Zooey Deschanel
New Girl is the latest American import to hit our screens and is one that has grabbed people’s attention across the Atlantic as well as here.
The ten-episode sitcom features a small main cast comprising of 500 Days of Summer actress, Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson (No Strings Attached), Max Greenfield (Ugly Betty) and rising stars, Lamorne Morris and Hannah Simone.
Deschanel plays Jess, a twenty-something year old who moves in with three random men after she breaks up with her boyfriend. The guys aren’t convinced that they can live with a girl, especially not one who’s constantly crying and watching Dirty Dancing on repeat, however they soon come around and realise that Jess is alright (except for the fact that she has irritating habits and regular blonde moments).
Despite being just one season in, New Girl has been nominated twice in this year’s Golden Globes: Zooey Deschanel for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy and the overall show for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. The series has also received its fair share of positive reviews from critics; several of which have even comparing it to much loved, Friends.
It is easy to see similarities between New Girl and Friends: the predominant setting is a large, open-plan flat and there is great chemistry between the characters, even if they don’t always see eye to eye. The programme has its fair share of laughs too but admittedly, they’re not in the same league.
Sometimes the show appears to be trying too hard to be funny for example, which makes it rather slapstick, cringeworthy and actually not very amusing at all. It is also unenjoyably silly in parts, such as when Jess spontaneously creates songs in which she describes what she or someone else is doing.
There are some genuinely humorous scenes though which help to make up for it and there are times when you’ll find yourself laughing out loud. New Girl regains points as well for the fact that it’s very easy watching and leaves you in a good mood whether you’ve had a good chuckle or not.
You’ll be hooked from the beginning regardless of whether you find it annoying and even if you don’t want to be, and you’ll certainly find yourself wanting to watch another episode as soon as the last one finishes.
New Girl is on Channel 4 every Friday at 8.30pm.
Sophie Burluraux
Tagged in New Girl