‘New Girl’ Season 2 Doubles Up On Schmidt With Rob Riggle

Is two the magic number for 'New Girl?'  That's the way it's starting to seem as FOX's quirky new hit enters its second season seemingly doubling up on his characters.  Earlier we learned that Nick (Jake Johnson) would be getting a visit from his "future self," and now it seems Schmidt (Max Greenfield) will have a doppelganger of his very own!  But who is this other Schmidt, and why does he look suspiciously like Rob Riggle?

As season 2 of 'New Girl' gears up for its September 25 debut, it seems like more and more stars are flocking to the scene of FOX's adorkable sophomore comedy.  According to TVLine, funnyman Rob Riggle is the latest to join the cast for season 2, playing none other than Schmidt himself!  Well, in truth he's playing Schmidt's competitive cousin, who just happens to go by the name Schmidt as well.

The oft-used star Riggle (who recently co-starred with 'New Girl's Jake Johnson in '21 Jump Street') will pop up in a Thanksgiving-themed episode later this year. Riggle joins the growing number of guest stars for ‘New Girl’ season 2, including 'Justified's Raymond Barry, ‘Traffic Light’ star Nelson Franklin as Cece’s new boyfriend, ‘The Book of Mormon’ star Josh Gad, ‘Bent’ star David Walton as a bad-boy sex interest for Jess, and former ‘Reno 911!’ star Niecy Nash as a street hooker after Jess’ purse.

Frequent Judd Apatow star (and spouse) Leslie Mann was to play a “shot girl” who catches Schmidt’s eye, but the part was recast with Parker Posey.  Rachel Harris will also reprise her role as the principal of Jess’ school, though judging by what we’ve heard about Jess' future, she won’t have good news.

What say you?  Are you excited for the second season of 'New Girl,' particularly now that Riggle will join the cast?  Who do you think makes a better Schmidt?  Give us your take in the comments below!