Jake Johnson’s recent revelation about working with Prince on New Girl gives us a window into the personal tastes of one of music’s greatest icons. When Prince guest-starred on the show in 2014, it wasn’t just another celebrity cameo—he had specifically requested to appear because he was genuinely a devoted fan. During their time on set, Prince opened up about his favorite television shows: Cheers, Roseanne, and New Girl. These weren’t random picks; they were carefully chosen programs that celebrate character-driven storytelling, humor rooted in reality, and the kinds of narratives that have stayed with audiences for generations.
What makes this story even more touching is the mutual respect between Johnson and Prince. Johnson grew up admiring Prince’s music so much that he took road trips from Chicago to Minneapolis just to experience it fully. When they finally met on set, Johnson approached the encounter with genuine reverence, determined not to be awkward or weird. That’s when Prince asked to be called by Johnson’s character name, Nick, throughout their time together. It was Prince’s way of showing that he wasn’t there to be treated like royalty—he wanted to collaborate, to be part of the process, to earn his place in that community of storytellers.
This moment reveals something we don’t always get to see about legendary artists. Prince wasn’t too important for quality television. He didn’t look down on sitcoms or consider them beneath him. Instead, he appreciated craft wherever he found it, whether it was through music or through the writing and performances of a beloved comedy series. He understood that good storytelling transcends medium, and that respect for fellow artists matters. What’s your favorite TV show, and would you want a music legend to love it as much as Prince did?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
