Season 1, Episode 1: "Pilot"

It was the episode that started it all, as Jess (and really us, too) moved into the loft and got to know the guys. Not only does it include a beautiful moment with the group as they sang "Time Of Our Life" from Dirty Dancing, but the pilot really gave us a good starting point with these characters as they begin their wild journey together.

Season 1, Episode 5: "Cece Crashes"

We already know where this show goes in terms of its two main couples: Jess & Nick and Schmidt & Cece. But they all gotta start somewhere. Cece tells Jess that she thinks Nick is attracted to her, causing all kinds of chaos between them simply because of where his shoes are pointing. Meanwhile, after many attempts to try to sleep with Cece, Schmidt succeeds (sort of) as they share a bed together one night holding hands after he admits how lonely he is. It's one of the first cracks we see in Schmidt's douchey personality, and it's oh-so-good.

Season 1, Episode 19: "Secrets"

Listen, does this episode include one of the best storylines? Absolutely not. But it does include one of the most incredible Winston moments, which is definitely saying something. As Nick struggles with the two women he's sleeping with, Winston goes off in his Theodore K. Mullins speech, which actor Lamorne Morris noted in the Welcome to Our Show podcast was "the first time me being on that show completely 100 percent free to perform."

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Season 1, Episode 20: "Normal"

"1, 2, 3, 4! JFK! FDR!"

Russell finally visits the loft, which causes a super awkward time at dinner. So what's the best way to break the tension? A game of True American. This is the first appearance of the game, which is obviously why the episode makes the "best of" list.

Season 1, Episode 24: "See Ya"

Fans definitely noticed Jess and Nick's incredible chemistry, but it's not until this episode that it's so glaringly obvious. As Nick plans to move in with Caroline, he freaks out and ends up driving his moving van to the desert with Winston and Schmidt in tow and throws his keys away. Jess and Cece come to the rescue, but Jess also throws her keys out into the desert, leaving them stranded for the night. And thus begins a long night of talking and feelings for some of these couples. It's a turning point for the show that really brings the Nick and Jess relationship to the forefront, and it's also an episode that shows the cast having a blast together as they wrap up their first season.

Season 2, Episode 3: "Fluffer"

Nick and Jess's relationship continues to take a turn as she starts to have sex with Sam but turns to Nick for basically all other relationship needs. And in true New Girl fashion, it all explodes due to a dresser and Nick and Jess have a heart-to-heart about their future together as loftmates and friends.

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Season 2, Episode 5: "Models"

While it's easy to say that the Jess and Cece fight is one of the worst things we've seen in New Girl, this episode gave us some pretty iconic moments, including Jess trying be a car model and Schmidt and Nick's conversation about giving your friends cookies.

Season 2, Episode 8: "Parents"

Jess trying to pull a Parent Trap on her parents is funny enough, but when you have legends Jamie Lee Curtis and Rob Reiner coming in to play her parents, the episode becomes a standout. And then there's the scene where Nick mentions he might be falling in love with Jess's mother and trust me, we've all been there when it comes to JLC. It's just how it is.

Season 2, Episode 14: "Pepperwood"

NOW, THIS! THIS WAS A MOMENT! Oh,"Pepperwood." If you weren't in love with Nick Miller before, well, you are now. It's a clever script with so many good Jess x Nick moments and has become a big fan favorite over the years.

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Season 2, Episode 16: "Table 34"

In the previous episode, Nick kissed Jess and she...kind of kissed him back. And while this might not seem like the biggest deal, she is with Sam, who is finally making an effort to be in a relationship. On top of that, Cece goes to an Indian dating event and Schmidt joins with a very interesting outfit choice that only this show can concoct.

Season 2, Episode 18: "Tinfinity"

Not only did this episode gift the best BFFs celebration idea since Galentine's Day, but it proves our theory that no one else could ever play Schmidt. From having to deliver lines like "We're celebrating Tinfinity! 10 years, 2 hearts, 1 home!" to then showing profound sadness at Cece and Shivrang's surprise engagement, Max Greenfield did it all with style and ease.

Season 2, Episode 21: "First Date"

Nick and Jess go on a date, but things quickly go south. Not only do they get repeatedly stopped for jaywalking, but they also bump into Russell, which causes some awk moments. Meanwhile, Schmidt and Winston try to stop their date with the help of Outside Dave, who has plans of his own. It's chaotic, it's fun, and it's also one giant mess we can't help but enjoy.

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Season 2, Episode 25: "Elaine's Big Day"

Everyone saw this episode's name and thought, "Who the hell is Elaine?!" Well, turns out it's none other than Taylor Swift, who makes an iconic appearance at Shivrang and Cece's failed wedding. "Cotton Eyed Joe" will never sound the same again, and this episode finally gives us what we've all been waiting for: Nick and Jess officially together.

Season 3, Episode 3: "Double Date"

Whether you've seen most of this episode through TikTok clips or just from watching it over and over again, every New Girl fan should be able to quote the "You get one wife!" scene. But honestly, what makes this episode a true favorite is the moments of Winston doing the absolute most to save spots at the community table for his loftmates. It's another great bit that allows Lamorne Morris to shine, even as Schmidt's love life is going down the drain.

Season 3, Episode 6: "Keaton"

Honestly, the most impressive part of this entire episode is the fact that they manage to use Michael Keaton without actually having Michael Keaton on set. It's revealed that Schmidt emails "Keaton" when he needs advice, but really it's been his mom and later Nick all along. It's a little out there, but they fill it with so much heart that you can't help but feel for Schmidt at the end of it all.

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Season 3, Episode 14: "Prince"

If you're watching New Girl via streaming, then this might be a special fun fact for you: this was actually the Super Bowl lead-out program back in 2014. It's one of the biggest honors a TV show could have, and it means more money and viewers. Not only did New Girl manage to score Prince, who was a huge fan of the show, but it actually helped him fulfill a request: for him to be the one that brings Nick and Jess together. So thank you, Prince. We owe you one.

Season 3, Episode 22: "Dance"

A huge perk of sitcoms having 20+ episodes a season is you get small hidden gems like this episode, which gave the cast a chance to have fun and do something different. Jess needs help chaperoning a school dance, and of course she asks her flatmates. It's funny, it's joyful, and it makes us wish we could've joined in ourselves.

Season 4, Episode 6: "Background Check"

If this were a ranked list, this episode would be #1. It's a fever dream in the best way possible. Not a single moment is wasted. I even took a break to rewatch this episode as I was writing this story because it's just that good. Shout out to New Girl writer Rebecca Addelman for giving us the most unhinged 21 minutes of this series. And fun fact: it's directed by Lorene Scafaria.

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Season 4, Episode 7: "Goldmine"

Out of context, trying to explain this episode is difficult because it can sound a lot more problematic than it actually is. From Nick having to pretend to be gay to Winston playing the long-game to have sex with his next-door neighbors (played by Alexandra Daddario and Amber Stevens West) and even Cece's breast reduction storyline with Schmidt, it's questionable-sounding storylines do deliver and let the cast shine.

Season 4, Episode 8: "Teachers"

Sometimes it's hard to admit that Ryan seemed like a good match at first, and while he fumbled it all the end, there was strong chemistry there. Seeing a drunk Coach freak out over teaching sex ed was hilarious, and then there's the trio of Winston, Nick, and Schmidt, who decide to spend their guys' night trying to teach Schmidt how to do laundry while drinking sangria, singing Lionel Richie songs, and dealing with all their love problems. Sounds like our kind of night-in.

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