<P> On March 31, 2015, New Girl was renewed for a fifth season . The show remained in production after wrapping season four in order to get a jump on season 5 ahead of Deschanel's maternity leave . Deschanel was absent in 6 episodes of the fifth season . The onscreen reason for her absence being that her character was sequestered for jury duty . </P> <P> John Cho was the first guest announced after New Girl was renewed for season 5 . Fred Armisen, Stephen Rannazzisi and Ally Maki all signed up to guest star this season . </P> <P> Megan Fox was cast in the role of Reagan and will temporarily fill in for Zooey Deschanel after she pre-taped her episodes last spring before taking a maternity leave . This did not premiere in the Fall but instead January 2016, with what Fox states to be "its first - ever season of virtually uninterrupted originals ." Damon Wayans, Jr. is set to make his return for a two episode arc this season . </P> <Ul> <Li> Zooey Deschanel as Jessica "Jess" Day </Li> <Li> Jake Johnson as Nick Miller </Li> <Li> Max Greenfield as Schmidt </Li> <Li> Lamorne Morris as Winston Bishop </Li> <Li> Hannah Simone as Cece </Li> </Ul>

Where did jess go in season 5 new girl