---
title: "New Girl"
year: 2011
kind: "series"
canonical: "https://film.one/tv/new-girl"
fi1m_id: "new-girl"
imdb_id: "tt1826940"
tmdb_id: 1420
wikidata_id: "Q844059"
fi1m_score: 80
critics_score: 75
critics_reviews: 7
published: "2026-09-23T11:29:29.802189+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-23T11:29:40.497412+00:00"
region: "PH"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# New Girl (2011)

Created by Elizabeth Meriwether · 22m · MTRCB G · Comedy

## Identity

New Girl

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/tv/new-girl
- **Type:** Series
- **Fi1m ID:** new-girl
- **IMDb ID:** tt1826940
- **TMDB ID:** 1420
- **Wikidata ID:** Q844059
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1826940/, https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/1420, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q844059

**Fi1m score: 80** · Critics 75 from 7 reviews

*In a sentence:* A sitcom household with a jar for bad behaviour should at least be able to cover the rent

> *New Girl* becomes a warmly recommended ensemble comedy once it stops treating Jess’s awkwardness as the whole joke. Zooey Deschanel is good company; the friendships make the programme worth returning to, despite some overworked romantic plotting.

## Synopsis

Teacher Jessica ‘Jess’ Day (Zooey Deschanel) moves into a loft with three men and tries to settle into their household. Her new flatmates are Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.), who have to adjust to sharing their home with her. Jess brings her social awkwardness into a living arrangement with its own habits and rules, including a douchebag jar for objectionable behaviour. She wants to find her place among the men, but their first encounters make clear that getting along will take more than having a spare room.

## Review

Elizabeth Meriwether’s *New Girl* asks us to spend time with adults who are still learning how to share a home without making themselves unbearable. It is a funny, affectionate sitcom, and we recommend it, though its early insistence on Jess’s oddness can feel like hard work. The stronger programme emerges as the other characters become equally worth watching. A premise built around a woman moving in with three men gives the cast plenty of opportunities to embarrass each other.

Zooey Deschanel has to make Jessica ‘Jess’ Day endearing while playing someone whose behaviour repeatedly invites the opposite response. She does it through commitment: the awkwardness never seems to be an apology for wanting company. We can enjoy her eagerness without believing that every eccentricity deserves its own joke. The early writing struggles with that distinction, returning to her quirks when a scene could use a different subject.

Jake Johnson’s Nick Miller and Max Greenfield’s Schmidt help considerably. Nick’s discomfort is funny without every response being pushed; Schmidt’s self-importance has enough anxiety behind it to remain watchable. Lamorne Morris, as Winston Bishop, further broadens the comedy beyond everybody reacting to Jess. The supporting players can carry our attention without her, and their exchanges are enjoyable for reasons other than advancing a romance.

We laughed at the douchebag jar, because fining a flatmate for being objectionable seems a plausible response after enough evenings together. The joke works without needing another speech about how peculiar anybody is. Steve Welch’s editing suits that approach, making room for reactions without treating every pause as an event. The group chemistry benefits from a rhythm that usually feels relaxed rather than laboured.

Tim Suhrstedt’s cinematography keeps the shared space clear and the performers easy to watch together. Michael Whetstone and Jefferson Sage’s production design makes the loft an inviting place to spend an episode, which matters in a programme so dependent on enjoying the company. Ludwig Göransson’s music supplies a cheerful nudge, sometimes more than this already eager comedy requires. The craft is most effective when it gives the actors room and resists adding further emphasis.

The romantic plotting is less dependable. *New Girl* is good at making us enjoy people being together, but the business of keeping relationships complicated can feel dutiful beside the friendships. Elizabeth Meriwether’s creation is also prone to assuming that more peppiness will improve a joke that has not quite landed. At 22 minutes, an episode can accommodate a little of that, though several in succession may make the habit harder to forgive.

Against the familiar standards of the flatshare sitcom, it succeeds because we want to spend time with the group even when nobody is behaving attractively. The friends can be irritating without exhausting our sympathy, which matters more here than a particularly ingenious plot. We would give it a little time to settle, rather than judge the whole programme by its first burst of enthusiasm. Stay for the friendships if the courtship starts to wear thin.

*Fi1m score 80, published 23 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews are uniformly positive about New Girl, with praise clustering around Zooey Deschanel’s comic charm and the cast’s chemistry. Most critics see her awkwardness as an asset, even when the premise looks thin or implausible. The early notices also credit the series with energy, warmth and self-aware jokes. The later assessments put more weight on the ensemble: The Ringer identifies the loftmates’ platonic friendships as the series’ lasting strength, ahead of its romantic storylines.

The scores sit within a narrow positive range, but the reviews differ over how much of Deschanel’s quirkiness is welcome. Some find it endearing; others warn that the same mannerisms can become irritating, with excessive peppiness another reservation. IndieWire offers the clearest change of emphasis, describing a grating star vehicle that develops into a stronger group comedy. The disagreement concerns what makes the show work, rather than whether it works at all.

## Straight answers

**Is New Girl worth watching?**

*New Girl* is worth watching for its affectionate flatshare comedy and an ensemble we enjoy spending time with; we score it 80 out of 100. The early emphasis on Jess’s awkwardness takes some patience, and the romantic plotting can feel overworked, but the friendships give us good reason to stay.

**How long is New Girl, and what is it rated?**

*New Girl* has episodes of about 22m and is rated G by the MTRCB in the Philippines. It is a comedy series.

**Where can I watch New Girl in the Philippines?**

*New Girl* is not on any streaming or rental service in the Philippines at the moment. It is available in 44 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is New Girl, and is it suitable for children?**

*New Girl* carries a UK 12 certificate and a US TV-14 rating, so we would treat it as a comedy for teenagers and adults rather than younger children. Those ratings indicate age restrictions or guidance, but do not by themselves establish how much violence or frightening material the programme contains.

**How does New Girl compare to Spaced?**

*New Girl* favours warm ensemble comedy and romantic complications, while [*Spaced*](https://film.one/tv/spaced) is the sharper choice for genre jokes about equally uncertain adults sharing a home. We recommend *New Girl* for the friendships rather than the courtship; *Spaced* better suits those drawn to film references, though it sometimes overworks them. Both give us affectionate performances worth staying for.

**What should I watch after New Girl?**

After *New Girl*, try [*Spaced*](https://film.one/tv/spaced) (1999, Fi1m 86): Another shared flat, with sharper genre jokes and equally uncertain adults. Then [*Derry Girls*](https://film.one/tv/derry-girls) (2018, Fi1m 83): A louder group comedy whose friendships survive some impressively poor decisions; and [*The Apartment*](https://film.one/film/the-apartment) (1960, Fi1m 91): For romantic awkwardness handled with more melancholy and a firmer moral bite.

### Reviews we read (7)

- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Tim Goodman (80/100, inferred): The critic praises Zooey Deschanel's charm and the show's potential despite a thin premise, highlighting her as the 'It factor' that makes it worth watching. They single out her endearing social awkwardness and the mix of jokes. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/new-girl-tv-review-237367/)
- **IndieWire**, Adam Nayman (75/100, inferred): The critic notes that the series has evolved from a grating star vehicle centered on its lead's 'adorkable' persona into a stronger ensemble comedy. It singles out the improved group dynamics and supporting characters for praise. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/how-new-girl-went-from-gratingly-adorkable-star-vehicle-to-winning-ensemble-comedy-47552/)
- **Vulture** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the pilot a solid one overall, praising Zooey Deschanel's performance as the show's central appeal. The awkward charm and chemistry with the male roommates stand out as strengths despite the premise's implausibility. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2011/09/new-girl-recap-pilot.html)
- **The Guardian**, Sam Wollaston (71/100, inferred): The critic describes the show as reminiscent of Friends with a touch of Bridget Jones, about a kooky teacher moving in with three guys. Zooey Deschanel's performance saves it from lameness, though her indie-kooky character is seen as either charming or annoying. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/jan/07/new-girl-safari-vet-school-review)
- **Variety**, Brian Lowry (70/100, inferred): The review notes that appreciation depends on tolerance for Deschanel's quirky character, finding her both endearing and potentially irritating, but credits the show with energy, heart, and nifty touches like the douchebag jar. [Read](https://variety.com/2011/tv/reviews/new-girl-1117946122/)
- **The Ringer** (80/100, inferred): The series excelled when focusing on the platonic bonds and friendship among the loftmates rather than its rom-com elements. The critic highlights how the show's emphasis on these relationships remained its core strength across seven seasons. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2018/05/16/tv/new-girl-series-finale-friendship)
- **Paste**, Ross Bonaime (7.8): The pilot introduces Zooey Deschanel's quirky Jess moving in with three guys, delivering funny self-aware writing and strong cast chemistry that makes it a bright spot among new fall shows. The critic notes it may feel overly peppy but praises the humor and ensemble dynamic. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/new-girl-review-pilot-episode-101)

## Details

- **Created by:** Elizabeth Meriwether
- **Creator:** Elizabeth Meriwether
- **Director:** Trent O'Donnell, Erin O'Malley, Max Winkler, Jay Chandrasekhar, Jake Kasdan, Fred Goss, Josh Greenbaum, Lynn Shelton, Steve Welch, Jesse Peretz, Russ T. Alsobrook, Peyton Reed, Lorene Scafaria, Michael Schultz, Christine Gernon, Bill Purple, Eric Appel, Tristram Shapeero, Alex Hardcastle, Elizabeth Meriwether, Steve Pink, Alec Berg, Jason Winer, Michael Spiller, David Katzenberg, Neal Brennan, Nanette Burstein, Troy Miller, Craig Zisk, Matt Shakman, Dan Attias, Miguel Arteta, Matt Sohn, Andrew Fleming, John Hamburg, Richie Keen, Lamorne Morris, Zooey Deschanel, Larry Charles, David Wain, Tucker Gates, Nicholas Jasenovec, Dana Fox, Reginald Hudlin, Steven Tsuchida, Jason Woliner, Jake Johnson
- **Writer:** Berkley Johnson, Luvh Rakhe, Kim Rosenstock, Josh Malmuth, Rob Rosell, J. J. Philbin, Alex Cuthbertson, Matt Fusfeld, David Feeney, Nina Pedrad, Elizabeth Meriwether, Sophia Lear, Rebecca Addelman, Noah Garfinkel, Ryan Koh, Donick Cary, Sarah Tapscott, Kay Cannon, Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, Joe Wengert, Lesley Wake Webster, David Walpert, David Iserson, Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, Ethan Sandler, Lamar Woods, Veronica McCarthy, Nick Adams, Adrian Wenner, Marquita Robinson, Jacob Brown, Joni Lefkowitz, Eliot Glazer, David Quandt, Robert Snow, Camilla Blackett, Lamorne Morris, Ann Acacia Kim, Sarah Nevada Smith, Christian Magalhaes, Jason Daugherity, Rachel Axler
- **Story:** Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, Joe Wiseman, Joe Port, Luvh Rakhe, J. J. Philbin, Elizabeth Meriwether, Rebecca Addelman
- **Teleplay:** Elizabeth Meriwether, Berkley Johnson, Luvh Rakhe, Kim Rosenstock, Josh Malmuth, J. J. Philbin, Rebecca Addelman, Brett Baer, Dave Finkel, Ryan Koh
- **Cinematography:** Tim Suhrstedt
- **Editor:** Steve Welch
- **Music:** Ludwig Göransson
- **Production design:** Michael Whetstone, Jefferson Sage
- **Costume design:** Debra McGuire
- **Producer:** Zooey Deschanel, Erin O'Malley, Luvh Rakhe
- **Cast:** Zooey Deschanel as Jessica 'Jess' Day; Jake Johnson as Nick Miller; Max Greenfield as Schmidt; Lamorne Morris as Winston Bishop; Hannah Simone as Cecilia 'Cece' Parikh; Ciara Hanna as Karli; Damon Wayans Jr. as Coach; Lake Bell as Amanda
- **Runtime:** 22m
- **Certificate (MTRCB):** G
- **Release (the Philippines):** 20 September 2011
- **Genres:** Comedy

## Where to watch in the Philippines

Not streaming, renting or buying in the Philippines at the last check.

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IN, IS, IT, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Critics' Choice Awards 2012: Best Actress in a Comedy Series (won)
- Primetime Emmy Awards 2012: Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series (nominated); Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (nominated); Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (nominated)
- Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy 2011: Satellite Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Spaced* (1999), Fi1m 86: Another shared flat, with sharper genre jokes and equally uncertain adults. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/spaced.md)
- *Happy Endings* (2011): For the ensemble chemistry, with quicker insults and less patience for sentiment.
- *Please Like Me* (2013): Awkward adulthood and close friendships, with more room for grief.
- *Derry Girls* (2018), Fi1m 83: A louder group comedy whose friendships survive some impressively poor decisions. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/derry-girls.md)
- *The Apartment* (1960), Fi1m 91: For romantic awkwardness handled with more melancholy and a firmer moral bite. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-apartment.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/tv/new-girl