Few modern sitcoms have delivered the goods quite like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Over the course of eight seasons, thanks to one nail-biter of an eleventh hour rescue, the show constantly proved itself to be one of the smartest, funniest and most heartfelt comedies on television. With its razor-edged writing and cast of lovable weirdos, it delivered memorable moments at every turn. Whether it was Holt's deadpan sass or the Boyle's undying loyalty to Mervyn's, Brooklyn Nine-Nine turned an ensemble of oddballs into a family fans rooted for week after week.
From the unlikely bromance of Jake and Doug Judy to the helter-skelter ingenuity of the annual heist, some episodes have gone on to become true classics. These are the stories that defined the Nine-Nine — packed with heart, hilarity and enough law enforcement hijinx to fill One Police Plaza to the brim! So buckle up, pause that game of Kwazy Cupcakes, and get ready as we count down the ten best episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
10. "Pontiac Bandit" (1x12)
Let's begin with a Season 1 episode that introduced fans to one of the show's most beloved recurring characters: Doug Judy. When Jake and Rosa arrest a low-level criminal with intel on a legendary car thief known as the Pontiac Bandit, they have no idea that they're actually dealing with the man himself. What follows is a hilarious game of cat and mouse filled with sharp banter, unexpected twists, and instant chemistry between Jake and Doug. Craig Robinson absolutely shines as the smooth-talking suspect, bringing equal parts charm and mischief to the role. The episode strikes a perfect balance of comedy and clever plotting, setting the stage for one of the best rivalries-turned-bromances to grace the small screen. It's witty, surprising, and undeniably one of the show's best.
9. "Honeymoon" (6x01)
Arriving with all the jubilance of an actual honeymoon, the Season 6 premiere is a joyful, hilarious celebration of everything fans love about the Nine-Nine. Scooped up by NBC at the eleventh hour after being cancelled at Fox, this episode sees Jake and Amy's romantic getaway taking an awkward turn after discovering that a mopey Captain Holt is staying at the same resort. The clash between tropical bliss and Holt's dry depression make for some laugh-out-loud moments — especially when the newlyweds decide to try and cheer the man up by including him in some of their couple-themed activities. Featuring heartfelt energy, loads of fresh humor, and a sense of well-earned triumph, "Honeymoon" is not just a return, but a letter of appreciation to all the fans who stuck by and refused to let this courageous little comedy hang up its cuffs.
8. "Johnny And Dora" (2x23)
Delivering big laughs, surprise twists, and a long-awaited romantic payoff, this Season 2 finale sees Jake and Amy going undercover as an engaged couple in the hopes of catching an identity thief. Of course, chemistry ensues. As their fake romance begins to feel a little too real, the lines blur in the best way possible, culminating in a kiss that fans had been waiting two seasons for. Meanwhile, Holt faces a major shake-up as he's forced to leave the Nine-Nine for a new position, setting up some major changes for Season 3. Fusing comedy with romance, and some genuinely emotional stakes, this episode is not only smart and heartfelt, but irresistibly fun.
7. "99" (5x09)
In celebration of the show's 99th episode, this aptly titled adventure sends the squad to Los Angeles for a funeral, where Holt learns he's a finalist for Chief Commissioner of the NYPD. But when they miss their flight home, Jake scrambles to get his captain back to New York in time for his interview. What follows is a fleet-footed sprint across the country — complete with a pit stop at the famed Nakatomi Plaza and an overnight stay with relatives at the Boyle farm. Amid this chaos, there's plenty of heart, humor and a Beastie Boys reminder of the squad's unbreakable bond. Warm, wacky, and wonderfully offbeat — with just the right number of tan trousers thrown in for good measure.
6. "Jake & Amy" (5x22)
In the beloved Season 5 finale, Jake and Amy's wedding day finally arrives — but of course nothing goes according to plan. A bomb threat at the venue forces the squad to scramble for a solution, Boyle goes into full "best man mode," Gina looks to spin disaster into opportunity, and Holt anxiously awaits the results of his commissioner interview. Despite everything, Jake and Amy manage to pull off a beautiful, impromptu ceremony right outside the precinct — complete with a moving speech courtesy of Captain Holt and the surprise return of Melipnos. It's a joyous, chaos-filled celebration five seasons in the making that perfectly captures the sweetness behind Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
5. "The Last Day" (8x9-10)
Serving as the emotional and hilarious two-part series finale, "The Last Day" sends the beloved Nine-Nine squad off in spectacular fashion — with one last, over-the-top heist targeting a replica of Holt's Medal of Valor. As Jake prepares to leave the force and become a stay-at-home dad, he orchestrates the most elaborate contest yet as a heartfelt goodbye to his team. What follows is a turbocharged treasure hunt filled with double-crosses, callbacks, and surprises at every turn. It's a perfect blend of havoc and sentiment, honoroing the show's legacy while delivering big laughs and bigger emotions. In a TV landscape full of rushed farewells, Brooklyn Nine-Nine sticks the landing — funny, satisfying, and every bit the goodbye fans deserved.
4. "Coral Palms" (4x01-03)
The three-part opener to Season 4, "Coral Palms" is the closest thing fans ever got to a Brooklyn Nine-Nine movie. Now in Florida under witness protection, Jake spends his days selling ATVs, while Holt works at the local arcade and power-walks away the hours with a group of local gossip queens. But, when a chance to take down notorious mobster Jimmy Figgis presents itself, the two go rogue, commencing a high-stakes mission peppered with plenty of banter. Meanwhile back in Brooklyn, the squad scrambles to help, bringing the team back together for a fun-filled Florida showdown. With movie-level pacing, witty dialogue and a deeper look at the dynamic between Jake and Holt, this is Nine-Nine at full throttle — sun-soaked and absolutely unforgettable.
3. "HalloVeen" (5x04)
It's one bun to none, son! Easily the best heist episode of the lot, this Season 4 gem sees the squad competing for the most elegant and regal of prizes — a championship cummerbund — not to mention the title of "Amazing Human/Genius." As can be expected, a wild, unpredictable evening ensues with everything from remote-controlled cars to Holt's dog Cheddar being pressed into service all in the name of the game. However, the real surprise comes at the end when Jake turns the competition into a heartfelt proposal to Amy. It's a perfect twist that blends the show's trademark humor with genuine emotion, making for a truly unforgettable moment in Nine-Nine history. Throw in a few top-tier gags and more of that razor-sharp writing and it's easy to see why "HalloVeen" remains the ultimate blend of comedy and heart from start to finish.
2. "The Box" (5x14)
A masterclass in tension, timing and terrific acting, "The Box" sees Jake and Holt teaming up to crack a murder suspect played by the brilliant Sterling K. Brown. Set almost entirely in the precinct's interrogation room, this Season 5 standout is a hilariously gripping game of psychological chess, where every line lands and every expression matters. With the clock ticking down and their suspect lawyered up and cool under pressure, the duo's chemistry shines as they balance mind games, frustrations, and one high-speed monologue that proves just how good Jake is at his job. Smart, sharp and perfectly paced, this episode proves that Brooklyn Nine-Nine didn't need car chases or wild stunts to be great — just top-tier wiring, pitch-perfect delivery and a cast firing on all cylinders. Oh, and did we mention it netted Sterling K. Brown a Primetime Emmy nomination?
1. "9 Days" (3x12)
This episode takes top spot for being the one that never fails to make the laugh the hardest. When Jake and Holt contract the mumps while working a case, they're quarantined for nine excruciating days — complete with fevers, delirium and a trio of growing goitres they nickname Simon, Balthazar and Penelope. Despite the madness, and as Terry tries to keep the precinct running smoothly in their absence, the chemistry between Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher is exceptional, anchoring the comedy with genuine warmth and a full-blown hilarity that is second to none. It's not the most action-packed, nor are there any surprise cameos to sit up and take notice of. But, if you're looking for a laugh and proof that Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a shining example of modern comedic gold, you need look no further than this episode right here.
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