why does jess leave new girl in season 5
New Girl (season 5) On March 31, 2015, New Girl was renewed for a fifth season.[4] The show remained in production after wrapping season four in order to get a jump on season 5 ahead of Deschanel's maternity leave.[5] Deschanel was absent in 6 episodes of the fifth season.[6][7] The onscreen reason for her absence being that her character was sequestered for jury duty.[8]