how well the actors work together. This is why months are spent looking for the perfect actors to play different characters. Any good actor can play a character, but it’s how they interact with other actors that can really make a difference. Actors’ relationships with the writers and producers can also make a huge difference. There is no doubting the chemistry between the “New Girl” cast and crew during their interview at Paleyfest 2012. The same is true in any blooper real or behind the scenes interview from “Friends.” There is a definite chemistry that is undeniable, and it is what makes a show work for many seasons.