A perfect fit? Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel found each other at just the right time in their lives — and their whirlwind relationship took fans by surprise.
The Property Brothers star and New Girl alum first met while filming for Carpool Karaoke in September 2019, and hit it off almost instantly. Us Weekly confirmed the news of the unlikely romance shortly after Deschanel split from her husband of four years, Jacob Pechenik. The exes share daughter Elsie Otter and son Charlie Wolf.
“I am seeing someone,” Scott told Us one day before their relationship news went public. “I’m a very private person, so I don’t typically talk about that. It’s definitely special for me because I am the guy who raises the bar in what I’m looking for in a partner. I was caught a little off guard. It was definitely a pleasant surprise.”
Scott and the 500 Days of Summer actress made their relationship Instagram official in October 2019 after a fright-filled double date with Drew Scott and his wife, Linda Phan. Jonathan and his new flame posted a PDA pic after the couples braved Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.
A source revealed to Us at the time that the pair had “instant chemistry” when they first met and bonded over their shared love of “music, film, theatre – and Christmas carols.” Their similar interests and sense of humor led them to quickly start “texting and talking on the phone and it blossomed from there.”
Since then, their relationship has grown even stronger and the lovebirds have shared a number of major romance milestones along the way. The HGTV star and the She & Him singer celebrated their first Thanksgiving together shortly after making their red carpet debut as a couple. One month later, the pair rang in “a truly happy New Year” by each other’s side.
“Once in a lifetime you meet someone who changes everything 😍,” Jonathan captioned a sweet selfie to kick off 2020.
Scroll down for more details on this duo’s whirlwind romance!
Credit: Courtesy Reveal Magazine
Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel’s Relationship Timeline
A perfect fit? Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel found each other at just the right time in their lives — and their whirlwind relationship took fans by surprise.
The Property Brothers star and New Girl alum first met while filming for Carpool Karaoke in September 2019, and hit it off almost instantly. Us Weekly confirmed the news of the unlikely romance shortly after Deschanel split from her husband of four years, Jacob Pechenik. The exes share daughter Elsie Otter and son Charlie Wolf.
“I am seeing someone,” Scott told Us one day before their relationship news went public. “I’m a very private person, so I don’t typically talk about that. It’s definitely special for me because I am the guy who raises the bar in what I’m looking for in a partner. I was caught a little off guard. It was definitely a pleasant surprise.”
Scott and the 500 Days of Summer actress made their relationship Instagram official in October 2019 after a fright-filled double date with Drew Scott and his wife, Linda Phan. Jonathan and his new flame posted a PDA pic after the couples braved Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.
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A source revealed to Us at the time that the pair had “instant chemistry” when they first met and bonded over their shared love of “music, film, theatre – and Christmas carols.” Their similar interests and sense of humor led them to quickly start “texting and talking on the phone and it blossomed from there.”
Since then, their relationship has grown even stronger and the lovebirds have shared a number of major romance milestones along the way. The HGTV star and the She & Him singer celebrated their first Thanksgiving together shortly after making their red carpet debut as a couple. One month later, the pair rang in “a truly happy New Year” by each other’s side.
“Once in a lifetime you meet someone who changes everything 😍,” Jonathan captioned a sweet selfie to kick off 2020.
Scroll down for more details on this duo’s whirlwind romance!
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Credit: Shutterstock (2)
September 2019
New flames! The home improvement expert revealed to Us exclusively that his relationship with the Elf actress was “a pleasant surprise” after the pair met while filming Carpool Karaoke with their siblings. “It’s definitely special for me because I am the guy who raises the bar in what I’m looking for in a partner,” he said at the time. “I was caught a little off guard.”
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
September 2019
Double the date night fun! Jonathan and the New Girl alum enjoyed a live taping of Dancing With the Stars alongside his twin brother Drew Scott and his wife, Linda Phan. An onlooker said the new couple “appeared very comfortable together” as “Jonathan moved his chair closer to Zooey and put his arm around her as he whispered closely in her ear” at one point in the show.
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
October 2019
The HGTV personality and Yes Man star made their relationship Instagram official one month after they started dating. In the Halloween-themed photo, Deschanel leapt into Jonathan’s arms, posing alongside Drew and his wife on yet another double date. “So much fun last night. That high pitched scream totally wasn’t me!” Jonathan captioned the post.
Credit: Stuart Ramson/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
November 2019
Cozying up to the family! Deschanel was “overjoyed” to be her new man’s wedding date for his older brother J.D. Scott’s festive Las Vegas nuptials. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been cat-woman escorted to a fancy dress party wedding by Batman,” the Almost Famous actress captioned a pre-wedding post on Instagram. “Congrats to these gorgeous and gracious love birds, I was overjoyed to celebrate such a happy union! ❤️💕❤️💕.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
November 2019
Jonathan commemorated his first Thanksgiving with the Bridge to Terabithia actress with a public declaration of his love. “I am beyond thankful to be surrounded by such incredibly fun loving people & puppies. You bring joy to my life. I love you ☺️ ❤️,” he tweeted at the time, two weeks after the pair made their red carpet debut as a couple at the Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards in Brooklyn, New York.
Credit: Media Punch/INSTARimages.com; Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock
December 2019
Hitting a high note! The Brother vs. Brother star joined Deschanel on stage during the A Very She & Him Christmas Party tour in Philadelphia. A concertgoer told Us at the time that “Jonathan joined the band onstage for ‘Little Saint Nick’ wearing a light-up ugly Christmas sweater … Jonathan came out for the ‘He don’t miss no one’ line of the song, then kind of danced offstage after giving Zooey a kiss on the cheek.”
Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/Shutterstock
January 2020
The Elf actress secured a birthday shoutout from her man just before partying the night away at an ‘80s-themed karaoke bar in Los Angeles with a group of friends. “Happy Birthday to the beautiful human who brought joy & laughter back into my life ❤️🎉,” Jonathan captioned a sweet Instagram post, two weeks after the happy couple rang in the New Year together.
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
March 2020
Jonathan shared how the pair have enjoyed staying at home together during the coronavirus quarantine, where they played board games and more.
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
April 2020
“This amazing person makes me truly happy every single day and fills my life with love and joy,” the She and Him singer wrote in honor of her man’s 42nd birthday. “You are one of a kind wonderful. So happy I get to make your birthday cake.” The same day, duo reminisced on meeting each other’s families, going on their first date and filming their Carpool Karaoke episode during the “At Home With Linda & Drew Scott” podcast. “The producer says I was flirting so hard that they had to cut a bunch of that out,” the HGTV star joked. “I was being gentlemanly and cute.”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
June 2020
Jonathan posted several photos, including one of Deschanel, and noted how he was “thinking a lot today about the ones I love.”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
August 2020
In a video set to a calming instrumental tune, Scott celebrated their 1st anniversary by sharing a sweet clip filled with photos taken throughout their time together. “How time flies when you’re having the best time of your life,” he captioned the Instagram post. “Who would’ve known that exactly one year ago my life would change forever. When I count my blessings, I count you twice 🥰 .”
Deschanel responded to the loving tribute, writing, “You’re my favorite. 🥰 .”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
August 2020
The actress paid tribute to the pair’s relationship on their one-year anniversary by sharing adorable photos of the two alongside a sweet message. “One year ago today I met this kind, caring, hilarious, generous, creative, nerdy, handsome and all around incredible human,” she wrote via Instagram. “I am so grateful for every smile, kiss, hug, snuggle, laugh, scrabble game, escape room, breakfast, lunch and dinner we share together. Even during the weirdest year for humanity I want a million billion more with you. 🥰 .”
Jonathan replied to her post, writing, “You give me ALL the feels 😍 I love you.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
September 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic continued to impact couples worldwide, the HGTV star was still feeling pretty lucky to be in quarantine with Deschanel. “I kind of struck gold because quarantining with Zooey, she is this incredible chef,” he told E! News in September 2020. “So, she makes the most fantastic meals every day. She also loves board games. We even did a virtual escape room the other night, which was a lot of fun. … [She has] what I had been looking for in a person for years and years and years.”
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
November 2020
Jonathan clapped back at engagement rumors in November 2020. “I’m pretty confident that I will ask my girlfriend to marry me before I tell a reporter,” he quipped during an appearance on SiriusXM’s The Covino & Rich Show.
Credit: HGTV
December 2020
Deschanel teased her episode of HGTV’s Celebrity IOU via Instagram in December 2020, writing, “Got to work side by side with my sweetheart @Jonathanscott to surprise my bestie @sarahmayb with a new kitchen! What could be more fun?” The couple worked together to gift the actress’ friend Sarah May B. a fresh kitchen alongside Jonathan’s brother Drew.
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
December 2020
The pair wore festive holiday sweaters as they decorated cookies with Drew and his wife, Linda, on the last day of the Scott brothers’ #RevealYourJoy challenge, in which the twins shared stories of the season in partnership with Reveal magazine throughout December 2020. Both couples also sang Christmas carols and snacked on their treats in the Instagram video.
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
January 2021
The actress rang in the new year by giving a shout-out to Scott. “My 2020 MVP was this guy, who always made me feel happy in spite of a weird and uncertain year,” Deschanel captioned two photos of the pair with their arms wrapped around each other. “Hoping 2021 is full of silver linings for everyone.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
January 2021
Scott celebrated Deschanel’s 41st birthday with a touching tribute. “Today is my favorite person’s birthday,” he captioned a series of Instagram photos on January 17. “You are caring, talented, hilarious, sweet and just as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I know we can’t celebrate like we did last year, but I have a few surprises up my sleeve. #HappyBirthday, @ZooeyDeschanel. You fill my life with so much joy.”
“Aw!!!! You’re the sweetest and I am the luckiest!” Deschanel commented on his post.
Credit: Courtesy Jonathan Scott/Instagram
March 2021
“What a perfect day with my perfect person 🥰 #BackToNature #SunnySkiesAhead,” the HGTV personality gushed via Instagram in March 2021, sharing a black-and-white selfie of him and Deschanel catching some rays. When some commenters joked that the actress’ outfit looked out of place, she replied, “Haha. Controversy! I am very amused by this conclusion that you would take the time to photoshop a picture from our hike and not that I was unironically wearing a ridiculously oversized Easter bonnet so big you could barely fit in the picture.”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
April 2021
The Elf actress celebrated Jonathan’s 43rd birthday with a sweet Instagram message. “Happy birthday to my kind, sweet, wonderful, hilarious, clever, generous, caring, handsome gentleman who sometimes orders pizza and grilled cheese at one meal,” she wrote. “I love you always and in all ways. I don’t want to seem sappy or hyperbolic but the simple truth is: I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
July 2021
Following a romantic weekend trip, Scott shared his love for Deschanel via Instagram.
“What a wonderful adventure to #sanfrancisco this weekend with my ❤️,” he wrote. “From steep romantic strolls and yummy food to an excessive amount of escape rooms (3 for 3). Safe to say … it was awesome. We make a great team @zooeydeschanel 🥰.”
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
August 2021
“2 years and still my favorite 😍,” the Trolls World Tour actress wrote via Instagram in honor of the couple’s second anniversary. Scott commented on her post, “I knew two years ago that you were gonna change my life.” He also shared his own tribute to Deschanel via Instagram, writing, “Thank you for making everything better @zooeydeschanel❤️ (time really does fly when you’re having the most fun!).”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
August 2021
Scott praised his girlfriend in a late August interview. “And I know I am dating up!” Scott told Entertainment Tonight. “It means I just need to keep raising the bar and keep up with those expectations.”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
September 2021
The She & Him singer congratulated her beau on his Creative Arts Emmy nomination for Outstanding Structured Reality Program. “So proud of this handsome man @jonathanscott getting nominated for an EMMY!” she wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of the couple dressed in their red carpet finest. “A few snaps from our afternoon … thanks to all of these lovely people for making me look and feel fantastic.”
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
September 2021
The pair kicked off the fall season with a trip to Disneyland. “I had the most fun this weekend with @jonathanscott at @disneyland,” Deschanel captioned a series of photos from inside the amusement park, which was decorated for Halloween. “Now I just want to go back again! #HalloweenTime.”
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
October 2021
The couple was all smiles on the red carpet premiere for season 2 of HBO’s We Are Here. The actress wore a blue floral dress as she clung tightly to her beau, who donned a maroon blazer, floral shirt and dark jeans.
Credit: Shutterstock
November 2021
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in November 2021, Deschanel said she never gets confused between Jonathan and Drew. “To me, they don’t look alike at all,” she said. “And their personalities are so different. So, like, to me, they just don’t look alike.”
Credit: AFF-USA/Shutterstock
December 2021
The Good Girl actress showed her devotion to Christmas with a cheeky Instagram post. “When are you going to stop obsessing over Christmas?! Me:,” she captioned a photo of her posing alongside her holiday decorations.
Scott got into the spirit with a flirty reply, commenting, “Up for a friendly mistletoe hunt with me? 😍 🌲.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/TikTok
October 2021
The couple recreated an iconic scene from Deschanel’s movie (500) Days of Summer in a TikTok duet posted by Jonathan. “Yeah, sometimes I’m *mildly* socially awkward,” the HGTV star joked in his caption.
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
December 2021
“My heart is full 🥰 hope you had a safe, happy holiday surrounded by the ones you love,” the HGTV star wrote via Instagram while celebrating Christmas with the actress.
Credit: Courtesy Jonathan Scott/Instagram
December 2021
The pair revealed in the Winter 2022 issue of Drew + Jonathan Reveal that they bought a house together in May 2020 and began renovating it soon after. “When we first brought [Zooey’s] kids by the property, they dubbed it the Park House. And you know what happens when you name something, whether it’s a mangy stray dog or a beautiful home of your dreams? You keep it,” Jonathan wrote of the home, which was built in in 1938. “The next thing you know, Zooey and I owned the Park House.”
Despite supply chain setbacks and construction delays amid the coronavirus pandemic, Jonathan noted that he and Deschanel worked as the perfect team. “We have each other, and we have time — the rest of our lives together in this house. Our house,” Jonathan wrote. “Our dream home, where we’ll see the kids grow up laughing and adventuring in the yard, where we’ll play host to friends and family.”
Credit: Courtesy Jonathan Scott/Instagram
January 2022
“Happy birthday to the one and only @zooeydeschanel. You make life so much better 🥰,” the home-improvement guru wrote via Instagram in celebration of Deschanel turning 42. The actress gushed over her man in the comments, writing, “I’m the luckiest.”
Credit: Courtesy Reveal Magazine
January 2022
“We bought a new old home. It’s absolutely beautiful,” the It Takes Two coauthor gushed during an interview on Shop Today with Jill Martin. “We found our forever home and we are embarking on this renovation. Our hope is that when it’s done, it stays in the family forever and ever.”
Credit: Courtesy Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
February 2022
The twosome cuddled up on the couch for a sweet snap, simply captioned, “Sunday …” by the actress.
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
March 2022
“You’ve affectionately held my heart for almost 3 years, the least I could do is hold your train for 3 hours 🥰 You looked beautiful as always,” Scott gushed via Instagram of their appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars party.
The actress replied, “You are my numero uno!!!! Best boyfriend in the world! ❤️❤️❤️”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
June 2022
The couple celebrated with the HGTV star’s parents as they marked 56 years of marriage. “Challenge accepted! 🥰,” he captioned an Instagram photo, posing alongside his mom, dad and girlfriend.
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
June 2022
“So thankful my kids have these two awesome guys in their lives: @jonathanscott and their dad @jacobpechenik,” Deschanel captioned a Father’s Day tribute to both her ex-husband and Scott, as the two men posed together with Elsie and Charlie in a photo.
Credit: Shutterstock
June 2022
After the pair connected on Carpool Karaoke, the HGTV star sent Deschanel a sweet text to continue their conversation. While he had sent the message while on a horseback riding trip in the Rocky Mountains, he did not have any cell service for four days. As a result, the Celebrity Dating Game host thought she had been ghosted.
“The very first text I sent when I came out of the mountains was a video I recorded to a Canadian country song that she had mentioned to me,” Scott recalled to Bustle, in an interview published on June 29. “She was like, ‘Oh, this guy likes me.’ And we’ve literally talked every single day since. It’s been the best three years of my life.”
Credit: Courtesy of Zooey Deschanel/Instagram
August 2022
“I got the best one 🥰🥰🥰 most wonderful three years ever. And thanks magic castle for helping us celebrate last night,” the actress gushed of her boyfriend via Instagram. Jonathan, for his part, replied: “Right back at ya baby 🥰.”
Credit: Courtesy Jonathan Scott/Instagram
August 2022
“What beautiful company hiking and riding in such beautiful country. Thank you Wyoming for your hospitality 🥰 Thank you @zooeydeschanel for accepting my 7 day unshaven streak 🤣,” the producer captioned an end of summer selfie with his girlfriend.
Credit: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock
September 2022
The actress and the HGTV personality shared a smooch on the red carpet before the premiere of Deschanel’s film Dreamin’ Wild at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in Italy.
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
November 2022
The couple opened up about how they get ready for the holiday season while attending the annual Baby2Baby Gala in California. “This would be our first Christmas in our newly renovated home,” the design expert told Entertainment Tonight, while his girlfriend joked, “It’s a lot of pressure!”
She explained: “We have a lot of people [coming] who have hosted holidays for many years and do it well. … The bar is high!”
Jonathan teased that the pair “have a couple aces up our sleeve,” adding that they’re simply happy to be with loved ones. “We want to squeeze in as much family time as we can,” he said.
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
November 2022
“Thankful for so much in my life. ❤️ For family, For friends, For having the best job in the world … and our amazing crews who help make it happen,” the HGTV star wrote via Instagram on Thanksgiving. “For the most wonderfully supportive audience and incredible network partners. For FINALLY having our first thanksgiving in our new home. And most importantly … for you Z 😍 for you I’m thankful every day of the year.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
December 2022
The Elf actress gave fans a glimpse at her Christmas-filled activities via social media. Jonathan, for his part, shared the same photo, captioning it: “Hey Zooey … I love Christmassing with you 🤣❤️🎄.”
Credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Scott/Instagram
January 2023
“You just keep getting even better 🥰. Happy Birthday Zooey ❤️,” Jonathan gushed via Instagram as his girlfriend celebrated turning 43. In the comments section of the sweet montage, the Happening actress wrote: “🥰🥰🥰 I’m the luckiest girl!”