New Girl: Every Main Character, Ranked
2. Schmidt
Many people will have swear jars in their homes, where they can throw a bit of money every time they say something they shouldn't as something of a punishment. Apartment 4D however, exclusively for the benefit of Schmidt, had a douchebag jar, to punish him for saying some of the most cringeworthy things imaginable.
In theory, Schmidt should not be a likeable character. Aside from being one of the biggest douches in the show, with the exception of Benjamin, he is incredibly money driven, arrogant, and looks down on just about everyone around him.
However, in a similar way that, on paper, Nick shouldn't be as lovable as he is, Schmidt is one of the most popular characters in New Girl history. He isn't ashamed of his douchey tendencies, and even leans in to them with hair chutney, a binder with pictures of him modeling his own suits, and personalised condoms, and we love him for it.
As the only male in an otherwise female office, and being overweight throughout his childhood, there were some insecurities that he battled through, and even though he spent his entire life building from his fat teenage years to being a huge professional success, he gave it all up to spend more time with his daughter. What could possibly be better than a good, devoted father?