Top 15 New Girl Episodes Ranked

The Top 15 New Girl Episodes You Won’t Want to Miss

 

When it comes to sitcoms, the tried-and-true formula of a group of adults navigating life in a big city continues to captivate audiences. “New Girl” takes this classic premise and elevates it with an array of quirky personalities that lead to both hilarious moments and heartfelt story arcs. From the pilot episode, viewers could sense that this show was destined for greatness. Jessica Day, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, becomes the new roommate of three guys — the self-assured Schmidt, the cynical Nick, and the overconfident Coach. Coach’s presence is short-lived as he is replaced by the quirky Winston, but he remains a recurring character throughout the series. Balancing out the male energy is Jess’ best friend Cece, whose dynamic with Jess has become one of the most cherished friendships in television history.

 

With 146 episodes aired over seven seasons, “New Girl” has its share of memorable moments, making it a challenge to select the very best. However, we’ve managed to highlight the top 15 episodes that embody what makes this sitcom so beloved.

 

Engram Pattersky (Season 7, Episode 8)

The challenge of delivering a satisfying series finale is immense, but “New Girl” excels at tying up loose ends while leaving fans content. Despite the show coming close to cancellation after its sixth season, Season 7 introduces what essentially functions as an epilogue. In “Engram Pattersky,” the main characters confront their pasts in the loft they called home after receiving an eviction notice. As it turns out, Winston’s elaborate prank of claiming they had to leave leads them to reflect on their personal growth and what lies ahead beyond the loft.

 

Thanksgiving (Season 1, Episode 6)

“New Girl” has a wealth of incredible Thanksgiving episodes, but none resonate quite like “Thanksgiving” from Season 1. This episode perfectly captures the ensemble dynamic, showcasing Jess’ enthusiasm for hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, clashing with the guys’ laid-back approach. The budding romantic tension between Nick and Jess starts to simmer, while Schmidt and Cece’s connection begins to take shape, making this a pivotal episode in the series.

 

See Ya (Season 1, Episode 24)

The season finale “See Ya” provides a potent reminder of the show’s core relationship dynamics. As Nick grapples with the decision to move in with his new girlfriend, he experiences a crisis in the desert that ultimately leads him back. The humor remains sharp and the character arcs are well-developed, with Schmidt and Cece forging their own paths, highlighting how far they’ve all come.

 

San Diego (Season 6, Episode 21)

By Season 6, “New Girl” is firing on all cylinders, and “San Diego” exemplifies this perfectly. Jess explores her feelings toward Nick while he tries to end things with Reagan in his own peculiar way. Schmidt’s storyline, where he adopts his first name Winston for a career opportunity, adds another layer to the comedic brilliance.

 

Pepperwood (Season 2, Episode 14)

“Pepperwood” embraces the classic sitcom trope of characters playing detective. After Jess shares a dark story from her class, Nick mistakenly believes he needs to intervene, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings. This episode highlights Jess’ inspiring influence on Nick, showcasing the depth of their relationship nestled within the absurdity.

 

Elaine’s Big Day (Season 2, Episode 25)

In a standout season finale, “Elaine’s Big Day” features a brief but memorable cameo by Taylor Swift, who adds to the episode’s irresistible charm. The chaos of Schmidt and Winston attempting to sabotage Cece’s wedding and Nick leaning into his true feelings for Jess showcases the growth of the characters amidst the show’s signature zaniness.

 

Cabin (Season 2, Episode 12)

Set in a remote cabin, “The Cabin” brings together all the show’s hilarious tropes as Nick and Jess confront their feelings while in the presence of their respective partners. This episode highlights Schmidt’s character evolution through a humorous exploration of race and identity, culminating in a chaotic yet uproarious escapade.

 

The Landlord (Season 1, Episode 12)

In “The Landlord,” Jess tries to appeal to the grumpy landlord, only to be embroiled in a comically precarious situation. The interplay between Jess’ optimism and Nick’s skepticism reinforces their unique chemistry and gives viewers insight into their growing connection.

 

Goldmine (Season 4, Episode 7)

“Goldmine” showcases the comedic brilliance of the show as Jess navigates her living situation with Nick while trying to date. The introduction of a ruse where Nick pretends to be gay highlights the ongoing complexities of their relationship, enhancing the humor through misunderstandings and unexpected twists.

 

Landing Gear (Season 5, Episode 22)

Wedding episodes are a staple in sitcoms, and “Landing Gear” is no exception. As Schmidt and Cece attempt to tie the knot, the chaos unfolds with Schmidt getting stranded on a plane. The heartfelt yet humorous moments lead to a satisfying conclusion back at the loft.

 

Prince (Season 3, Episode 14)

Prince’s guest appearance is a standout moment in the series. Jess and Cece score an invitation to his house party, while Nick navigates the complexities of his love for Jess with the help of the musical legend. The behind-the-scenes stories regarding Prince deepen the episode’s cultural impact.

 

Spiderhunt (Season 4, Episode 17)

“Spiderhunt” excels as a bottle episode that strictly stays within the loft. Schmidt’s over-the-top reactions to a spider provide a humorous spotlight on his character, while the rest of the gang showcases their unique quirks, creating one of the most memorable episodes.

 

Cooler (Season 2, Episode 15)

“Cooler” paves the way for one of the most significant moments in the series — Nick’s first kiss with Jess. The playful atmosphere of True American and the escalating tension culminate in a kiss that feels truly earned, capturing the audience’s hearts.

 

Quick Hardening Caulk (Season 2, Episode 19)

Following up on the emotional depth of “Cooler,” “Quick Hardening Caulk” showcases Jess’ growing attraction to Nick as he attempts to take better care of himself. The lighthearted arguments punctuated by make-out sessions highlight their undeniable chemistry and the show’s knack for blending humor with heart.

 

Background Check (Season 4, Episode 6)

“Background Check” stands out as a quintessential episode of “New Girl.” With high stakes involving Winston’s police officer home inspection and Jess’ mistaken possession of “meth,” the episode is a whirlwind of chaos that ultimately reinforces the show’s comedic brilliance and enduring character development.

 

In the grand tapestry of television sitcoms, “New Girl” has carved out a special place with its charm and relatability. These episodes showcase the essence of what makes this series a comedic gem, worthy of your time and attention.