A 'New Girl' Fan Favorite Upped to Series Regular!

Hey, New Girl fans: any of you jonesin' for more Coach will be delighted to know that Damon Wayans Jr. has been upped from guest star to a bona-fide regular cast member for its upcoming fourth season. Man it sure has taken the actor a long time to get here!

Because, as fans of the series likely remember, Wayans was actually a star on the series' 2011 pilot alongside Zooey Deschanel, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson and Hannah Simone, but pulled out in order to work on ABC's most-underrated-comedy-ever (seriously), Happy Endings after it received a second season renewal. It was when that series ended after its third season in 2013 that Wayans' schedule opened up and allowed a chance for him to guest star on the third season of New Girl. After his initial six-episode arc went well, the series quickly secured him for the remainder of the season.

It's a testament to the New Girl appeal, as Wayans was not hurting for job offers this pilot season. In fact, he was apparently one of the most sought-after comedic actors this year, turning down multiple offers to stay on with the New Girl team. Aww, shucks — we guess he really does like Jess after all, huh? Friendship is forever!