'New Girl' casting: Dennis Farina will play Nick's father

Nick (Jake Johnson) on "New Girl" has a problem with dads. That's what he told Jess (Zooey Deschanel) when she wanted her roommate to meet Papa Day in the show's Thanksgiving episode.

Why exactly would Nick have such a problem with father figures? Audiences will find out when Dennis Farina arrives to guest-star as Nick's dad.

Farina will play Walt Miller, a charmer and a con man who suddenly appears in his son's life after a long absence (according to a report from TVLine). Of course, cranky nick is less than excited about his dear old dad's visit -- in fact, expect the younger Miller to have some serious suspicions about Walt's surprise visit.

Jess, of course, is excited to meet the man. Also happy at the arrival? That would be Winston (Lamorne Morris), Nick's childhood friend. There is no word yet on how Schmidt (Max Greenfield) will react.

Most recently appearing in the HBO series, "Luck," Dennis Farina has a long career in film (including "Snatch" and "Get Shorty") and television ("Law & Order"). His episode of "New Girl" will air at some point in January.