It would’ve been easy to focus on John Krasinski, the man declared People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2024, but I had a lot to say about that choice in this week’s episode. So instead, I am going to center on a throwback of sorts, the guys of ‘New Girl.’ People Magazine reunited Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Damon Wayans Jr, and EMMY WINNER Larmone Morris for this issue that was a look back at not only a show that helped define the 2010s but also a look into just how close these four guys actually are despite their time working together coming to an end in 2018.
I was very excited when it was revealed that these four weren’t just being featured in this year’s Sexiest Man Alive issue, but that they were going to be together for it. ‘New Girl’ was a show that debuted back in 2011, and really was one of the first to have a millennial creator. I often think back to ‘New Girl’ and ‘Workaholics’ as a shift in comedy because it was the first time people who grew up with the last wave of scheduled viewing were making shows, and it showed. They gave us longer seasons, arcs, and character development, and while the laugh tracks were gone, both delivered sitcoms that felt familiar while still giving us something new to hold onto. Okay, so the ‘Workaholics’ guys weren’t in this so we’ll stop mentioning them – but maybe in 2025? People, that’s an idea…
Back to the men of ‘New Girl,’ like a boy band – their characters each gave viewers something to admire and crush on. Johnson’s Nick Miller was probably a fan favorite because he was the easiest to understand, well…kind of. He was the everyday man, a bit strange, but totally the guy the then 20-somethings could see themselves falling for in a bar, which is likely why Nick Miller worked as a bartender. Then there was Coach played by Damon Wayans, kind of fun but also kind of suave, the guy you hook up with and want to keep around for marriage because you know he’s a keeper right off the bat. Same for Morris’ Winston Bishop because a man who is that dedicated to his cat, is sure to be a great partner for life. Rounding them out, the diva that is Greenfield’s Schmidt. I mean, my personal favorite just because he was so extra in everything he did but in reality, it’d take a certain type of person to handle all of that.
As for the men themselves, each has managed to make their presence known even after the show, which has been nice to see – but if I’m being honest, I’ll forever call them by their characters’ names just like Jim Halpert was on the cover this year. That’s just how my mind works. So Schmidt did what used to be rare but is more common nowadays with TV kind of edging out movies in terms of being a great career choice, he scored another hit sitcom with ‘The Neighborhood.’ I don’t watch, but my mom (and other people with AARP cards) finds the CBS show an absolute delight. Coach also has a CBS series alongside his dad that is faring well, Nick Miller has been here and there working, and Winston Bishop is, again, now an Emmy winner.
So I can see why People wanted to highlight them, who wouldn’t? They were part of a great show but I wish this kind of came a few years down the road for a 10th anniversary of the show ending or something. I just like it when there is a defined reason for these features and not just a because, but again – I loved seeing them together and it’s cute to know they’re still friends outside of the show all these years later, and not just up for a reunion when there’s a check to be cashed like some former costars.
Crushgasm 
Leave a comment