Parents' Guide to

New Girl

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Heartwarming roommate comedy with innuendo, drinking.

TV Fox Comedy 2011
New Girl Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 23 parent reviews

imiepottsthomas
imiepottsthomas Adult
April 15, 2022
age 15+

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Elizabeth G.
Elizabeth G. Parent
October 25, 2021
age 14+

Sweet show, but lots of mature sexual content

I watched this with my 12 year old and I really think he was too young. But we were already pretty far along when I realized this. The benefit is that it gave me a chance to discuss some of the issues that come up in the show, including masturbation, casual sex, dating, and what is realistic for life as an adult (hint: not this show). For instance, one episode is called "Bansgiving" where everyone is trying to have sex with people on Thanksgiving. Schmidt, while he ultimately becomes a sweat heart, talks about having sex with women in degrading ways. There is a LOT of casual sex. That said, the characters are sweet, many of them grow and change for the better, and people on the show do care for each other. I'd suggest watching it with your child if you are going to watch so you can discuss what comes up on the show.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 23 parent reviews

What's the Story?

NEW GIRL stars actress and singer Zooey Deschanel as Jessica Day, an awkward but lovable 20-something looking for a new place to live after she discovers that her longtime boyfriend is cheating on her. Luckily she meets three single guys -- sensitive Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), womanizer Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and athletic Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris) -- who have a fantastic apartment and a room to rent. Adjusting to a female roommate isn't easy for the guys, but helping them get used to her is Cece (Hannah Simone), Jess' best friend, who also happens to be a beautiful model. Together they create an unorthodox family and support each other through good and bad times.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (23):
Kids say (83):

This lighthearted series offers some well-timed witty moments thanks to Deschanel's performance. The group dynamic between the men in New Girl is funny too. Some of the slapstick jokes fall a little flat, but this goofball humor is part of the show's overall charm. Thanks to its focus on dating, romance, and sex, New Girl has lots of mature subject matter, none of which is discussed in explicit terms. But the show's overall focus on friendship makes it a heartwarming choice for teens and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes a TV show like New Girl funny. Is it the writing? The acting? The timing? Are there things that you think TV shows and movies show as being funny that really aren't? Why not?

  • Who would you pick as roommates to share an apartment with? How would you divide household duties?

  • Do you have people in your life you aren't biologically related to, but you consider family?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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