Zooey Deschanel reveals why only Lamorne Morris could play Winston
Zooey Deschanel lifts the lid on the casting of Lamorne Morris, revealing why his chemistry, timing, and effortless humor made him the perfect fit for New Girl.
New Girl always sold the found-family thing on screen. Turns out, that vibe was real off-camera too.
Zooey Deschanel says the cast went to bat for Lamorne Morris
When the writers created Winston, Nick Miller's childhood friend who used to play pro basketball, Zooey Deschanel says she knew exactly who should fill that spot: Lamorne Morris. After seeing multiple auditions for the role, she pushed for Morris, and the rest of the loft crew backed her up.
It was not just a casual suggestion either. Deschanel says she emailed the heads of the studio and the network to advocate for him, and her co-stars sent their own notes to different executives after watching his audition. The idea was simple: make it impossible to miss that he was the right fit.
"Just putting my two cents in... we think Lamorne is the best, best, best for this character, and would be such a great addition. I can't see anyone else playing this part."
That was Deschanel on the Zach Sang Show, and, honestly, she was right. Winston went on to become one of the show's most beloved and essential characters.
A funny twist from the casting process
Morris actually first read for Coach. That part went to Damon Wayans Jr., but once Winston was on the page, the team rallied for Morris and got him in the door. The rest is sitcom history.
Post-New Girl, Morris kept the momentum going and earned an Emmy nomination in 2024 for playing Deputy Witt Farr in Fargo. Not a bad second act.
Where to watch New Girl in 2026
- Hulu: All 7 seasons, 146 episodes
- Peacock: All 7 seasons, 146 episodes
- Also available via the Hulu and Disney+ bundle
If you remember it living on Netflix, you are not wrong. The series spent a full decade there before leaving in 2023 when that licensing deal ended. Given how popular it was, the long run made sense.
Quick refresher on the show
The series centers on Jessica Day (Deschanel), a school teacher who moves into a Los Angeles loft with three single guys after a brutal breakup. The whole thing works because it balances character-driven storylines with goofy humor and a cast that clicks, including Morris as Winston. Very on-brand that the real-world casting story mirrors the show's big theme: a bunch of oddballs becoming family and looking out for each other.
Did the cast make the right call backing Lamorne Morris? Tell me in the comments.