Why you should be watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine
It’s a long one, get ready.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is an American police sitcom created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur. The series revolves around Jacob Peralta (Andy Samberg), an NYPD detective in Brooklyn’s 99th Precinct, who comes into immediate conflict with his new commanding officer, the serious and stern Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher). But despite Samberg playing the lead, it’s not “The Andy Samberg Show”, and is nothing like the Adam Sandler type movies he’s usually seen in.
Produced in Los Angeles as a single-camera comedy, Fox originally ordered thirteen episodes for its first season, eventually expanding it to 22 episodes. All episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine begin with a cold open, although this may not necessarily have anything to do with the actual plot of the episode. Since its debut, the series has received critical acclaim, with the cast, especially Samberg and Braugher, being singled out for praise.
The show constantly speaks out against racism, homophobia (specifically gay and trans rights), sexism, police brutality, and the stigma against mental health issues; with all the humour steering entirely away from offensive jokes and stereotypes, instead relying on jokes that are genuinely funny and fantastic comedic timing.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine contains a plethora of multi-layered characters; and the main cast (7 characters) contains only 2 white men, one of whom is half Jewish, two black men, two Latina ladies, and one white woman.
Starting with Raymond “Ray” Holt (Andre Braugher), captain of the 99th precinct, an African American, openly gay, middle-aged man in the highest position of power on the show. Like all the characters on the show, his race or sexuality is never once the punchline to a joke. He cares deeply for his husband, and his friends in the 99th precinct and acts as a father figure to many (especially Peralta).
Next, we have Jacob “Jake” Peralta (Andy Samberg), a white half Jewish man who even though acting immature and unable to deal with complex emotions at the beginning of the series, grows into a mature adult who can express his emotions well and apologises when he messes up. Peralta is also portrayed as a strong feminist, calling out anyone’s ignorant behaviour. In the fifth season, Peralta also must learn to deal and cope with mental health issues.
Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), is a Latina woman in a position of power (especially as of late season 4 and onwards) who’s never once sexualised because of her ethnicity. Since the beginning of the show Santiago has dealt with anxiety in various extremes, but not once is this considered a weakness, just a part of her character; and despite being romantically involved with Peralta, never is she considered “just a love interest”, but a unique and complicated character in her own right.
Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), is one of only two white men in the precinct, and his character relies heavily on his hobbies, such as a local food critic, sewing, yoga, and other traditionally non-masculine interests. He also has an adoptive son and an incredibly strong friendship with Peralta.
Then, we have Regina “Gina” Linetti (Chelsea Peretti), the epitome of self-confidence. Despite having a very close platonic relationship with Peralta, not once is she considered a “threat” to Santiago.
Terrance “Terry” Jeffords (Terry Crews) is the sergeant of the 99th precinct and African American. Jeffords is family man, with three daughters and a wife whom he loves. Not once is his relationship with his family considered to have “stripped him of his masculinity”. He also loves his work family at the 99th precinct, acting as a parental figure to them.
Finally, Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) is another Latina woman who isn’t sexualized for her ethnicity and is in every practical sense, a badass. Recently, it’s been teased that the character will have a female love interest.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine has one of the most diverse casts on TV right now, with only 3 of its 7 main roles filled with white actors, and the bisexual Stephanie Beatriz. Not once have any of its cast been known to have done anything considered “problematic” in the slightest.
Jacob “Jake” Peralta Andy Samberg
Raymond “Ray” Holt Andre Braugher
Amy Santiago Melissa Fumero
Charles Boyle Joe Lo Truglio
Regina “Gina” Linetti Chelsea Peretti
Terrance “Terry” Jeffords Terry Crews
Rosa Diaz Stephanie Beatriz
Brooklyn Nine-Nine portrays multiple close relationships between its characters. With childhood best friends, parental figures, ladies sticking together, a slow burn relationship, and a healthy gay marriage.
The most obvious relationship in the show is the romantic one between Peralta and Santiago, one that has been incredibly healthy and positive, with both characters supporting and caring deeply for one another.
Peralta has strong relationships with most of the characters on the show, the most obvious, after Santiago, is that which he has with Boyle. They have a strong platonic relationship that is never once considered gay by either the characters or audience nor does it “damage their masculinity”.
Another loving platonic relationship on the show is between Linetti and Peralta. The two have known each other since childhood, with Peralta even getting Linetti her job as a civilian administrator at the 99th precinct. Similarly, we see the relationship between Diaz and Peralta grow and in the later seasons, the audience can see just how important their friendship is to one another.
At the start of the show, Peralta is reluctant to show respect to Holt, thinking that Holt doesn’t know how he works and that he’s holding him back. But, throughout the show and its seasons, the two develop a strong bond, going as far as referring to the other as “son” and “dad”.
Another positive relationship in the series is that of Santiago, Diaz, and Linetti – the women of the 99. A prime example of this is when Diaz told Santiago that “You’re not the only girl at the table anymore. We work in a police force full of dudes. We gotta have each other’s backs, okay?”.
Though these are the most prominent relationships in the show, the beauty of these characters is that you could pair any two together for an interesting plot and it would still work. In fact, this is what the writers often do, with the characters in the A and B plot always mixing around.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is generally considered overlooked, not receiving as many awards as it deserves; however, these are the awards the series has won:
Best Television Series - Comedy or Musical
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical - Andy Samberg
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program - Norman Howell
Critics’ Choice Television Awards
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Andre Braugher
Online Film & Television Association
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series- Andre Braugher
Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program - Norman Howell
Outstanding Director – Entertainment - Julie Anne Robinson
Online Film & Television Association
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Andre Braugher
Critics’ Choice Television Awards
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series - Andre Braugher
Rotten Tomatoes gave Season 1 a score of 88%. The consensus is: “Led by the surprisingly effective pairing of Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a charming, intelligently written take on the cop show format.” For Season 2, it received a score of 100%. That season’s consensus is: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s winning cast, appealing characters and wacky gags make it good comfort food.” Metacritic gives the first season of the show a weighted average rating of 70/100, indicating “generally favourable reviews”.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine premieres on Tuesdays at 9:30 - 10:00 PM PT/ET on Fox.
