Creator Liz Meriwether prepared the season 6 finale of New Girl without knowing if the show would return. Fox had seen ratings decline by that point and required the writers to plan for both possibilities.
Meriwether told The Hollywood Reporter that the team was instructed to prepare for both versions. They crafted an episode that could serve as a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for more.
The finale reunited Nick and Jess but did not fully resolve their story. A time jump showed the characters playing True American with their children to illustrate ongoing friendships.
Fox later renewed the series for a shortened seventh season after cast members advocated for it. That season allowed the writers to develop Nick and Jess toward marriage.
Meriwether later reflected that the experience left her grateful for seven years on the show despite some creative regrets.