Brooklyn Nine-Nine was not only a police sitcom set in New York—it was a study in balancing off-the-wall humor, brilliant writing, and unlooked-for emotional resonance. In eight seasons, the 99th Precinct treated us to high-risk heists, Die Hard homages, slow-burning romances, and a cold open hall of fame’s worth of jokes. But out of the 150+ episodes, there are a few that are the heartbeat and soul of the show—episodes that left us laughing hysterically, tearing up unexpectedly, and proudly yelling “Nine-Nine!” without a shred of shame. Let’s get into the 10 greatest episodes that made Brooklyn Nine-Nine brilliant.
10. “Lights Out” (Season 7, Episode 13)
New York City blacks out, and of course, chaos ensues—but even a blackout can’t slow down Amy’s baby. This is a masterclass in all the show does best: breakneck pacing, wisecracks nonstop, and actual heart. The team must pull together to rescue Jake and Amy as she gives birth, and it’s as hilarious as it is emotional. Jake’s panic, Amy’s strength, Rosa’s straight-shooting encouragement—it all mingles with a crazy and hospitable farewell to Season 7. The arrival of baby Mac is a moment of hope in the tempest.
9. “Cinco de Mayo” (Season 6, Episode 16)
The heist tradition is so hallowed, even the calendar can’t hold it. When Terry begins to spiral out of control about his lieutenant’s test, the crew moves their traditional Halloween robbery to May 5th. What ensues is a glorious mess of double-crosses, trap doors, and turns. For once, the limelight’s on Terry, and he does not fail. The episode is filled with absurd plans, surprising betrayals, and a series finale reveal that is both funny and touching. It’s the kind of mayhem only this crew can manage.
8. “The Fugitive” (Season 4, Episodes 11 & 12)
When a prison convoy crashes, the city is overrun with fugitives, and Jake and Amy make an instant wager out of it. These two episodes are a mini-action film, with chase scenes, jokes, and an unexpected sentimental moment from Jake when he lets Amy win. Their dynamic receives a subtle but strong kick here, and we get another dose of Doug Judy magic as well. The fun factor and character development balance in this one make this a double feature you’ll want to watch again.
7. “Beach House” (Season 2, Episode 12)
A beach vacation for detectives only goes off the rails when Jake invites Holt to participate. What could’ve been a weekend of relaxation turns into one awkward attempt after another to bond with their very formal captain. It’s peak ensemble energy, with unforgettable moments like “Five Drink Amy,” “Weekend Terry,” and Boyle being, well, Boyle. By the time Holt finally loosens up, the whole squad feels more connected than ever. It’s low-stakes, high-reward comedy at its finest.
6. “Greg and Larry” (Season 3, Episode 23)
Secrets are revealed, betrayal is at stake, and there’s a last-minute rescue mission for Captain Holt—this episode begins the Florida storyline in high gear. Amy and Boyle are left stranded to get out of the hospital, while Jake and Rosa scramble to halt an insider danger. It’s a turning point for the show, where the humor doesn’t halt, but the stakes begin to feel genuine. The tension never overtakes the humor, and everybody gets an opportunity to shine. It’s messy, emotional, and flowingly entertaining.
5. “The Honeypot” (Season 6, Episode 7)
When Holt believes that his assistant is flirting with him, things blow into a spy-worthy investigation that’s equal parts ridiculous and smart. What begins as a mild paranoia soon becomes a mission with double agents and gross messages. Holt’s deadpan humor blended with the team’s out-of-control theories makes this episode a comedic gem. Every joke hits, every moment counts, and it’s one of those episodes where the subplot becomes the entire show.
4. “Jake & Amy” (Season 5, Episode 22)
It wouldn’t be a true sitcom without a wedding episode, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine delivers big. Jake and Amy’s long-awaited big day doesn’t go as planned (because, of course, it doesn’t), but that’s part of the charm. Between Cheddar the dog eating the cake, toasts gone wrong, and an impromptu venue change, the whole thing feels chaotic but authentic. At the heart is a romance we’ve been rooting for since the pilot. They say “I do,” and we say “finally.”
3. “The Box” (Season 5, Episode 14)
Remember the gags for a moment—this is raw, unadorned tension. Jake and Holt spend the entire episode questioning a murder suspect in one room, and the payoff is compelling. The writing is razor-sharp, the acting is intense, and guest star Sterling K. Brown is nothing short of phenomenal. But this episode doesn’t need cutaways or subplots—just three people in a room and the psychological warfare between them. A rare but brilliant departure from the show’s usual rhythm.
2. “HalloVeen” (Season 5, Episode 4)
Just when you can’t imagine the Halloween heist gets any better, Jake turns the script around and asks Amy to marry him amid the pandemonium. It‘s one of the series’ greatest emotional rewards, tucked away within one of its most dysfunctional traditions. The episode is packed with surprises, backstabs, and impeccable combinations of humor and authenticity. And naturally, there’s that one scene where Jake drops to a knee. It’s surprising, elated, and well-deserved.
1. “The Last Day, Part II” (Season 8, Episode 10)
How do you say goodbye to a show like this? With one last, complicated heist. The series finale doesn’t simply check off fan service—it earns it. Each character receives their turn, from Rosa’s subdued choice regarding her future to Holt’s tearful reveal, and even Hitchcock and Scully enjoy a cliffhanger victory. There are flashbacks, callbacks, and plenty of last laughs. And when Jake walks out of the precinct for the last time, it’s hard not to feel it in your chest.
It’s the perfect sendoff for a squad that became family, not just to each other, but to all of us watching. Brooklyn Nine-Nine might be done, but its greatest episodes pack just the same punch. Revisiting for the jokes or hanging in there for the feels, these scenes show that the Nine-Nine legacy has nowhere to go but up.