Brooklyn 99's behind-the-scenes secrets perfectly align with its funny and innovative concept. This beloved comedy series, which premiered in 2013, quickly gained a loyal fan base thanks to its offbeat humor and spontaneous moments. The talented and hilarious cast, led by Andy Samberg as Jake, played a significant role in the show's immense success, spanning eight acclaimed seasons and 153 episodes.
What sets this comedic series apart is its willingness to tackle complex issues head-on, distinguishing it from other formulaic comedies that rely on tired jokes and predictable antics. Brooklyn 99's originality shines through its embrace of new ideas and the ability to embrace mistakes, ultimately shaping the core essence of the show. For instance, a spontaneous line uttered by Samberg unintentionally became Jake's iconic Brooklyn 99 catchphrase. Clearly, the camaraderie and on-set chemistry between the actors and creators played a pivotal role in establishing Brooklyn 99 as a one-of-a-kind hit.
10 Brooklyn 99's Jake & Gina Actors Really Were Childhood Friends
9 Brooklyn 99's Terry Was Written Specifically For Terry Crews
The main characters in Brooklyn 99, Jake and Gina, were actually childhood friends who grew up together. Samberg and Peretti, who portray these characters in the show, attended the same elementary school. In fact, during a 2014 interview on Conan, Peretti revealed that she had a major crush on Samberg during their school days. Throughout their respective entertainment careers, the two remained friends, eventually leading to their reunion on-screen in Brooklyn 99.
Terry Jeffords's character in Brooklyn 99 was tailored specifically for Terry Crews, which makes perfect sense considering the numerous similarities and shared personality traits between the real-life Terry and his on-screen counterpart. Crews is widely recognized for his larger-than-life presence and undeniable charisma that can effortlessly illuminate any room. Moreover, Crews's prior experiences in football and as a professional police sketch artist make brief appearances on screen throughout the show.
8 Brooklyn 99's Rosa's Bisexuality Storyline Was Based On Actor's Personal Life
Brooklyn 99's Rosa's bisexual storyline was inspired by actor Stephanie Beatriz's personal experiences. It wasn't until the show's fifth season that Rosa confided in her coworkers about her bisexuality, which Beatriz had previously shared on social media. This fresh perspective on Rosa's character allowed Beatriz to authentically represent bisexual individuals on screen, and she was thrilled to be a part of it.
7 Brooklyn 99's Amy Actor Was A Real-Life Professional Dancer
Melissa Fumero, who plays Amy in Brooklyn 99, is not only a talented actress but also a skilled dancer. This explains why her character often entertains us with hilarious dance moves that perfectly capture her personality. Fumero actually started her career as a professional dancer, with her very first job being a ballet teacher. According to Fumero herself, she used to be extremely competitive when it came to dancing, which is why it's fitting that her character in Brooklyn 99 has a collection of "dorky" dances that continue to make us laugh.
6 Andy Samberg's First TV Job Was Filmed On Brooklyn 99's Lot
5 Brooklyn 99's Gina Was Written Specifically For Chelsea Peretti
Andy Samberg began his foray into the entertainment industry by working on the very lot where Brooklyn 99 was eventually shot. At the time, Samberg served as a production assistant for Spin City, a television series that ran from 1996 to 2002 and centered around the Mayor of New York. His responsibilities included ensuring that everyone on set was provided with their meals. It was not until more than a decade later that Samberg was granted his own personalized parking spot in the same lot, this time for the filming of Brooklyn 99.
Gina from Brooklyn 99 was tailor-made for Chelsea Peretti, who initially tried out for the part of Rosa. Despite not landing the role, Peretti humbly disclosed that her audition impressed the creators of Brooklyn 99 so much that they specifically crafted the character of Gina to fit her. It's difficult to imagine Peretti as Rosa now, but the creators' decision to create a bespoke role for her ultimately proved successful in the long term.
4 Brooklyn 99's Jake & Amy Actors Chemistry Tested "Through The Roof"
3 Brooklyn 99's Scully & Hitchcock Were Named After Show's Producers
- Samberg and Fumero of Brooklyn 99 instantly clicked when they started working together. Audiences were blown away by their chemistry during auditions, making it an obvious choice to cast them as love interests. Their unique bond and ease with each other quickly solidified the success of their on-screen relationship.
The characters Scully and Hitchcock on Brooklyn 99 were named in honor of the show's producers, Norm Hiscock and Mike Scully. This choice was a tribute to their immense contributions to the show, as they have also worked on Parks & Recreation and are integral members of the Brooklyn 99 team. By naming the characters after them, it highlights the significant impact that Hiscock and Scully have had on the incredible success of Brooklyn 99.
2 Brooklyn 99's Jake's Obsession With Die Hard Inspired By Samberg
Brooklyn 99's infatuation with Die Hard films stems from Andy Samberg's genuine admiration for the timeless action movies. Although Samberg may not share the same level of commitment as his character on Brooklyn 99, he made strenuous efforts to secure Bruce Willis as a guest star on the show. In the series, Jake unequivocally declares Die Hard as the ultimate cop movie, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with his profession. Despite the numerous notable guests who have graced the screens of Brookyln 99 before, Samberg was regrettably unable to recruit Willis for an appearance.
1 Brooklyn 99's Rosa Actor Originally Auditioned For Amy
Stephanie Beatriz, known for her role as Rosa in Brooklyn 99, initially auditioned for the character of Amy. Originally, Amy's character was intended to be Latina, which would have been a fitting choice for Beatriz. However, the role of Amy was ultimately given to Fumero instead. Beatriz did receive a callback to audition alongside Samberg as Amy, but due to the undeniable chemistry between Fumero and Samberg, she did not get the part. If she had been cast as Amy, Rosa may have never revealed her bisexuality on Brooklyn 99, potentially altering the show's trajectory in later seasons.