Warning: This review contains mild spoilers for “New Girl.”
Get ready for a rousing round of True America, bingers, because Netflix has added the seventh and final season of the hilarious “New Girl” to their platform. The addition of these final eight episodes of the series provides the perfect opportunity for bingeing and reviewing this series. With summer just around the corner, bumping “New Girl” to the top of your binge list is a move I highly recommend.
There’s an overwhelming variety of sitcoms to pick from in recent years. What makes “New Girl” so remarkable amongst these choices is the way the show begins. Jessica “Jess” Day (Zooey Deschanel) is a school teacher who has recently broken up with her cheating boyfriend. Out of luck with love and losing her accompanying quirky spirit and, consequently, a place to live, it’s only a wild chance that leads her to three men looking for a roommate: Schmidt (Max Greenfield), Nick Miller (Jake Johnson) and Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.). The womanizer, the bartender and the former pro basketball player are exactly what broken-hearted Jess needs. She has no idea what her fresh start will lead to, but the first episode leaves viewers with strong hopes for Jess and all the characters.
To Binge or Not to Binge?
If you are looking for something light-hearted and hilarious, this is the show for you. It’s this generation’s “Friends,” seasoned with fresh romantic antics and impossible situations. It’s easily bingeable and one of those shows you turn on when you need a pick-me-up. With its abundance of diversity, both in characters’ ethnicities and their careers, this show has a little bit of everything. Most of all, it’s a reminder that the worst of situations can turn into something you never would have expected. For Jess, her breakup leads her to three new best friends, a world full of laughter and a reminder that everything works out for the best.
Perhaps the only, small downfall of this show is that it often feels like the plot is repetitive. For instance, Schmidt and Jess’ best friend Cece Parekh (Hannah Simone) have a romantic subplot which goes back and forth too often. Yet, the same can be said for Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) and Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) of “Friends.” In the grand scheme of the show, this is a very minor setback. It helps keep the show going, as it should.
As with other sitcoms, this one is a prime example of why it’s important to make shows with real issues. The characters are the reason people stay connected to the show, no matter how ridiculous their situations and lives may seem. They’re weird, unexpected and, frankly, very relatable. The character development throughout the series does not disappoint, unlike other long-winded series such as “How I Met Your Mother.” From the “douchebag jar” to the daunting drinking game of True America (that you cannot possibly begin to understand) and everything in between, all the quirks and antics of this show are what make it so great.
If you’re not sold yet, here’s a final addition to my review about “New Girl” — it’s perfect for college students. There’s a striking familiarity and comfort in seeing characters who are just as tired, broke, confused and conflicted as we are. Most importantly, “New Girl” proves the struggle to find your way doesn’t go unrewarded — it just takes time to get there.
Best Episode:
Season 2, Episode 14 “Pepperwood”
Similar Shows:
“Friends,” “The Good Place,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Happy Endings,” “2 Broke Girls,” “The Mindy Project,” “Modern Family” and “Parks and Recreation”
Trigger Warnings:
This show has no major trigger warnings. Although, you should be prepared for copious amounts of laughter.
“New Girl”
4.5 out of 5 stars
Available to stream on Netflix
146 episodes, a little over 3 days and 1 hour