: The group tries to cheer up a depressed Schmidt by tricking him into believing he is emailing his childhood hero, Michael Keaton—a ruse his mother and Nick have maintained for years.
: The tension of Schmidt's double-dating peaks during a high-stakes dinner where he finally confesses his infidelity, leading both women to break up with him.
: The season finale sees the entire group on a cruise ship—originally booked by Nick and Jess as a romantic getaway—where they must navigate the awkwardness of being exes while trapped in tight quarters. Character Arc Summaries Season 3 Development Jess Day New Girl - Season 3 Epis...
Transitions from teacher to potential vice-principal while navigating her first serious relationship with a loftmate.
: Jess tries to fit in with a clique of "mean girl" teachers at her new school. Winston realizes he is color blind but remains more focused on getting revenge on his girlfriend for suspected cheating. : The group tries to cheer up a
Attempts to become more "grown-up" (opening a bank account) but ultimately struggles with the pressure of a serious relationship.
Season 3 of New Girl focuses heavily on the new relationship between Nick and Jess, Schmidt's fallout from his infidelity, and the evolution of Winston's increasingly eccentric personality. Character Arc Summaries Season 3 Development Jess Day
: While hungover after a party, Nick and Jess have a serious discussion about their incompatible future goals (including Nick's desire to name his son Reginald VelJohnson), which leads to their mutual breakup.