Top 10 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Moments That Made Us Happy Cry

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” has been praised for its LGBTQ+ characters, especially Captain Raymond Holt. In this Season One episode, we’re introduced to Holt’s husband Kevin when the precinct is invited to the captain’s birthday party. The night goes awry due in part to the precinct’s shenanigans, although Kevin’s snobby comments don’t help. Being a smarter detective than he looks, Jake deduces that Kevin was rude because of how other cops have treated him and Holt in the past. Showing how much they care about Holt and his marriage, the 99 pitches in to give the couple a romantic dinner. Kevin finds that the 99 might not be perfect, but they’ll never make his husband feel marginalized. Scully’s operatic singing chops are a testament to that.

After six months in witness protection, Jake is finally reunited with Amy. Still, being a part for such a long time can put a strain on a relationship. People change and not everyone can pick up where they left off. After Amy accidentally punches Jake hello, the two awkwardly try to get back into sync. It takes a few botched kisses and Amy shooting Jake in the leg while pursuing the bad guy, but the couple soon get back on the same page. For a moment, we were worried that the showrunners might break Jake and Amy up only to get them back together later down the line. Thankfully, their bond is strong enough to overcome time, distance, and even a bullet.

Before adopting his son Nikolaj, Boyle’s pride and joy was his dog, Jason. When Jason goes to the big fire hydrant in the sky, Rosa attempts to lift Boyle’s spirits by getting him a new dog. Boyle finds this insulting since he’s still in mourning and another puppy - no matter how adorable - can’t fill the void. Rosa doesn’t understand Boyles’ grief until she spends some time with Arlo the puppy. Rosa comes to view Arlo as a member of her family, finding that she would also be an emotional wreck if anything happened to her dog. Giving Jason a funeral and Boyle some closure, Rosa proves there’s more in her heart than a motorcycle helmet. Plus, we get to hear more of Scully’s angelic singing!

We’ve never doubted Jake’s love for Amy. Like many people, though, Jake still struggles to say the L-word around his significant other, even when he’s talking about Carousel Cruises. It’s clear that Amy will have to take the first step, which she does on a romantic cruise. Initially, Jake deflects Amy’s “I love you” with his signature humor. Maybe Doug Judy inspired him to be more open or maybe Jake could no longer deny what’s been in his heart, but he finally tells Amy that he loves her too. It’s a “noice” moment that’s elevated by the look of surprise and affection on Amy’s face. If only they had selected a slightly less depressing spot to dance.

At first, Amy and Jake struggle to conceive a child. Their commitment throughout this difficult period makes it all the more uplifting when Amy tells Jake that she’s pregnant. As is the case with any pregnancy, more challenges await. Amy goes into labor at the worst possible time with a blackout across Brooklyn and Jake out on duty. As Jake races against the clock, Amy has no choice but to give birth at the precinct. Thanks to Rosa’s support, Lieutenant Peanut Butter’s speed, and Salt-n-Pepa’s “Push It,” everything comes together in time for the delivery. Jake and Amy settle down with little McClane later at the hospital. While even more challenges await the new parents, both feel assured knowing that they’re doing this together.

Of all the characters, Holt and Rosa are perhaps the most emotionally guarded, or at least the most stone-faced. Both let down their defenses when Rosa is framed along with Jake. Suspecting how the trial will go, Rosa decides to skip town under the alias Rachel Weinstein. By the way, Stephanie Beatriz’s knack for different voices never ceases to amaze us. Tracking Diaz down, Holt tells Rosa that she’ll be missed by her family, and he isn’t merely talking about her biological one. Holt’s fatherly words get to Rosa, who ultimately shows up to court. While the trial goes as Rosa feared, justice is eventually served. After spending months behind bars, we were all relieved to see Rosa and Jake reunite with their 99 family.

We always have high expectations for the show’s Halloween episodes, but this one caught us off guard in the best way possible. In the latest Halloween heist, everyone tries to be one step ahead of everyone else. Even the audience is left guessing who has the upper hand throughout. It turns out that the champion cummerbund doesn’t matter, however. It’s what’s inscribed on the belt: a marriage proposal from Jake to Amy. Halloween isn’t usually seen as a romantic holiday. Given what the heist means to Jake, Amy, and the rest of the 99, though, it’s an unusually perfect time to pop the question. While October 31 will always hold a special place in Jake’s heart, April 28 may be the most important day.

When we meet Roger Peralta, Jake practically worships the ground he walks on and the sky he flies through. However, Jake slowly comes to accept that Roger has been an absent father and will continue to disappoint him. After getting blown off yet again, Jake summons the courage to tell Roger that until he makes an effort to be a better father, he doesn’t want to see him again. It’s not the happiest resolution, but knowing that Holt is proud of him brings a slight smile to Jake’s face. While Jake and Roger do reconcile down the line, Holt will always be his true father figure. This bittersweet ending goes to show that it takes more than blood to form a family bond.

After coming out as bisexual in the previous episode, Rosa attempts to keep the truth hidden from her parents by having Jake pretend to be her date. Rosa is driven to tell her parents everything upon realizing just how deep their prejudice runs. A game of Pictionary only intensifies matters, but Rosa’s father eventually comes around. He may have a long way to go, but Mr. Diaz lets his daughter know that he loves and accepts her no matter what. While they decide to put game night on hiatus until Mrs. Diaz comes to terms, Rosa has her 99 family to play with. As Holt promises Rosa, things do get better with her mother as the two reunite the following season.

We waited five seasons for Jake and Amy to tie the knot - and Boyle waited even longer than that. Although they’re a classic opposites-attract couple, you never doubt that Jake and Amy are made for each other. Amy balances out Jake’s impulsive tendencies while he inspires her to take chances. Five years ago, Jake wasn’t mature enough to settle down and Amy would’ve had a meltdown if an important day didn’t go according to plan. When the two come together at the end of an impromptu aisle, it becomes apparent how much they’ve changed one another. They’re still the same people at their cores, however, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, that’s the person they fell in love with.