Everything is garbage! It's been announced that Brooklyn Nine-Nine will come to an end, again, with its eighth and final season. The show, produced by Universal Television, will begin airing its final, ten-episode season during the 2021-22 broadcast season. Originally, the rewatchable AF (as Frasier) police comedy ran for five seasons on Fox before it was canceled but then rescued by NBC for a sixth season. Season seven then arrived to rave reviews when it aired in spring 2020. Production on the eighth season is expected to restart "fairly soon," according to Andy Samberg.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which revolves around a group of hapless yet kindhearted cops patrolling the streets of Brooklyn, New York stars Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker, and Joel McKinnon Miller.
“I still remember the palpable excitement that night in 2018 when we announced Brooklyn Nine-Nine would be returning to its rightful home at NBC,” said Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “We’ve always loved these characters and the way they make us laugh while also masterfully weaving in storylines that make us reflect as well. A big thank you to our wonderful partners – Dan Goor, the writers, producers, and the incredibly talented cast and crew – for a comedy whose legacy will stand the test of time.”
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine has been one of the jewels in our comedy crown. It’s had an incredible run across not one but two networks, garnered widespread acclaim and captured the hearts of fans all over the world,” added Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher and our entire wonderful ensemble, and our amazingly talented writers, producers, and crew. And a special thanks to our brilliant showrunner Dan Goor, who could have rested on his laurels after season one but never took his foot off the hilarious gas pedal. B99, it’s been Noice.”
“I’m so thankful to NBC and Universal Television for allowing us to give these characters and our fans the ending they deserve,” said executive producer Dan Goor. “When Mike Schur and I first pitched the pilot episode to Andy, he said, ‘I’m in, but I think the only way to tell this story is over exactly 153 episodes,’ which was crazy because that was exactly the number Mike and I had envisioned."
“I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with this amazing cast and crew for eight seasons. They are not only among the most talented people in the business, they are all good human beings who have become a family. But most of all, I feel lucky that we have had the best fans in the world. Fans who literally saved us from cancellation. Fans who fill us with joy. Ending the show was a difficult decision, but ultimately, we felt it was the best way to honor the characters, the story, and our viewers. I know some people will be disappointed it’s ending so soon, but honestly, I’m grateful it lasted this long. Title of my sex tape,” he added.
While I'm bound to be broken up about this news for quite some time – Brooklyn Nine-Nine is my "comfort watch" sitcom – I can't say that I'm surprised. Not only has production on the eighth season of the show been at the mercy of the pandemic, but New York City cops aren't exactly looking good these days. Back in June 2020, it was reported that the NBC comedy opted to scrap all the episodes written for season eight in light of nationwide protests against police violence. Knowing that they'd have to take a different approach to their comedic formula, the cast met to talk about how they could address the issues of systemic racism and police brutality in the upcoming episodes. “We’ve had a lot of somber talks about it and deep conversations, and we hope through this, we’re going to make something that will be truly groundbreaking this year. We have an opportunity, and we plan to use it in the best way possible,” said Terry Crews at the time, who stars as Lieutenant Terry Jeffords on the show.
I'll tell you this. NBC better be making plans for a Brooklyn Nine-Nine Complete Series Box Set after the show comes to an end or we're going to have words. Where else am I going to get my Peraltiago fix, Holt's words of wisdom, Charles' blissfully ignorant sexual innuendos, or Terry's odes to Mango-flavored yogurt? I suppose that all we can do for now is salute one of the best comedies of recent years. Say it with me, everybody, Nine-Nine!