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Who's That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl
Go inside the writers’ room and onto the set of the honorary queen of comfort shows—with exclusive interviews from the creator, cast, writers, directors, and crew.
Since its finale, New Girl has quietly become one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history—a certified comfort classic. Taking the well-worn hangout sitcom formula and giving it a weird, wonderful twist, the series landed in that rare space between Friends-style warmth and sheer comedic chaos. Sitcom conventions were bent (if not broken), as the cast and writers shaped characters in real time—from Nick Miller’s legendary “turtle face” and Winston’s codependent relationship with his cat, to Schmidt’s endless barrage of absurd, quotable one-liners.
More than just a sitcom, New Girl became a generational touchstone, embedding itself in pop culture and personal routines alike. Fans still yell “No notes!” at friends, argue over the rules of True American, and nod to the Douchebag Jar as a model of self-regulation. It’s the show that made “adorkable” a household word, gave Prince and Taylor Swift two of TV’s greatest cameos, and delivered some of the most beloved moments in modern comedy—like the slow-burn brilliance of Nick and Jess’s kiss, the utter chaos of Prank Sinatra, or Schmidt’s passionate monologue about “chut-a-ney.”
In Who’s That Girl, entertainment journalist Thea Glassman takes readers behind the scenes with in-depth interviews with creator Liz Meriwether and the creative team, telling the story of how a scrappy, offbeat pilot evolved into a streaming juggernaut. Packed with heart, hilarity, and never-before-heard stories, this is the definitive tribute to the ultimate feel-good show.
So grab your Feelings Stick, declare your love of puzzles, argue about towel rotation, and embrace your You’re officially invited back to Apartment 4D.
Since its finale, New Girl has quietly become one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history—a certified comfort classic. Taking the well-worn hangout sitcom formula and giving it a weird, wonderful twist, the series landed in that rare space between Friends-style warmth and sheer comedic chaos. Sitcom conventions were bent (if not broken), as the cast and writers shaped characters in real time—from Nick Miller’s legendary “turtle face” and Winston’s codependent relationship with his cat, to Schmidt’s endless barrage of absurd, quotable one-liners.
More than just a sitcom, New Girl became a generational touchstone, embedding itself in pop culture and personal routines alike. Fans still yell “No notes!” at friends, argue over the rules of True American, and nod to the Douchebag Jar as a model of self-regulation. It’s the show that made “adorkable” a household word, gave Prince and Taylor Swift two of TV’s greatest cameos, and delivered some of the most beloved moments in modern comedy—like the slow-burn brilliance of Nick and Jess’s kiss, the utter chaos of Prank Sinatra, or Schmidt’s passionate monologue about “chut-a-ney.”
In Who’s That Girl, entertainment journalist Thea Glassman takes readers behind the scenes with in-depth interviews with creator Liz Meriwether and the creative team, telling the story of how a scrappy, offbeat pilot evolved into a streaming juggernaut. Packed with heart, hilarity, and never-before-heard stories, this is the definitive tribute to the ultimate feel-good show.
So grab your Feelings Stick, declare your love of puzzles, argue about towel rotation, and embrace your You’re officially invited back to Apartment 4D.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 26, 2026
Who’s that Girl explores the history of development and execution of the beloved sitcom, New Girl; and the creative vision of the show’s creator Elizabeth Meriweather.
This is a great book if you want to revisit the characters and set of Apartment 4D. I particularly enjoyed learning more Easter eggs and how much free reign was given to the core actors with the development of their characters and quicks, along with the amount of improve that was utilized to make the comedy expand the bounds of traditional sitcom. This was a book that took me down memory lane, especially in the early days of the show when Zooey was so iconic. I certainly modeled so much of my style after her and forgot how much the early days of this show were burned into my core memory.
The essays appropriately dive into the hype of the show, the highs and lows, and the unique timing with the death of prime time, network television competing with the emergence of streaming services.
The audio was great and the narrator had a cadence that is somewhat reminiscent of Zooey Deschanel. Plus the inclusion of Nelson Franklin (Robby) reading bonus chapter excerpts was a nice addition.
I’m definitely about to embark on my 7th(?) rewatch now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the early audio copy of this book to read and review before its release on July 28th.
This is a great book if you want to revisit the characters and set of Apartment 4D. I particularly enjoyed learning more Easter eggs and how much free reign was given to the core actors with the development of their characters and quicks, along with the amount of improve that was utilized to make the comedy expand the bounds of traditional sitcom. This was a book that took me down memory lane, especially in the early days of the show when Zooey was so iconic. I certainly modeled so much of my style after her and forgot how much the early days of this show were burned into my core memory.
The essays appropriately dive into the hype of the show, the highs and lows, and the unique timing with the death of prime time, network television competing with the emergence of streaming services.
The audio was great and the narrator had a cadence that is somewhat reminiscent of Zooey Deschanel. Plus the inclusion of Nelson Franklin (Robby) reading bonus chapter excerpts was a nice addition.
I’m definitely about to embark on my 7th(?) rewatch now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the early audio copy of this book to read and review before its release on July 28th.
July 28, 2026
3.5 stars
I’m feeling the need to go into another rewatch of New Girl, that is for sure.
Overall this was okay. It was fun to reminisce about the series and pull back the screen a bit to see all the little pieces at play. I liked hearing about how much improv there really was and how the actors and writers really collaborated and were so playful with trying out new jokes.
It felt like it took me forever to get through this though. The overall story had less humor than I was hoping for and it struggled to keep my attention.
It was fun hearing Nelson Franklin (who played Robby) on parts of this audiobook!
I watched the series when it aired and I’ve rewatched it at least 6 or 7 times.
I think if you’re a die hard fan and you want to learn more about the shows making, then you should grab this.
If you were a casual watcher I think it might be a bit…meh? Sorry!
I’m feeling the need to go into another rewatch of New Girl, that is for sure.
Overall this was okay. It was fun to reminisce about the series and pull back the screen a bit to see all the little pieces at play. I liked hearing about how much improv there really was and how the actors and writers really collaborated and were so playful with trying out new jokes.
It felt like it took me forever to get through this though. The overall story had less humor than I was hoping for and it struggled to keep my attention.
It was fun hearing Nelson Franklin (who played Robby) on parts of this audiobook!
I watched the series when it aired and I’ve rewatched it at least 6 or 7 times.
I think if you’re a die hard fan and you want to learn more about the shows making, then you should grab this.
If you were a casual watcher I think it might be a bit…meh? Sorry!
July 18, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I have watched New Girl so many times, it was great getting to learn how the show came to be, how the cast came to be and the backstory behind some of the most memorable episodes and story lines. The story is put together so well. It takes you on a journey through each season of New Girl giving you a behind the scenes view on the show. I typically have a hard time with audiobooks but actually really liked this book in that format. It played like a documentary and it was easy to stay interested and pay attention to the story. It made me love the show even more and I have already started another rewatch.I will definitely be buying a copy of the book for my shelf!
ARC from NetGalley
ARC from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
So nostalgic going back to a show I watched regularly and loved. It was a fun sneak peek behind the show, characters, and creators. It makes me want to go back and restart the show knowing these little facts and anecdotes.
I listened to this as an ARC and enjoyed the narrator. They held my attention with good tone and cadence.
I listened to this as an ARC and enjoyed the narrator. They held my attention with good tone and cadence.
July 27, 2026
Reading this book felt like getting a warm hug from an old friend. New Girl is one of my comfort shows so this book was an absolute read for me. So thankful to SMP and Macmillan Audio for the ALC and finished copy!
I loved getting behind the scenes looks at how the show came to be. We get to learn how Meriwether came to create the show, how the characters came to be casted, and some insights to how a few of our favorite episodes happened! One of my favorite episodes is the one with Prince. I loved the party, the clothes montage with Jess, and how the characters reacted to meeting prince (Nick’s little scream and faint will forever be one of my favorite moments).
This is a must read for all those who love New Girl. It’s a trip down memory lane and will be such a comfort to those who found a little piece of home in the show.
I loved getting behind the scenes looks at how the show came to be. We get to learn how Meriwether came to create the show, how the characters came to be casted, and some insights to how a few of our favorite episodes happened! One of my favorite episodes is the one with Prince. I loved the party, the clothes montage with Jess, and how the characters reacted to meeting prince (Nick’s little scream and faint will forever be one of my favorite moments).
This is a must read for all those who love New Girl. It’s a trip down memory lane and will be such a comfort to those who found a little piece of home in the show.
July 19, 2026
5/5 - New Girl is one of those shows that will forever live in my mind. It had amazing characters, funny quotable moments, and so much heart. I haven’t seen it in a long time, but getting an ARC of this book made me start a rewatch. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love this book. So much history and deep diving into how the show was birthed and how so many lovable moments and scenes came to be. It truly was a treat as a die hard fan! A must-read, AND listen too! Thank you to the author, publishers, and NetGalley for a ARC audiobook in exchanged for an honest review.
August 2, 2026
As a massive New Girl fan, this book gave so many behind the scenes conversations and decisions that just made me fall even more in love with New Girl. It was great that everyone seemed to be a part of this is one way or another with quotes on certain topics. I loved this and now excuse me while I go start another rewatch on New Girl.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Please note: I received both an audio ARC of this book, as well as an eARC a couple weeks later. Most of this review is based on the full and complete listening of the audiobook, but I did skim the ebook to make sure to capture any differences I might want to touch on. That being said, a large part of the reviews are the same.
New Girl never dies!
ebook ARC review:
This is the perfect book for those die hard fans who need another hit of New Girl all these long years later. It’s also the perfect book for those just discovering New Girl for the first time and who want to know the legacy this show has left. Honestly, it’s a book for anyone who has binged all seven seasons and thought about nothing else since then.
Who’s That Girl details the behind the scenes of the show that you never knew you needed. There is a lot of commentary from and about Meriwether and her decisions to start, continue, and end the show (as well as everything inbetween). There are many episode discussions, including how some iconic things and lines within the show came to be.
I obviously love New Girl, and have seen many cast interviews, behind the scenes, and bloopers, so when I got the chance to listen to more the writing process and ideologies that went into the show, I jumped at it. There really is a reason this show is so special to so many people, and I feel like this book did an excellent job of both highlighting that, and capturing the spirit of New Girl.
Also to that point, the quotes at the beginning of chapters and the different script inserts were a wonderful addition. Made me feel like I was really getting that behind the scenes look at the writing process and all the hard work that went into the show. The dialogue in the book is just as good as the dialogue in the show, and got me to laugh multiple times.
The Nick and Jess commentary was my favorite of all, followed very closely by the Prince commentary. Absolutely made me fall in love with the show all over again.
If you're dying for a New Girl rewatch, or if you have just seen it for the first time and need another hit, this is the book for you.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Thea Glassman for the eARC of this one!
Audio ARC review:
This is the perfect book for those die hard fans who need another hit of New Girl all these long years later. It’s also the perfect book for those just discovering New Girl for the first time and who want to know the legacy this show has left. Honestly, it’s a book for anyone who has binged all seven seasons and thought about nothing else since then.
Who’s That Girl details the behind the scenes of the show that you never knew you needed. There is a lot of commentary from and about Meriwether and her decisions to start, continue, and end the show (as well as everything inbetween). There are many episode discussions, including how some iconic things and lines within the show came to be.
I obviously love New Girl, and have seen many cast interviews, behind the scenes, and bloopers, so when I got the chance to listen to more the writing process and ideologies that went into the show, I jumped at it. There really is a reason this show is so special to so many people, and I feel like this book did an excellent job of both highlighting that, and capturing the spirit of New Girl.
In addition, Yael Rizowy and Nelson Franklin did excellent jobs of bringing the behind the scenes stories to life.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, Nelson Franklin, Yael Rizowy, and Thea Glassman for the audio ARC of this one!
New Girl never dies!
ebook ARC review:
This is the perfect book for those die hard fans who need another hit of New Girl all these long years later. It’s also the perfect book for those just discovering New Girl for the first time and who want to know the legacy this show has left. Honestly, it’s a book for anyone who has binged all seven seasons and thought about nothing else since then.
Who’s That Girl details the behind the scenes of the show that you never knew you needed. There is a lot of commentary from and about Meriwether and her decisions to start, continue, and end the show (as well as everything inbetween). There are many episode discussions, including how some iconic things and lines within the show came to be.
I obviously love New Girl, and have seen many cast interviews, behind the scenes, and bloopers, so when I got the chance to listen to more the writing process and ideologies that went into the show, I jumped at it. There really is a reason this show is so special to so many people, and I feel like this book did an excellent job of both highlighting that, and capturing the spirit of New Girl.
Also to that point, the quotes at the beginning of chapters and the different script inserts were a wonderful addition. Made me feel like I was really getting that behind the scenes look at the writing process and all the hard work that went into the show. The dialogue in the book is just as good as the dialogue in the show, and got me to laugh multiple times.
The Nick and Jess commentary was my favorite of all, followed very closely by the Prince commentary. Absolutely made me fall in love with the show all over again.
If you're dying for a New Girl rewatch, or if you have just seen it for the first time and need another hit, this is the book for you.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and Thea Glassman for the eARC of this one!
Audio ARC review:
This is the perfect book for those die hard fans who need another hit of New Girl all these long years later. It’s also the perfect book for those just discovering New Girl for the first time and who want to know the legacy this show has left. Honestly, it’s a book for anyone who has binged all seven seasons and thought about nothing else since then.
Who’s That Girl details the behind the scenes of the show that you never knew you needed. There is a lot of commentary from and about Meriwether and her decisions to start, continue, and end the show (as well as everything inbetween). There are many episode discussions, including how some iconic things and lines within the show came to be.
I obviously love New Girl, and have seen many cast interviews, behind the scenes, and bloopers, so when I got the chance to listen to more the writing process and ideologies that went into the show, I jumped at it. There really is a reason this show is so special to so many people, and I feel like this book did an excellent job of both highlighting that, and capturing the spirit of New Girl.
In addition, Yael Rizowy and Nelson Franklin did excellent jobs of bringing the behind the scenes stories to life.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley, Nelson Franklin, Yael Rizowy, and Thea Glassman for the audio ARC of this one!
July 28, 2026
✨ The Vibes ✨
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about New Girl
📖 Read if…
✨ You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve watched New Girl
✨ You’ve used the word “adorkable” in casual conversation
✨ You’re looking for some behind-the-scenes secrets about the show
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the #gifted copy! #SMPEarlyReaders #StMartinsPress
Happy Pub Day to Who’s That Girl, your all-access pass to everything New Girl, the adorkably charming sitcom that captured the hearts of America throughout the 2010s.
New Girl is a show that I watched throughout high school and college without ever understanding the full impact it had on popular culture (outside of its impact on my personal wardrobe). But in Who’s That Girl, Thea Glassman breaks down how the sitcom, sparked by creator Liz Meriwether’s own experiences with dating and adulthood, became a permanent touchstone for so many people.
It’s kind of hard to believe that a show like New Girl could be a risk for a network, so learning that was a big surprise. Reading about how Meriwether, the creative team, and the cast advocated to keep their show and characters authentic, original, and true to form was honestly kind of inspiring, especially in our current timeline, where we are constantly cycling through various reboots and revivals. I particularly enjoyed the sections about the auditions, and how each actor helped to inform the role they were playing. It’s so hard to imagine anyone else in these roles, and it’s clear that’s due to a ton of hard work from the cast.
I really loved Thea Glassman’s writing (if you haven’t read Freaks, Gleeks and Dawson's Creek, you should) and she really shines with this book, balancing interviews with and fun stories from the cast and creative team with larger cultural commentary about New Girl and its place in TV and pop culture history. It’s easy to read with fun sections highlighting popular moments from the series (like the creation of True American and a tribute to Bearclaw). I also imagine it would be great on audio.
Who’s That Girl is filled with fun and nostalgia and has inspired me to embark on a rewatch, (which, tbh, feels like a great move this summer!)
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about New Girl
📖 Read if…
✨ You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve watched New Girl
✨ You’ve used the word “adorkable” in casual conversation
✨ You’re looking for some behind-the-scenes secrets about the show
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the #gifted copy! #SMPEarlyReaders #StMartinsPress
Happy Pub Day to Who’s That Girl, your all-access pass to everything New Girl, the adorkably charming sitcom that captured the hearts of America throughout the 2010s.
New Girl is a show that I watched throughout high school and college without ever understanding the full impact it had on popular culture (outside of its impact on my personal wardrobe). But in Who’s That Girl, Thea Glassman breaks down how the sitcom, sparked by creator Liz Meriwether’s own experiences with dating and adulthood, became a permanent touchstone for so many people.
It’s kind of hard to believe that a show like New Girl could be a risk for a network, so learning that was a big surprise. Reading about how Meriwether, the creative team, and the cast advocated to keep their show and characters authentic, original, and true to form was honestly kind of inspiring, especially in our current timeline, where we are constantly cycling through various reboots and revivals. I particularly enjoyed the sections about the auditions, and how each actor helped to inform the role they were playing. It’s so hard to imagine anyone else in these roles, and it’s clear that’s due to a ton of hard work from the cast.
I really loved Thea Glassman’s writing (if you haven’t read Freaks, Gleeks and Dawson's Creek, you should) and she really shines with this book, balancing interviews with and fun stories from the cast and creative team with larger cultural commentary about New Girl and its place in TV and pop culture history. It’s easy to read with fun sections highlighting popular moments from the series (like the creation of True American and a tribute to Bearclaw). I also imagine it would be great on audio.
Who’s That Girl is filled with fun and nostalgia and has inspired me to embark on a rewatch, (which, tbh, feels like a great move this summer!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review is based on an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This review may contain spoilers.
As a longtime New Girl fan, this was such a fun listen. I've watched the series more times than I can count, so getting a behind-the-scenes look at how one of my favorite sitcoms came together was exactly the kind of book I hoped it would be.
My favorite parts were learning about the show's development, getting a glimpse inside the writers' room, and hearing more about the cast and crew who brought these characters and storylines to life. It was fascinating to see how plotlines evolved, how certain casting decisions were made, and how much thought went into creating a show that still feels so special years later. There were so many little details that made me appreciate the series even more.
If you're the kind of fan who loves DVD commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes tidbits, or listening to cast interviews, I think you'll have a great time with this book. It genuinely made me want to start another New Girl rewatch before I had even finished listening.
While the narration was ultimately very good, there were several line readings from the show that didn't quite capture the delivery fans know so well, which pulled me out of the experience a bit. I was also surprised (and a bit disappointed) that "Genzlinger" was consistently mispronounced throughout the audiobook, especially considering how recognizable the character is to fans of the show. The Genz deserved better, in my opinion.
Those minor issues aside, I still really enjoyed this book. It was nostalgic, insightful, and a wonderful celebration of one of my all-time favorite sitcoms. If you love New Girl, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a longtime New Girl fan, this was such a fun listen. I've watched the series more times than I can count, so getting a behind-the-scenes look at how one of my favorite sitcoms came together was exactly the kind of book I hoped it would be.
My favorite parts were learning about the show's development, getting a glimpse inside the writers' room, and hearing more about the cast and crew who brought these characters and storylines to life. It was fascinating to see how plotlines evolved, how certain casting decisions were made, and how much thought went into creating a show that still feels so special years later. There were so many little details that made me appreciate the series even more.
If you're the kind of fan who loves DVD commentary tracks, behind-the-scenes tidbits, or listening to cast interviews, I think you'll have a great time with this book. It genuinely made me want to start another New Girl rewatch before I had even finished listening.
While the narration was ultimately very good, there were several line readings from the show that didn't quite capture the delivery fans know so well, which pulled me out of the experience a bit. I was also surprised (and a bit disappointed) that "Genzlinger" was consistently mispronounced throughout the audiobook, especially considering how recognizable the character is to fans of the show. The Genz deserved better, in my opinion.
Those minor issues aside, I still really enjoyed this book. It was nostalgic, insightful, and a wonderful celebration of one of my all-time favorite sitcoms. If you love New Girl, this is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book made me want to immediately drop everything and rewatch New Girl for the millionth time and honestly I have no regrets 👀
New Girl fans… is this show in your top five? 📺
🧠 Micro Synopsis
Entertainment journalist Thea Glassman goes behind the scenes of one of the most rewatched shows in streaming history with in depth interviews from creator Liz Meriwether, the core cast, and a whole lineup of guest stars. This is the full story of how a scrappy offbeat pilot became a certified comfort classic and a generational touchstone that people are still quoting and rewatching today.
🔥 Reasons to Read This If You Love…
New Girl 📺 · Behind the Scenes 🎬 · Comfort Nostalgia 🛋️
New Girl is genuinely one of my top five comedy shows of all time so I was always going to read this one.
I have a very soft spot for Winston specifically and this book did not disappoint on that front.
The behind the scenes look at how the show was developed and shot is really well done and full of details I did not know.
There are interviews with all the key players and quite a few guest stars woven throughout and every single one of them adds something.
Reading this obviously sent me straight back to a rewatch and I am not even a little sorry about that.
There is something about these characters that just feels like home and this book captures exactly why that is.
It also made me think a lot about why the truly quirky well written sitcom feels so rare right now.
We do not seem to be getting them the way we used to and this book kind of quietly makes that case without even trying to.
If you are a fan of the show this one is going to make you feel all of it all over again.
And if you know a current sitcom with this kind of quirky character energy please come tell me in the comments because I need it.
July 28, 2026
Along with a good portion of the world, the New Girl TV Show was my comfort watch during the pandemic. I literally still watch this show every night before bed to help me fall asleep. So, I went into this audiobook with excitement and very high expectations. Happy to report this exceeded expectations!
The audiobook and the book are the ultimate New Girl fans must have. I plan to buy the book as well. They both give very detailed behind the scenes view of how the show came to be, how the characters were cast, how they were developed, how the jokes we've come to love were written, how the network behaved (and misbehaved), how the critics responded, how the fans responded, how the show impacted the actors, writers, and crew's lives, and even went into great detail about that famous Prince episode. I can still hear Nick Miller's screams and visualize him fainting (lol). It's perfect!
The book: I enjoyed the character quotes at the beginning of chapters. I do wish there were more episode script excerpts. The very few that were included were a nice treat. I don't know if this is because it is an advanced reader copy or not, but there were no pictures. I would have loved to see any pictures of the cast, the set, the set props, the costumes, the writer's room, anything.
The audiobook: so good! I went back and started the pilot episode with new eyes because of how the gems were shared. The audiobook narrators did an excellent job and seemed happy to be reading this to an audience. Their voices were pleasant, and I felt they offered inflections in the appropriate places. They made the storytelling engaging.
I will listen/read to this again. I highly recommend!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook, and and St. Martin's Press for providing the book, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The audiobook and the book are the ultimate New Girl fans must have. I plan to buy the book as well. They both give very detailed behind the scenes view of how the show came to be, how the characters were cast, how they were developed, how the jokes we've come to love were written, how the network behaved (and misbehaved), how the critics responded, how the fans responded, how the show impacted the actors, writers, and crew's lives, and even went into great detail about that famous Prince episode. I can still hear Nick Miller's screams and visualize him fainting (lol). It's perfect!
The book: I enjoyed the character quotes at the beginning of chapters. I do wish there were more episode script excerpts. The very few that were included were a nice treat. I don't know if this is because it is an advanced reader copy or not, but there were no pictures. I would have loved to see any pictures of the cast, the set, the set props, the costumes, the writer's room, anything.
The audiobook: so good! I went back and started the pilot episode with new eyes because of how the gems were shared. The audiobook narrators did an excellent job and seemed happy to be reading this to an audience. Their voices were pleasant, and I felt they offered inflections in the appropriate places. They made the storytelling engaging.
I will listen/read to this again. I highly recommend!
Thank you, Macmillan Audio for providing this audiobook, and and St. Martin's Press for providing the book, for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2026
I am not typically one to read books about television shows- a good celebrity memoir, sure, but not usually anything involving the background of a show or movie. Usually, if I want all the dirty details on those, I'll find a documentary or watch some YouTube sleuth. But when I was offered an early listen copy of Who's That Girl, the book about the creation and full history of the show New Girl, I had to take advantage of the opportunity.
New Girl was a show like no other at the time. It took the elements of Friends, Threes Company, and other ensemble sitcoms and created something entirely new. The 20-something characters were more relatable than the groups on The Big Bang Theory or Friends, but the relationships felt familiar. There is a reason that it became a rewatchable, bingeworthy comfort show during the pandemic. The found family of Apartment 4D with all their quirks felt like our friends and found family too.
In this book, which dives deep from concept to finale, we get the complete history of the show. We are given character creation and development, even down to the small-arc characters like Fawn, Robbie, and Dr. Sam. It didn't matter how small a role a character had; they were all created and developed like the key five. We are told about the endearingly detailed way that sets were created with both the characters and actors in mind. We read about the stress of making sure that jokes landed, ratings were high, and cancellation was never an option.
While reading Who's That Girl, I found myself longing to rewatch the series, as if the book were bringing back my nostalgia for spending time with friends I hadn't seen in a while. I also garnered a much deeper appreciation for the television industry in general. There was so much love, detail, and stress put into this show.
New Girl was a show like no other at the time. It took the elements of Friends, Threes Company, and other ensemble sitcoms and created something entirely new. The 20-something characters were more relatable than the groups on The Big Bang Theory or Friends, but the relationships felt familiar. There is a reason that it became a rewatchable, bingeworthy comfort show during the pandemic. The found family of Apartment 4D with all their quirks felt like our friends and found family too.
In this book, which dives deep from concept to finale, we get the complete history of the show. We are given character creation and development, even down to the small-arc characters like Fawn, Robbie, and Dr. Sam. It didn't matter how small a role a character had; they were all created and developed like the key five. We are told about the endearingly detailed way that sets were created with both the characters and actors in mind. We read about the stress of making sure that jokes landed, ratings were high, and cancellation was never an option.
While reading Who's That Girl, I found myself longing to rewatch the series, as if the book were bringing back my nostalgia for spending time with friends I hadn't seen in a while. I also garnered a much deeper appreciation for the television industry in general. There was so much love, detail, and stress put into this show.
August 1, 2026
Head back to Apartment 4d with this behind-the-scenes look into New Girl. Author Thea Glassman invites readers to explore the history of the show, from creator Liz Meriwether’s origin story and inspiration to the pitch, casting, and recording of the pilot episode, through filming seven seasons to the comfort viewers found in streaming episodes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was that sweet spot: an on-paper broad story paired with a serving of emotional resonance.”
Who’s That Girl provides insight into the writers’ room, what execs expected along the way, the creative process on- and off-set, and why the original improv structure of early seasons wasn’t fully sustainable throughout the course of the show (although the team did work to maintain key elements of it).
“That was the thing about New Girl…. The show could take swings—things that might have seemed too silly on the day of shooting but ended up working seamlessly in the edit.”
Highlights:
- Seeing how the actors were able to influence the development of their own characters
- Hearing about how some of the fan-favorite lines and scenes came to be
- Stories and background details from the actors and creators
- All about Taylor Swift's cameo
- And everything surrounding Prince’s cameo
Glassman captures the heart behind the series with this one.
While reading, I found myself taking breaks to stop and rewatch favorite episodes as I learned about the stories behind them.
This book is sure to be a hit in print or on audio with any die-hard New Girl fan. The audiobook is primarily narrated by Yael Rizowy with occasional sections narrated by Nelson Franklin. I liked the energy level Rizowy brings to her narration. Fans will recognize Franklin from his role as Robby on the show. I was both entertained and engaged by the narration.
I received an advance copy of the ebook and a finished copy from St. Martin's Press and an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
“There was that sweet spot: an on-paper broad story paired with a serving of emotional resonance.”
Who’s That Girl provides insight into the writers’ room, what execs expected along the way, the creative process on- and off-set, and why the original improv structure of early seasons wasn’t fully sustainable throughout the course of the show (although the team did work to maintain key elements of it).
“That was the thing about New Girl…. The show could take swings—things that might have seemed too silly on the day of shooting but ended up working seamlessly in the edit.”
Highlights:
- Seeing how the actors were able to influence the development of their own characters
- Hearing about how some of the fan-favorite lines and scenes came to be
- Stories and background details from the actors and creators
- All about Taylor Swift's cameo
- And everything surrounding Prince’s cameo
Glassman captures the heart behind the series with this one.
While reading, I found myself taking breaks to stop and rewatch favorite episodes as I learned about the stories behind them.
This book is sure to be a hit in print or on audio with any die-hard New Girl fan. The audiobook is primarily narrated by Yael Rizowy with occasional sections narrated by Nelson Franklin. I liked the energy level Rizowy brings to her narration. Fans will recognize Franklin from his role as Robby on the show. I was both entertained and engaged by the narration.
I received an advance copy of the ebook and a finished copy from St. Martin's Press and an advance copy of the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. All review opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
New Girl was the first show to binge in our household during COVID. It was perfect, a great surprise. Late in the book, Who’s That Girl actually discusses people discovering the show during COVID. That was one of several times that I felt like the book was speaking directly to me.
You know going in that there will be great stories about the cast, as well as the high-profile celebrity cameos (people such as Taylor Swift and Prince). I liked the fact though that so much of the focus was on the creator, Elizabeth Meriwether. Having recently finished a book about Sylvester Stallone and his fight to have Rocky reflect his vision, it was interesting to me to hear what Elizabeth wanted the show to be, the fears and challenges she had to accomplish that vision, and the hours she worked to make it special. Props to her. This indeed was a show we could all enjoy.
I did not previously appreciate the effect the casting of Zooey Deschanel had on the early success of the show. Everything from getting the pilot greenlit to the contracting of a high-quality cast. I especially liked hearing about how she attended the casting calls, and not just for the finalists.
My enjoyment of this book was enhanced by going back and watching a few Season 1 episodes to remind me of the early days of the show. Of course, I couldn’t stop there, so I watched the Taylor Swift and Prince episodes. I plan to watch the finale tonight. It is a great show with lovable characters!
Almost all of the narration was done by Yael Rizowy, who was very good. I listened at a 1.25 speed.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to enjoy Who’s That Girl. I highly recommend it! The above opinions are my own.
You know going in that there will be great stories about the cast, as well as the high-profile celebrity cameos (people such as Taylor Swift and Prince). I liked the fact though that so much of the focus was on the creator, Elizabeth Meriwether. Having recently finished a book about Sylvester Stallone and his fight to have Rocky reflect his vision, it was interesting to me to hear what Elizabeth wanted the show to be, the fears and challenges she had to accomplish that vision, and the hours she worked to make it special. Props to her. This indeed was a show we could all enjoy.
I did not previously appreciate the effect the casting of Zooey Deschanel had on the early success of the show. Everything from getting the pilot greenlit to the contracting of a high-quality cast. I especially liked hearing about how she attended the casting calls, and not just for the finalists.
My enjoyment of this book was enhanced by going back and watching a few Season 1 episodes to remind me of the early days of the show. Of course, I couldn’t stop there, so I watched the Taylor Swift and Prince episodes. I plan to watch the finale tonight. It is a great show with lovable characters!
Almost all of the narration was done by Yael Rizowy, who was very good. I listened at a 1.25 speed.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to enjoy Who’s That Girl. I highly recommend it! The above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Major major major thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
*This one is available 7/28*
I absolutely love New Girl. It has been a comfort show for me for years, so when I saw this audiobook pop up on NetGally I knew I had to request it immediately. When I got approved, I squealed a bit!
I went into this expecting one thing and ended up getting something completely different...in a good way. Rather than focusing on the show itself, this was a fascinating look behind the scenes at how everything came together, from casting and character development to the creative decisions that shaped the final product. As viewers, I feel like we truly don't realize what all goes int0 creating these shows. The amount of talent is astounding. After listening to this audiobook and seeing just how much of the comedy was basically improv is just even more impressive!!
As someone who enjoys getting a peek behind the curtain, I found the process super interesting! It was fun hearing how certain choices were made, what influenced the characters, and how much thought went into bringing this story to life and to the screen.
The narration was a huge plus on this for me. The narrators kept the storytelling engaging and conversational, making it feel like I was sitting in on an insider discussion rather than listening to a nonfiction account.
If you're like me & are someone who loves learning how your favorite books, shows, or adaptations come together, I think you'll have a great time with this one and definitely recommend picking it up!
*This one is available 7/28*
I absolutely love New Girl. It has been a comfort show for me for years, so when I saw this audiobook pop up on NetGally I knew I had to request it immediately. When I got approved, I squealed a bit!
I went into this expecting one thing and ended up getting something completely different...in a good way. Rather than focusing on the show itself, this was a fascinating look behind the scenes at how everything came together, from casting and character development to the creative decisions that shaped the final product. As viewers, I feel like we truly don't realize what all goes int0 creating these shows. The amount of talent is astounding. After listening to this audiobook and seeing just how much of the comedy was basically improv is just even more impressive!!
As someone who enjoys getting a peek behind the curtain, I found the process super interesting! It was fun hearing how certain choices were made, what influenced the characters, and how much thought went into bringing this story to life and to the screen.
The narration was a huge plus on this for me. The narrators kept the storytelling engaging and conversational, making it feel like I was sitting in on an insider discussion rather than listening to a nonfiction account.
If you're like me & are someone who loves learning how your favorite books, shows, or adaptations come together, I think you'll have a great time with this one and definitely recommend picking it up!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I HAPPY CRIED. 🥹💛
If you've ever found yourself randomly singing In The Ghetto or seriously debating the rules of True American... this book was made for you.
I've loved New Girl for years, and it's one of those shows I rewatch every single year because it never fails to feel like coming home. Listening to this audiobook was such a nostalgic, heartwarming experience.
Every behind the scene story instantly transported me back to Apartment 4D—I could picture every scene, every ridiculous Schmidt rant, every Winston prank, and every Nick & Jess moment like I was watching the show all over again.
Thea Glassman does an incredible job capturing the heart of what made New Girl so special while giving fans the behind the scenes stories we've always wanted. Hearing from the cast, writers, creators, and crew made it feel like sitting in the writers' room with them, celebrating a show that somehow became so much more than a sitcom.
Whether you've watched the series once or (like me) make it an annual tradition, this is an absolute must read (or must listen).
Thank you @TheaGlassman for this love letter to one of the greatest comfort shows ever made, and thank you @macmillanaudio for the early listen. It was truly amazing. 💛
Who's That Girl takes fans behind the scenes of New Girl with exclusive interviews from creator Liz Meriwether, the cast, writers, directors, and crew, revealing how the quirky sitcom became one of the most beloved comfort shows of a generation.
If you've ever found yourself randomly singing In The Ghetto or seriously debating the rules of True American... this book was made for you.
I've loved New Girl for years, and it's one of those shows I rewatch every single year because it never fails to feel like coming home. Listening to this audiobook was such a nostalgic, heartwarming experience.
Every behind the scene story instantly transported me back to Apartment 4D—I could picture every scene, every ridiculous Schmidt rant, every Winston prank, and every Nick & Jess moment like I was watching the show all over again.
Thea Glassman does an incredible job capturing the heart of what made New Girl so special while giving fans the behind the scenes stories we've always wanted. Hearing from the cast, writers, creators, and crew made it feel like sitting in the writers' room with them, celebrating a show that somehow became so much more than a sitcom.
Whether you've watched the series once or (like me) make it an annual tradition, this is an absolute must read (or must listen).
Thank you @TheaGlassman for this love letter to one of the greatest comfort shows ever made, and thank you @macmillanaudio for the early listen. It was truly amazing. 💛
Who's That Girl takes fans behind the scenes of New Girl with exclusive interviews from creator Liz Meriwether, the cast, writers, directors, and crew, revealing how the quirky sitcom became one of the most beloved comfort shows of a generation.
August 1, 2026
New Girl aired from 2011 to 2018. I hadn't watched it then ... I hadn't even heard of it. I found it on the Disney+ channel this spring and started watching it and like it. It's a fun 22 minute show (no commercials) ... sometimes I'll watch just one, sometimes a bunch. When I came across this book, I thought it would be interesting to get the scoop about the show.
This book describes the creation, production and cultural legacy of the show. It examines the show's origins, development, casting process, writing, filming and evolution over its seven-season run. Through interviews with cast members, writers, producers, directors and crew, the author tells how the series came together, the decisions behind its characters and storylines and the work involved in bringing the show to television. The book also explores the series' reception, its influence on popular culture and its continued popularity after its original broadcast (COVID helped since we were all stuck inside).
I liked the writing style. It provided a behind-the-scenes account and was written in a chronological order from its initial concept through its conclusion, highlighting key moments in the show's production and history. I've just recently started season 5 so now know what's going to happen in the remaining chapters but I'm okay with that. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/07...
This book describes the creation, production and cultural legacy of the show. It examines the show's origins, development, casting process, writing, filming and evolution over its seven-season run. Through interviews with cast members, writers, producers, directors and crew, the author tells how the series came together, the decisions behind its characters and storylines and the work involved in bringing the show to television. The book also explores the series' reception, its influence on popular culture and its continued popularity after its original broadcast (COVID helped since we were all stuck inside).
I liked the writing style. It provided a behind-the-scenes account and was written in a chronological order from its initial concept through its conclusion, highlighting key moments in the show's production and history. I've just recently started season 5 so now know what's going to happen in the remaining chapters but I'm okay with that. As a head's up, there is swearing.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2026/07...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨️ARC Review✨️
5⭐️ for Who's That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl by Thea Glassman
New Girl has been one of my comfort shows for years, it was the show I watched when I was deep in the trenches of grief and it's a show I quote regularly (along with my boyfriend). Getting this arc and a finished copy was truly exciting for me, and I'm so grateful to the St Martin's Press team for this amazing package!
Getting to read about the behind the scenes of how this show came to be, and how it unfolded over the years was such a joy, and I loved how the author incorporated interviews with the cast without it being a dry, drawn out dialogue.
It was particularly interesting getting tidbits about famous cameos and how those came to be as well, and the infamous Jess and Nick romance of it all. Absolutely one of the most iconic kisses on a TV series ever (I will d*e on that hill!) and getting Jake Johnson's thoughts on it was amazing.
Interviews with actors who played side characters as well as crew members abound on top of core cast interviews, and I ate it all up.
For fans of the show, this is a must-read, but be prepared for the nostalgia to hit you hard and a deep desire for another rewatch to immediately take hold of you.
Thank you so much to St-Martin's Press for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
5⭐️ for Who's That Girl: The Untold, Definitive History of New Girl by Thea Glassman
New Girl has been one of my comfort shows for years, it was the show I watched when I was deep in the trenches of grief and it's a show I quote regularly (along with my boyfriend). Getting this arc and a finished copy was truly exciting for me, and I'm so grateful to the St Martin's Press team for this amazing package!
Getting to read about the behind the scenes of how this show came to be, and how it unfolded over the years was such a joy, and I loved how the author incorporated interviews with the cast without it being a dry, drawn out dialogue.
It was particularly interesting getting tidbits about famous cameos and how those came to be as well, and the infamous Jess and Nick romance of it all. Absolutely one of the most iconic kisses on a TV series ever (I will d*e on that hill!) and getting Jake Johnson's thoughts on it was amazing.
Interviews with actors who played side characters as well as crew members abound on top of core cast interviews, and I ate it all up.
For fans of the show, this is a must-read, but be prepared for the nostalgia to hit you hard and a deep desire for another rewatch to immediately take hold of you.
Thank you so much to St-Martin's Press for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My husband and I loved New Girl and watched every episode, we have also since then re-watched several times. We get in a mood and binge this show. So when I saw this book I thought this would be something very different but also very fun. I love hearing back stories about books, movies and tv shows I love and thats just what this is. In this book we see how New girl was created, cast, evolved and eventually ended. I found all of this very fascinating.
There are such interesting and such sweet stories in this book about the characters and the thought behind so many memorable moments from this show. There are also many moments we learn about in this book how this cast became a family and grew up along with their characters. The creator and writers were incredible smart not only writing this but how it continued to grow and evolve. I loved seeing what was behind the scenes in a show I have loved since its creation. This book is very well done, it's not my typical book but i loved every minute of it.
*On a side note I am a massive Prince fan so I love how we get to hear about his guest star on this show, and loved hearing the creators thoughts after he passed. I thought this was such sweet tribute to a musician who was a musical genius and so talented.
*Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC
There are such interesting and such sweet stories in this book about the characters and the thought behind so many memorable moments from this show. There are also many moments we learn about in this book how this cast became a family and grew up along with their characters. The creator and writers were incredible smart not only writing this but how it continued to grow and evolve. I loved seeing what was behind the scenes in a show I have loved since its creation. This book is very well done, it's not my typical book but i loved every minute of it.
*On a side note I am a massive Prince fan so I love how we get to hear about his guest star on this show, and loved hearing the creators thoughts after he passed. I thought this was such sweet tribute to a musician who was a musical genius and so talented.
*Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Couldn’t wait to read this one bc I’ve been a OG fan of New Girl since it first came out.
This book reminded me why this show was lightning in a bottle, and such a comfort show for so many. I had so much nostalgia that i instantly re-watched the show just to pick up on some nuggets I may not have caught before as it aired.
What blows my mind is how much of the show was improvised, which is a testament to the chemistry and trust and comedic talent on this show. I loved hearing BTS of how certain scenes came to be on the show, and how much footage didn’t even make the cut from the editing floor. This show, much like SNL, had so many iconic bits, one-liners, and scenes that were basically dialed in improv, but it paid off bc they were so memorable. They also spill some tea on their famous Prince episode too. Thx to Liz Merriweather and the writers for putting this show on for 7 seasons and giving us so many laughs and heartwarming moments. I enjoyed reading this one so much and recommend it to anyone who loved this show.
I also found the audiobook engaging, which contributed to the 5 star review. My only wish is that the show’s entire cast could’ve recorded some of their takes for this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book reminded me why this show was lightning in a bottle, and such a comfort show for so many. I had so much nostalgia that i instantly re-watched the show just to pick up on some nuggets I may not have caught before as it aired.
What blows my mind is how much of the show was improvised, which is a testament to the chemistry and trust and comedic talent on this show. I loved hearing BTS of how certain scenes came to be on the show, and how much footage didn’t even make the cut from the editing floor. This show, much like SNL, had so many iconic bits, one-liners, and scenes that were basically dialed in improv, but it paid off bc they were so memorable. They also spill some tea on their famous Prince episode too. Thx to Liz Merriweather and the writers for putting this show on for 7 seasons and giving us so many laughs and heartwarming moments. I enjoyed reading this one so much and recommend it to anyone who loved this show.
I also found the audiobook engaging, which contributed to the 5 star review. My only wish is that the show’s entire cast could’ve recorded some of their takes for this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2026
🎧 Audio Review: Enjoyed the narration, it kept my attention for the most part.
📝 Story Review: New Girl is one of my all time fave TV shows and definitely a comfort watch! I introduced my bf to the show a couple years ago and now he’s hooked too. We constantly quote the show and I still crush hard on Schmidt 😂. That being said, I was excited when I saw this book and thought it would be fun to read.
I was thinking this would be more like interviews with the cast, but it was more about how the show came to be and the writing/production of it, the setbacks the show had and how they kept it going when at times it looked like it was bombing. (How idk… but that’s because I loved all aspects of the show.) Loved seeing how the cast came to be, where the story idea came from, what specific things were implemented based off of the writers own experiences/friends experiences and to find out that a lot of it was the cast adding their own flare during filming. It was all really interesting! If you’re a fan of the show, I’d recommend reading or listening to this book!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Audio Release Date: July 28, 2026
Audio Run Time: 7 hrs, 54 mins
Narrated By: Yael Rizowy & Nelson Franklin.
Genre: Non-Fiction; Biographies
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in return for my honest review.
📝 Story Review: New Girl is one of my all time fave TV shows and definitely a comfort watch! I introduced my bf to the show a couple years ago and now he’s hooked too. We constantly quote the show and I still crush hard on Schmidt 😂. That being said, I was excited when I saw this book and thought it would be fun to read.
I was thinking this would be more like interviews with the cast, but it was more about how the show came to be and the writing/production of it, the setbacks the show had and how they kept it going when at times it looked like it was bombing. (How idk… but that’s because I loved all aspects of the show.) Loved seeing how the cast came to be, where the story idea came from, what specific things were implemented based off of the writers own experiences/friends experiences and to find out that a lot of it was the cast adding their own flare during filming. It was all really interesting! If you’re a fan of the show, I’d recommend reading or listening to this book!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Audio Release Date: July 28, 2026
Audio Run Time: 7 hrs, 54 mins
Narrated By: Yael Rizowy & Nelson Franklin.
Genre: Non-Fiction; Biographies
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ALC in return for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ALC, Macmillan Audio!
By the end of this book, I felt surprisingly emotional because I never really sat down to think about *why* I love this show so much, and hearing the entire journey of New Girl made me reflect on that. My comfort show forever, and one of the only shows that genuinely makes me laugh out loud, New Girl created a whole new dynamic of adult friendships, so it's no wonder why I became so attached to it in my early adulthood years.
Glassman did such an incredible job of sharing the story of this show's conception and all of the obstacles it faced on its 7 year run. I loved hearing so many behind the scenes moments of how certain iconic scenes came to be, the casting process, the struggles in the writers room - all of it was fascinating. Nelson Franklin & Yael Rizowy did a fantastic job with the narration - listened to the whole thing within two days and it was so captivating that my mind never even wandered away.
The last story Glassman shares about Jake Johnson is beyond special and just reinforces the community this show has built. If you've watched New Girl, I can't recommend this book enough. If you haven't watched New Girl, WHY NOT?!
Now BRB while I go start another rewatch.
By the end of this book, I felt surprisingly emotional because I never really sat down to think about *why* I love this show so much, and hearing the entire journey of New Girl made me reflect on that. My comfort show forever, and one of the only shows that genuinely makes me laugh out loud, New Girl created a whole new dynamic of adult friendships, so it's no wonder why I became so attached to it in my early adulthood years.
Glassman did such an incredible job of sharing the story of this show's conception and all of the obstacles it faced on its 7 year run. I loved hearing so many behind the scenes moments of how certain iconic scenes came to be, the casting process, the struggles in the writers room - all of it was fascinating. Nelson Franklin & Yael Rizowy did a fantastic job with the narration - listened to the whole thing within two days and it was so captivating that my mind never even wandered away.
The last story Glassman shares about Jake Johnson is beyond special and just reinforces the community this show has built. If you've watched New Girl, I can't recommend this book enough. If you haven't watched New Girl, WHY NOT?!
Now BRB while I go start another rewatch.
July 19, 2026
As a huge New Girl fan, this audiobook was such a fun listen. One of my favorite surprises was that Nelson Franklin, who played Robbie on the show, was one of the narrators. It made the experience feel even more connected to the world of the series.
New Girl is genuinely one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, so getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together was fascinating. I loved hearing about the creativity, hard work, and passion that went into making it what it was. Since Winston has always been my favorite character, I especially enjoyed learning how his character evolved over time with input from Lamorne Morris. It made me appreciate him even more.
I also loved all the stories about the incredible guest stars who appeared throughout the series. Hearing about how cameos from Josh Gad, Justin Long, and especially Prince came to be was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
If you’re a longtime New Girl fan, this is a nostalgic, behind-the-scenes love letter to the show. The audiobook is especially worth picking up thanks to the familiar voices, and it left me with an even greater appreciation for a series I’ve already watched more times than I can count.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!!
New Girl is genuinely one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, so getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together was fascinating. I loved hearing about the creativity, hard work, and passion that went into making it what it was. Since Winston has always been my favorite character, I especially enjoyed learning how his character evolved over time with input from Lamorne Morris. It made me appreciate him even more.
I also loved all the stories about the incredible guest stars who appeared throughout the series. Hearing about how cameos from Josh Gad, Justin Long, and especially Prince came to be was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.
If you’re a longtime New Girl fan, this is a nostalgic, behind-the-scenes love letter to the show. The audiobook is especially worth picking up thanks to the familiar voices, and it left me with an even greater appreciation for a series I’ve already watched more times than I can count.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I listened to this ALC while doing a puzzle, as is only right. No almonds were used during my puzzling experience, though I did sing, "Abby is puzzling," many times.
Like Thea discusses in this book, New Girl has been a comfort show for me for years, so I loved this behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. I especially liked that each character and actor got their own section, so we could learn about how each character came to life. I always wondered why Coach was only in one episode, so I enjoyed hearing how the writers navigated Coach's exit and Winston's introduction.
I also loved hearing just how much of the show was ad-libbed! Schmidt has always been one of my favorite characters, so it was fun learning how much Max Greenfield contributed to shaping both the character and the show as a whole.
I've loved New Girl for years, but this book helped explain what makes it so lovable and unlike other sitcoms. The narration was excellent and struck the right balance, letting the stories and interviews take center stage.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MY BLOG
Like Thea discusses in this book, New Girl has been a comfort show for me for years, so I loved this behind-the-scenes look at the making of the show. I especially liked that each character and actor got their own section, so we could learn about how each character came to life. I always wondered why Coach was only in one episode, so I enjoyed hearing how the writers navigated Coach's exit and Winston's introduction.
I also loved hearing just how much of the show was ad-libbed! Schmidt has always been one of my favorite characters, so it was fun learning how much Max Greenfield contributed to shaping both the character and the show as a whole.
I've loved New Girl for years, but this book helped explain what makes it so lovable and unlike other sitcoms. The narration was excellent and struck the right balance, letting the stories and interviews take center stage.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MY BLOG
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a gifted copy of WHO'S THAT GIRL: THE UNTOLD, DEFINITIVE HISTORY OF NEW GIRL by Thea Glassman from @Macmillan.Audio!
Publication Date: 7/28/2026
WHO'S THAT GIRL looks back on the TV show New Girl from its inception to its sunset. It talks through all the casting, the change in objectives and plots over the years, and the change in viewership mentalities. Including cast interviews and perspectives as well as an outsider perspective. The narration is done by Yael Rizowy and Nelson Franklin (who played Robby on New Girl).
Is TV nonfiction a subgenre? Because I've been really enjoying diving into the nostalgia of shows I enjoyed in the past with my nonfiction reading and this book was no exception. It was fun to both get some behind the scenes look at the show, but also some context of what the wider world looked like at the time. New Girl was a show that did subvert some of the general ideas of masculinity and it also came at a time when the world was starting to shift toward binge watching and shorter seasons.
One thing that really stood out to me in this was the creative license everyone was given in creating the show, from the writers and cast to the guest stars and more. They didn't just write a script, they wrote multiple alternative jokes and things to see what worked and encouraged adlibbing on the spot to build to a final version of each episode.
This was an entertaining and fun read!
Publication Date: 7/28/2026
WHO'S THAT GIRL looks back on the TV show New Girl from its inception to its sunset. It talks through all the casting, the change in objectives and plots over the years, and the change in viewership mentalities. Including cast interviews and perspectives as well as an outsider perspective. The narration is done by Yael Rizowy and Nelson Franklin (who played Robby on New Girl).
Is TV nonfiction a subgenre? Because I've been really enjoying diving into the nostalgia of shows I enjoyed in the past with my nonfiction reading and this book was no exception. It was fun to both get some behind the scenes look at the show, but also some context of what the wider world looked like at the time. New Girl was a show that did subvert some of the general ideas of masculinity and it also came at a time when the world was starting to shift toward binge watching and shorter seasons.
One thing that really stood out to me in this was the creative license everyone was given in creating the show, from the writers and cast to the guest stars and more. They didn't just write a script, they wrote multiple alternative jokes and things to see what worked and encouraged adlibbing on the spot to build to a final version of each episode.
This was an entertaining and fun read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved listening to Who's That Girl. As a longtime New Girl fan, this audiobook was everything I hoped it would be. It covers the journey from the show's original concept to the series finale, with so many behind-the-scenes stories that made me appreciate the show even more.
One of my favorite parts was learning more about Elizabeth Meriwether and how she came up with the idea for the series. I had no idea how many of her own experiences found their way into the show, and it was fascinating to hear how those stories evolved into some of my favorite moments.
I also loved learning about how much improvisation went into filming. Hearing alternate jokes, scenes that were filmed but never aired, and stories from the cast and crew made it feel like getting an inside look at the creative process. It gave me an even greater appreciation for just how talented everyone involved was.
The narration was excellent and kept me engaged the entire time.
If you're a New Girl fan, I can't recommend this audiobook enough. Even if you've watched the series multiple times, you'll come away with a new appreciation for how much heart, creativity, and collaboration went into making it.
One of my favorite parts was learning more about Elizabeth Meriwether and how she came up with the idea for the series. I had no idea how many of her own experiences found their way into the show, and it was fascinating to hear how those stories evolved into some of my favorite moments.
I also loved learning about how much improvisation went into filming. Hearing alternate jokes, scenes that were filmed but never aired, and stories from the cast and crew made it feel like getting an inside look at the creative process. It gave me an even greater appreciation for just how talented everyone involved was.
The narration was excellent and kept me engaged the entire time.
If you're a New Girl fan, I can't recommend this audiobook enough. Even if you've watched the series multiple times, you'll come away with a new appreciation for how much heart, creativity, and collaboration went into making it.
July 21, 2026
If you’ve ever randomly started singing “Who’s that girl?” or found yourself saying, “You give me cookie, I give you cookie,” then you’re probably a fellow New Girl fan. As one of my all-time favorite comfort shows, I couldn’t wait to dive into this behind the scenes history.
I especially loved listening to this as an audiobook. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the stories, cast, and creative process to life, making it feel like you were sitting in on conversations with the people who made the show happen.
What stood out most was learning just how much heart, creativity, and hard work went into every stage of creating one of the greatest sitcoms ever to air. From casting decisions to memorable moments on set, it gave me an even deeper appreciation for a series I’ve watched countless times.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering New Girl, this is a fun, nostalgic listen that’s full of fascinating behind the scenes stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
I especially loved listening to this as an audiobook. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the stories, cast, and creative process to life, making it feel like you were sitting in on conversations with the people who made the show happen.
What stood out most was learning just how much heart, creativity, and hard work went into every stage of creating one of the greatest sitcoms ever to air. From casting decisions to memorable moments on set, it gave me an even deeper appreciation for a series I’ve watched countless times.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering New Girl, this is a fun, nostalgic listen that’s full of fascinating behind the scenes stories.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Who’s that Girl was a nostalgic look back on New Girl. While I’ve seen the series, I don’t consider myself a serious fan and don’t think that I’ve ever rewatched it later on so it was kind of nice to read about it whilst being a little removed.
I really enjoyed learning about the development of the show and the crew dynamics, getting to hear commentary from inside the writers’ room or see how the show changed and evolved over time was nice. It was akin to watching pop up video or DVD commentary tracks, getting to hear all the back stories. I appreciated that the focus was heavily on the writer of the series, Elizabeth Meriwether, instead of on the stars of the show- we get to see a lot of her vision for the series and how she had to navigate advocating for that. Reading Who’s that Girl made me want to go back and watch the series so maybe that’s how we’ll spend this Friday night.
Who’s that Girl will be published July 28, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review. 3.5 rounded down.
I really enjoyed learning about the development of the show and the crew dynamics, getting to hear commentary from inside the writers’ room or see how the show changed and evolved over time was nice. It was akin to watching pop up video or DVD commentary tracks, getting to hear all the back stories. I appreciated that the focus was heavily on the writer of the series, Elizabeth Meriwether, instead of on the stars of the show- we get to see a lot of her vision for the series and how she had to navigate advocating for that. Reading Who’s that Girl made me want to go back and watch the series so maybe that’s how we’ll spend this Friday night.
Who’s that Girl will be published July 28, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review. 3.5 rounded down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is touted to be "...the definitive tribute to the ultimate feel-good show" and that's exactly what this is! I think New Girl is hilarious and one that I go through spurts of re-watching. No matter where I pick up in the series, it's comforting and always funny. Listening to this audiobook and hearing all of the behind the scenes thoughts, emotions, and creativity made me love the show all the more. There's so much I don't know about the TV business, so hearing about how the show came to be in the first place in addition to the nitty-gritty details of production, gave me so much more appreciation for the creativity and brilliance of the writers and actors. This book includes wonderful details and makes me want to go back and rewatch specific scenes and episodes (which I already have!) I totally forgot Taylor Swift made a cameo and the Prince episode is always a favorite--hearing about him showing up to the after party was amazing! Big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Thea Glassman for the ARC in exchange for this honest review.
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