Brooklyn Nine-Nine TV Show: Characters, Plot, and Themes

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a show that first aired on FOX on September 17th, 2013. It is a comedy about the lives of the New York Police Department and their adventures. With a multi-racial cast, incredibly represented male and female characters, and well-timed jokes, the show swiftly rose to fame as a can’t-miss comedy. The show takes on controversial topics, has an assortment of characters each more different than the last, and has jokes that could very well leave it as a classic. First is the acting and characters. Possibly the best thing about Brooklyn Nine-Nine is their characters. Every actor on the show gives it their all, and the audience is left feeling as if they were born to play the role. Leading the show is Detective Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg. Peralta is an immature, fun loving, all around hilarious and fresh character to watch. While in most shows, the straight and white male lead would be known for his misogyny and so-called free pass for making any joke that he wants, Jake Peralta is the exact opposite. As a male feminist himself, it is hard to see where Samberg end and Peralta begin. Jake shows nothing but respect and admiration for his female colleagues.

Second is the issues that are shown. With a multi-racial cast in a show about police work, there are many controversial topics. One that stands out most is their approach to police brutality and racism. The captain of the precinct and the sergeant are African American, giving a new insight to the issue, as well as first-hand knowledge. In an episode in season four, the sergeant, played by Terry Crews, is outside his house late at night looking for a toy his daughter dropped. A police officer stops him and begins to question him about what he is doing out late in a nice neighborhood. Before Crews has a chance to explain that he lives there and just looking for a toy, the cop orders him to “lower his voice” before detaining him and putting him in handcuffs. Crews later confronts the officer, who is apologetic, stating that he never would have arrested him if he had known he was a cop. Crews then realized that the fact that he was innocent means nothing, the officer targeted him solely because of his skin color. The issue of police brutality and race are tackled in many different ways in today’s media, but to see it first hand and through the other side of the issue is not only unique, but eye opening. It is one of the many ways this show tackles such issues.

Finally, the single greatest thing about Brooklyn Nine-Nine is the comedy. The show utilizes every single actor in what genre fits them best. While quotable and clever, the show’s humor remains innocent, and rarely makes a joke at a character’s expense. A person’s race, sexuality, and appearance are almost never ridiculed. The writers rely on the actors and the setting to tell the joke, rather than blatantly mocking someone. This is rarely seen in today’s shows and movies.