I am heartbroken to say the least. My favorite show left Netflix on April 9, and although New Girl re-appeared on Hulu just eight days later, I took the time to reflect on how much the sitcom really means to me.

After watching the first episode during the summer of 2020, I became obsessed. I fell in love with the show so much that I hid it from my best friend in fear she would finish it before me and spoil it. After a sneaky few weeks of that, I accidentally sang the theme song at her birthday party, and she got my secret out of me. Although she did end up bingeing it all before I could finish, I am thankful for her keeping any spoilers under the rug.

I remember the day I finished the last episode of New Girl: I was sitting on my bedroom floor painting a pair of shoes, and as soon as the credits started rolling, I immediately began season 1 episode 1 of the very same show. 

Since then, I’ve watched the show 10 times through, but there are a couple episodes that I will go back to time and time again.

Let’s start with my favorite: Season 2, Episode 15: “Cooler”. For any New Girl fans reading, you’ll know why this is a favorite of mine, but apart from the ending, most of the episode takes place while the characters play an original game from the show called “True American.” There are no distinct rules for this game, though people have made their own interpretations. The best way I’d describe it is if the floor is lava and American history had a baby and made it a drinking game. 

I tend to really enjoy episodes of shows that take place in just one day, and that is precisely what this episode is. All of the characters have a distinct arc that is given attention, and everyone’s humor is really shown off.

Conveniently enough, if I sit down to watch “Cooler,” I will always stick around for the next episode “Table 34”, another one of my favorites, taking place the next day.

In an effort to get out of the loft, the main characters end up at an Indian marriage convention with Jess’ best friend. While Cece is trying to find a real husband, the rest of the four are forced to participate, going through couple compatibility challenges with strangers and themselves. 

Both of these episodes are witty, emotional and sweet, like the rest of the show. If you’re looking for a comedy that will actually make you laugh, consider a first watch, or, if you’re like me, an 11th rewatch of New Girl, now on Hulu.