'New Girl' secrets you probably never knew
What's the story
Popular sitcom New Girl has stolen many hearts with its quirky characters and funny storylines. While fans might think they know everything about the show, there are a few lesser-known facts that even die-hard fans might have missed. From behind-the-scenes tidbits to unexpected casting choices, these secrets add another layer of intrigue to this beloved series.
Contract clause
Zooey Deschanel's unique contract clause
If you didn't know, Zooey Deschanel, aka Jess Day, had an unusual clause in her contract. She was allowed to keep her bangs for the entire series. It became iconic for her character and was something Deschanel herself preferred. The producers agreed as it added to Jess's quirky persona and became a defining feature of her look on New Girl.
Real inspiration
The loft was inspired by real life
The loft where Jess and her roommates resided was inspired by actual Los Angeles apartments. The creators desired an authentic feel that embodied the city's distinct architecture. They explored several places before finalizing a design. It fused industrial elements with cozy touches. It was both real and aesthetically pleasing for viewers.
Name reveal
Schmidt's first name mystery solved
For most of New Girl, Schmidt's first name was kept a secret, leaving fans curious about his character. It was only in season six that his full name was unveiled as Winston Saint-Marie Schmidt. The revelation took fans by surprise, who had long speculated about how his name would be.
Character change
Cece's character was almost different
Cece Parekh, essayed by Hannah Simone, almost didn't get where she did in the series. Cece was originally conceived as an actress, instead of a model. However, the character changed during the development stages. Making her a model added a lot of depth to her character and created some interesting dynamics between her and other characters.
Career parallels
Nick Miller's writing career parallels reality
Nick Miller's struggle to become a successful writer is relatable for anyone who has ever lived in Los Angeles. The character is based on co-creator Elizabeth Meriwether's own experiences of trying to break into Hollywood writing circles before making it big with New Girl.