CHAD Nasim Pedrad has gone from starring on New Girl to transforming into a new boy. For five years, Pedrad has tried to make Chad, her new TBS comedy in which she, a 39-year-old woman, plays the title character, an awkward 14-year-old boy who will do whatever it takes to fit in. Entering high school as the series begins, Chad navigates a new landscape, hoping to make friends with the popular kids while balancing an overly obliging best pal, a single (and dating) mother, a doting uncle, an unimpressed little sister, and a flare for the dramatic (as seen in the exclusive clip above). "People passionately tried to talk me out of it," the Saturday Night Live veteran tells EW with a laugh. "I'd be lying to you if I didn't say it feels like nothing short of a miracle that I'm here talking to you today with the first season under my belt." Not only did Pedrad finally get Chad to the air, but the showrunner, writer, producer, and star delivered what EW critic Kristen Baldwin hailed as a "cringe-comedy gem."