7 Shows Like New Girl That Are A Must Watch

Okay, so you’ve binged all of New Girl. You’ve laughed until your sides hurt at Jess’s quirky antics, cheered for Nick and Jess's will-they-won't-they saga, and probably even started using “True American” as a drinking game (we don't judge!). Now what? The loft feels a little too empty, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Think of me as your personal binge-watching fairy godmother, here to sprinkle some much-needed comedy magic into your life. Finding a show that hits all the right notes – hilarious characters, relatable friendships, and just the right amount of heart – can feel like finding that perfect parking spot on a busy Saturday. It’s rare, but when you find it, oh boy, is it glorious.

We all have those days where we just need a good laugh, a reminder that things aren’t always so serious, and maybe a show that makes us feel a little less alone in our own chaotic lives. New Girl mastered that delicate balance. It gave us a found family, a group of lovable weirdos who navigated adulthood with a healthy dose of silliness and unwavering support for each other. So, if you’re looking for that same vibe, that feeling of cozying up with your favorite people (even if they’re just on your TV screen), then keep reading. These shows are the next best thing to a fresh batch of Schmidt’s famous cookies.

Parks and Recreation

If New Girl is about a quirky teacher trying to find her place, then Parks and Rec is about the relentless optimism of a small-town government employee trying to make the world a slightly better, slightly more organized place. Leslie Knope, the show’s heart and soul, is like if Jess and Schmidt had a baby and that baby was powered by pure, unadulterated enthusiasm and a love for binders.

You’ve got Ron Swanson, the libertarian, meat-loving, woodworking guru who’s basically the stoic, grumpy older brother figure you never knew you needed. Then there’s Andy Dwyer, a lovable goofball who’s a walking, talking embodiment of the phrase "bless his heart." The friendships in Parks and Rec are truly something special. They feel like the people you’d text at 2 AM for no reason, or the ones who would drop everything to help you move a couch (even if they complained about it a little). It’s that kind of genuine, messy, wonderful connection that makes this show a must-watch.

The humor is gentle and clever, never mean-spirited. It’s the kind of comedy that leaves you feeling good, like you just had a really nice conversation with a friend. Plus, who doesn’t love a show that celebrates small victories and the power of community? It’s like a warm hug in TV show form.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Picture this: you're trying to solve a case, but your precinct is filled with a bunch of hilarious, slightly dysfunctional detectives. Sound familiar? Brooklyn Nine-Nine shares that wonderful DNA with New Girl: a workplace comedy where the friendships are as important as the plot. Jake Peralta is our leading man, a detective who’s as brilliant as he is childish, often leading to hilarious misunderstandings and precinct-wide shenanigans. He’s got that same boundless energy and slightly chaotic charm as Jess, but with a badge.

The ensemble cast is pure gold. You have Amy Santiago, Jake’s fiercely competitive and organized partner (think a more driven Jess). There’s Captain Holt, the stoic, deadpan captain who delivers some of the driest, funniest lines in television history. And don't forget Rosa Diaz, the intimidating but secretly soft-hearted detective who's probably the coolest person you'll ever see on screen. The chemistry between these characters is electric. They bicker, they prank each other, and they have each other’s backs through thick and thin. It’s like watching your favorite group of friends navigate the wild world of law enforcement.

What makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine so special is its ability to blend laugh-out-loud comedy with genuinely heartfelt moments. They tackle important issues with grace and humor, and the character development is top-notch. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, laughing with them, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. It's the perfect show for when you need a pick-me-up and a reminder that even in the most stressful situations, there's always room for a good laugh.

The Office (US)

Okay, let’s talk about the OG of cringe-comedy and workplace awkwardness. If you thought Jess's dating mishaps were something, wait until you meet Michael Scott. The Office is the ultimate masterclass in making you feel both incredibly secondhand embarrassed and deeply affectionate towards its characters. It’s the show that taught us that sometimes, the most hilarious moments come from the most uncomfortable silences.

The documentary-style format adds to the charm, making you feel like you’re right there in the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, observing the daily lives of these quirky individuals. You have Jim and Pam, the ultimate workplace romance that’s as sweet and slow-burning as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Dwight Schrute, the beet farmer and assistant (to the) regional manager, is a character so unique, so… Dwight, that you can’t help but be fascinated. He’s like a more intense, stranger version of Schmidt, but somehow, you still end up loving him.

The humor is observational and often rooted in the mundane realities of office life. It’s the spilled coffee, the awkward birthday celebrations, the office pranks that escalate into minor catastrophes. But beneath the silliness, there’s a real sense of community. These people, despite their quirks and frustrations, become a family. They support each other, they annoy each other, and they ultimately care about each other. It’s the show that makes you appreciate your own work "family," even if they don't have a Schrute Bucks system.

Schitt's Creek

This one is a slow burn, a true gem that blossoms with every episode. Schitt's Creek starts with a wealthy, out-of-touch family who loses everything and is forced to move to a rundown motel in a small town. It’s like the Rose family, with their designer clothes and dramatic flair, are dropped into the middle of a very low-stakes reality show. They're basically Jess at her most flamboyant, but with a much bigger credit card bill that’s now worthless.

The initial premise is hilarious: watching these spoiled elites try to navigate life without their riches. But what makes Schitt's Creek so incredibly special is its heart. The characters, who start off as caricatures, slowly but surely become the most lovable, nuanced people you'll ever meet. Johnny Rose, the patriarch, is the steady anchor. Moira Rose, the former soap opera star, is a comedic force of nature whose vocabulary is as wild as her wigs. And then there's David and Alexis, their adult children, who undergo some of the most incredible transformations on television.

The humor in Schitt's Creek is witty, absurd, and often comes from the sheer contrast between the Roses and the townspeople of Schitt's Creek. But as the series progresses, it’s the deep, genuine connections that form, the acts of kindness, and the unwavering acceptance that truly shine. It’s a show about found family, second chances, and the idea that even the most unlikely people can come together and create something beautiful. It’s pure joy, bottled up and served with a side of excellent fashion choices.

Master of None

If you're looking for a show that’s a little more introspective, a little more grounded in the realities of modern life, but still packed with humor, then Master of None is for you. Dev, the protagonist, is an actor in New York City trying to figure out his career, his love life, and just generally what the heck he’s doing with his life. He’s got that relatable, slightly bewildered quality that many of us feel when we’re just trying to adult.

The show is co-created by Aziz Ansari, and it really leans into his observational humor. It’s the kind of comedy that makes you go, "Oh my god, YES! That’s exactly it!" It tackles everything from dating apps and awkward hookups to the immigrant experience and the frustrations of the entertainment industry. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s surprisingly profound.

What’s great about Master of None is its willingness to be vulnerable. It’s not afraid to explore the messiness of relationships and the uncertainty of the future. The friendships are also a key element, showcasing the supportive network that helps Dev navigate life’s ups and downs. It’s a show that feels incredibly authentic, like you’re watching your own life, or the lives of your friends, unfold on screen. It’s the perfect blend of laughter and real talk, a show that will make you think as much as it makes you chuckle.

New Girl is a Vibe, and So Are These Shows!

Finding a show that feels like home, like a warm blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day, is a special kind of joy. New Girl gave us that with its lovable characters and relatable stories of friendship and love. These seven shows capture a similar essence, offering hilarious characters, genuine connections, and enough heart to make you feel like you're part of the gang.

So, whether you're looking for more quirky optimism, workplace shenanigans, heartfelt transformations, or just a good dose of relatable humor, you're bound to find your next obsession here. These aren't just shows to watch; they're shows to live in, to revisit when you need a smile, and to share with your own chosen family. Happy watching!