The hit TV series New Girl's recent surge in popularity has people in fits of laughter and in love with its undeniably charismatic cast. Jess, played by Zooey Deschanel, is an eccentric gal with a love for all things DIY and music. The gang has its fair share of ups and downs throughout the show, courtesy of all the supporting roles that came with the series.
From Jess' crazy sister and Cece's Russian ex-roommate to an ex-girlfriend of Schmidt who caused him some serious physical damage, it's a wild ride, to say the least. The show's surge in popularity calls for an honorable mention of each character that made the show so binge-worthy. Let's start with a ranked list of our favorite supporting roles.
Stephen Amell - Kyle
Before scoring the lead lad on CW's Arrow, Stephen Amell played Cece's hunky, but terrible boyfriend, Kyle. He plays the typical chiseled man every woman dates in their mid-20s before moving on to better things. While he managed to get under Schmidt's skin, his role is one that might've been a missed opportunity by just limiting him to season one.
He was quite the tool when he would get distracted in a heated situation and run after something shiny. There could've been room for a Schmidt-Kyle bromance post-Cece, which would have been entertaining, given his personality.
Steve Agee - Outside Dave
Outside Dave, played by Steve Agee, is an underrated character on the series. Though initially seen as comedic relief, he ends up making appearances in every single season and is often found hanging out with the gang.
Very little is known about Outside Dave, other than the fact that he sleeps on Jess' car hood whilst claiming that he works so hard. His random cutaways with him either talking to himself or to his imaginary company makes his character an entertaining and interesting watch.
Kaitlin Olson - Ashley
Kaitlin Olson plays Jess' father's new girlfriend. Jess knows her as a promiscuous drug-abusing classmate rival from her early years. She appeared in two episodes in season 4, engaged to Jess's father after a lot of convincing.
Jess hated the idea of them being together, which is quite justifiable. However, the new Ashley has turned a new leaf and claims to have been reformed, making her relationship with Jess' dad the only real thing she's had in forever. That being said, this supporting role and the dynamics between the three is comedic gold.
Adam Brody - Berkley
Adam Brody plays Jess' ex-boyfriend, a possessive, obsessive stay at home dad who is quite unhappy with his life and runs from it, every chance she gets. "I love you, Jessica! God, that feels great saying that to you and not to my sleeping wife."
He is that crazy ex and the doe-eyed desperation that comes with his role is hilarious. His one-episode stint is one of the funniest moments in the series. All fans wanted to see him a bit more in the show.
Linda Cardellini - Abby Day
Jess's wild sister brought a fresh new take on the season. Linda Cardellini, also known for her latest breakout hit, Dead to Me, brought an interesting angle to Jess' ever so complicated life.
From torturing the boys in the loft and holding Schmidt hostage to ultimately briefly dating him like an adult, she did grow up before she left the loft in search of a better, more responsible life. Her rambunctious outlook on life and the Day family quirks were quite evident from the get-go, making her a memorable supporting role in the series.
Justin Long - Paul Genzlinger
Justin Long, well known for his work in Accepted and Ed, plays the male equivalent of Jessica Day. He's an unforgettably eccentric music teacher who works at the same school as Jess. Their affinity for crafting, music, and each other is quite evident. He is a sensitive guy who loves to break out in song with his violin. Though they made an adorable pair, they could get unbearably dull.
His comedic timing throughout season 1 was memorable, as it was as funny. They dated for a while and broke up, after which, Paul ends up dating Jenn, who dresses and talks exactly like Jess. They also end up getting engaged in season 6!
Nelson Franklin - Robby McFerrin
Let's face it, Robby was too good for Cece and Jess. After his initial love fest with Cece, he realized that he had feelings for Jess all along. He goes above and beyond for people he cares about and he's hilarious! His job is quite foggy, but it is established much later that he designs factories, lives quite comfortably and shares a gardener with Vin Diesel.
He is also super quirky and extremely self-aware as opposed to the other characters on the show. On paper, Robby was perfect for Jess, except later, they find out they are related. It's the worst possible way to end their relationship, but maybe it's for the best?
Megan Fox - Raegan Lucas
Raegan, played by Megan Fox, makes a splash at the loft when Jess leaves for jury duty as the newest, temporary roommate. Her no-nonsense attitude strikes a chord with Nick and they start dating soon after. Nick ends up abandoning her on a train because he couldn't break things off with her. She deserved better.
She was quite the strong-willed character from the beginning, as well as grounded and self-aware. Her one-liner, sarcastic digs are almost Chandler-like, making her an instant favorite.
Nasim Pedrad - Aly Nelson
Aly Nelson is, by far, one of the most lovable characters on the show and makes the perfect match for our resident cat lover, Winston Bishop. Aly is a witty, lovable woman who would go above and beyond to keep Winston and the people she loves happy.
Winny and Aly met as partners during their days in the LAPD. While they did their best to avoid a relationship since they were involved professionally, they couldn't ignore their chemistry. They started dating and eventually, got married. The Aly and Winston wedding and the tear-jerker proposal was one of the most wholesome plotlines in the series.
Rebecca Reid - Nadia
Nadia, played by Rebecca Reid, sits pretty in first place for having the most impeccable comedic timing and a great personality to watch on the show. Watching her is an absolute joy, with her incredibly offbeat Russian jokes and references, and she is a unique personality in the series.
She was an ex-roommate of Cece's and is also a model. Nadia also dated Schmidt for a brief while and fans know what happened there. She claims to have come to America for, "Beer party and bed for sleeping." She also likes "1-800-SLIM, Tosh 2.0, and strawberry" and claims that she, like other models, drinks alcohol from her butt. Oh, Nadia.