Developed by Elizabeth Meriwether under the working title Chicks & Dicks, the series revolves around offbeat teacher Jess (Zooey Deschanel) after her moving into a Los Angeles loft with three men, Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and Winston (Lamorne Morris); Jess's best friend Cece (Hannah Simone) also appears regularly.

The show combines comedy and drama elements as the characters, who are in their early thirties, deal with maturing relationships and career choices.

[9][10] Dreama Walker also guest starred in Kinsey's introductory episode, as a teacher named Molly, who immediately takes a dislike to Jess.

Ben Falcone also guest starred in "Birthday", and Jessica Chaffin first appeared in the episode "Longest Night Ever".

[13] Alexandra Daddario guest starred as Michelle, a woman to moves into the apartment building where Jess and the guys live.