When it came to friendships in New Girl, it was apparent that the entire group was very close. However, the connection between Schmidt and Nick was arguably the strongest, as it would go on to provide a plethora of outstanding moments throughout the series. They seemed to always have each other's backs, even while in some pretty abysmal situations.
Although it was a common theme that Schmidt seemed to be the one taking care of Nick, it also went the other way too. Sure, Schmidt was the character who felt more put together, but Nick also offered a lot of help to Schmidt when he was down. These friendship moments would be integral pieces for both of their character developments, so their significance cannot be minimalized.
Schmidt Held Nick Together: Breakup With Caroline
After his immensely hard breakup with Caroline, Nick was understandably a mess. He simply could not get the completion of his relationship, and often would try to call her. Schmidt, however, did a very good job of restricting this from happening.
Schmidt played a strong role in Nick eventually getting over Caroline, as he also would vocalize his dissatisfaction with her. Also, he was there to help Nick pick up the pieces of this, so he definitely was a great friend.
Nick Held Schmidt Together: Bought Schmidt A Cookie
Nick would end up breaking Schmidt's heart after he was very cold and showed discontent after he bought him a cookie. Schmidt went as far as cutting communication with him, as he felt that Nick did not appreciate their friendship.
However, Nick would end up fixing the situation, as he would return the favor and get Schmidt his own cookie. Nick even cried after Schmidt was unappreciative of the gesture at first. This would fix their friendship, in one of the most wholesome moments of the series.
Schmidt Held Nick Together: Got Him Dressed For First Date With Jess
Throughout the show, it was rather clear that Schmidt was stellar on the dating scene. As a result of this, in an attempt to impress Jess, Nick asked Schmidt to help him look good for his date with her. Schmidt gleefully accepted Nick's request.
Although this may seem like a small favor for a friend, it did show that Schmidt only wanted to help Nick. Also, it was apparent that Schmidt dressed him up quite well, as the suit Nick was wearing made him look stellar.
Nick Held Schmidt Together: Pretended To Be Michael Keaton
With an absent father figure in his childhood, Schmidt's mother would send emails to him pretending to be Michael Keaton when he was sad. Nick would go on to carry on the tradition all throughout college and even into adulthood.
Nick was definitely a character who was quite reserved when it came to feelings, so him doing this to help his best friend was very heartwarming. Although the secret would come out, the effort Nick made was definitely helpful for Schmidt.
Schmidt Held Nick Together: Stood Up For Nick
When Abby visited the loft, Jess tried to hide her from Nick, as she was embarrassed of her. However, Nick thought the exact opposite, which led Schmidt to confront Jess about his suspicions.
Schmidt would go on to say that Nick was a winner, which Jess agreed with entirely. The truth with Abby would then follow, but this was a prime example of Schmidt helping Nick when he realized he was sad. Although at times Schmidt seemed harsh with Nick, it was clear that he viewed him as a marvelous person.
Nick Held Schmidt Together: The Douchebag Jar
Upon first glance, some fans may have thought that the Douchebag Jar was mean. However, Nick created it as a way to help Schmidt become a better and more genuine person. In the end, it would absolutely work out.
This was presented by the fact that Nick handed Schmidt the jar to break at his wedding with Cece. This was a very symbolic moment, as it completed Schmidt's "bad guy" character persona and fans began to see his more genuine self.
Schmidt Held Nick Together: "No Notes"
Schmidt certainly was known for being critical with Nick, but it came from a place of love. However, after reading Nick's book for the first time, he shocked Nick by saying he had "no notes" for changes.
Nick was happy at first, but would soon doubt himself and kept bothering Schmidt about it. Schmidt would then stop Nick and tell him that he's a fantastic writer. This level of encouragement would end up helping Nick be more confident with his writing and was a massive role in him launching his career.
Nick Held Schmidt Together: Convinced Schmidt He Would Be Good Husband
Schmidt began to have serious doubts about being a good husband to Cece after he felt that he could not protect her. This was due to the fact that he was significantly scared after an encounter with a man named Toby.
This would lead to them taking a road trip for Schmidt's bachelor party, where they would get into a fight and lose severely. After possessing more doubts about his manhood, Nick would tell Schmidt that he would be a great husband, as he had been one for him. This was truly a great moment.
Schmidt Held Nick Together: Made Nick Realize He Loved Jess
After his breakup with Reagan, Nick took it quite well, which was surprising to Schmidt. Nick's focus seemed to be solely on Jess not communicating with him, which prompted Schmidt to make him think about that.
Schmidt ended up getting Nick to realize that he loved Jess by asking an array of questions about her. This was a significantly important scene, as it would lead to Nick and Jess finally getting back together and their future wedding.
Nick Held Schmidt Together: Fixed Ruth
Being a parent is very hard work, and this would be made evident with Ruth. She definitely was a fantastic character, but like all 3-year-olds, she was quite the handful. After Nick ate her sandwich, she completely broke down and refused to move.
After Schmidt and Cece attempted to resolve the conflict, Nick ended up surprisingly being the one who fixed it. He showed her his signed Cubs' World Series baseball and she would proceed to draw one. Although he was mortified by her doing this, he allowed it to make her feel better, much to the satisfaction of Schmidt.