Jamie Lee Curtis said she hated the filming process of the sitcom New Girl during an event this week [1].
The comments highlight the technical divide between traditional multi-camera sitcoms and single-camera productions, which often differ in pace and atmosphere.
Speaking at NBCUniversal’s Summer Backlot Experience on Aug. 10, Curtis discussed her experience working on the series [1]. She specifically criticized the single-camera format, stating, "I did a single‑camera [show], which I hated" [1]. Curtis said the process felt more like producing a movie than a television show because of the constant presence of a camera crew [2].
Curtis appeared in six episodes of the show between 2012 and 2018 [1]. While she expressed frustration with the technical setup, she maintained that the series was a high-quality production [2].
Following the initial remarks, Curtis issued a clarification on Aug. 12 to ensure the public did not misunderstand her critique [4]. She said she did not hate the show itself but was referring specifically to the filming process [4].
The distinction between the two formats is central to her critique. Multi-camera sitcoms are typically filmed on a stage with a live audience and three or four cameras running simultaneously. In contrast, single-camera shows like New Girl are filmed more like films, with each shot set up individually, a method Curtis found tedious compared to the traditional sitcom vibe [1].
“"I did a single‑camera [show], which I hated."”
This distinction reflects a long-standing preference among veteran actors who grew up with the theatrical energy of multi-camera comedies. By separating her dislike of the production method from her opinion of the content, Curtis emphasizes that the technical execution of a show can fundamentally alter an actor's experience regardless of the script's quality.
