The main characters on New Girl will always be the show's most important, as Jess makes friends with her new roommates and everyone grows super close. Like many sitcoms, the side characters on New Girl also make an impression, whether they're as hilarious and quirky as Jess and her pals or they stand out because they move the story along.
From some of Jess's love interests to Jess, Nick, and Schmidt's most memorable family members, there are several minor characters on New Girl who could definitely be part of the main cast as they have big personalities.
Leslie Nelson
When comparing the family members of New Girl characters, Aly's sister Leslie stands out. In the season 6 premiere "House Hunt," CeCe and Schmidt agree to let Leslie find them a house, but she's unable to get the job done.
As a frustrating character who couldn't be more different from Aly, Leslie is a minor character who makes an impression on viewers. This storyline is funny and important, allowing fans to see that CeCe and Schmidt want to move out of the loft and grow up.
Bob Day
Jess's dad Bob is another side character who feels like a main character, and when he pops in and out of the sitcom, he has something meaningful to impart about Jess's relationship with Nick.
When viewers see Bob again in season 7, he wonders why Jess and Nick haven't had a wedding yet. While Jess hates hearing this criticism, fans are wondering the same thing, as it seems like Jess and Nick are ready for this next step. Bob moves the plot forward as the couple does get married soon after.
Sam Sweeney
When Jess dates Sam, she wants a casual relationship, and he isn't sure that he wants to commit either, so it seems like a perfect match. As time goes on, Sam feels more strongly about Jess and he can tell that she's sweet, smart, quirky, and special.
Sam makes a bigger impression than some other people who Jess dates and he helps Jess see that she does want to find real love. Even if he isn't the most compelling side character and can be a little dull to watch, he does play a significant role in her love life.
Reagan Lucas
Reagan can be a mean New Girl character, but it's because she has such a strong personality that she feels more like a main character than a side one.
When Reagan and Nick date, both Nick and Jess begin to imagine a life and future without each other, which is scary and heartbreaking for both of them. Reagan also helps Jess appreciate her friendships with her roommates more as Jess realizes that she has made some incredible connections over the years of living in the loft. Reagan is given a career as a pharmaceutical sales rep and a tough personality, which makes her feel a bit more well-drawn than some others.
Merle Streep
It's fun watching Nick write his book The Pepperwood Chronicles and become famous and successful. In season 7, fans are introduced to Merle Streep, Nick's editor.
While Merle rejects Nick's new book and that causes a terrible ripple effect in Nick's life that ruins his confidence, Merle is also memorable thanks to how similar his name is to famous actor Meryl Streep. For that reason alone, Merle is one of the greatest side characters.
Walt Miller
As Nick struggles to understand why his father is a con artist and why they've never been able to have a stable or healthy relationship, fans feel heartbroken for Nick.
Walt's presence on New Girl helps explain why Nick can be immature and have trouble getting used to adult life, like keeping his money in the bank.
Russell Schiller
While Jess and Nick's New Girl relationship is the most popular one, it's also interesting watching Jess date Russell in season 2. Their age difference suggests that their romance won't last, but he's kind to Jess and helps her get out of a dating rut.
Jess meets Russell because his daughter is in her class and fans can tell that they don't have enough in common to continue their relationship. When compared to other side characters, Russell is fully formed, as he is more traditional than Jess and doesn't like creativity or quirks.
Paul Genzlinger
Jess gets along really well with Paul, a teacher at the same school as her. Jess likes that Paul teaches music and that he embraces his quirky personality and flaws as much as she does.
Paul is known as the New Girl side character who acts just like Jess, and because he's a fleshed out character, he feels like he could be a main one. Paul is definitely one of Jess's most memorable partners.
Aly Nelson
Winston and Aly's New Girl romance is one of the sweetest, and fans love watching them work together on the police force and start a family.
Aly is another memorable side character, as she is honest about her worries, like when she isn't sure about taking fancy photos while pregnant with her first child. Aly knows who she is and what she wants and has a really positive influence on Winston.
Gavin Schmidt
Schmidt's father Gavin only appears on New Girl sometimes, but during one of his most meaningful plotlines, he comes to the realization that he needs to be there for Schmidt and play a large role in his life.
Schmidt loves his dad but doesn't want to play the dating field the way that he does, and Schmidt ultimately realizes that he wants to share his life with someone, a lesson that he takes into his love story with CeCe.