The series finale of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, titled "The Last Day," aired on September 16, 2021, bringing a close to the beloved NBC and Fox sitcom that had spent eight seasons building a sprawling family. This episode masterfully balanced the procedural comedy the show is known for with the emotional weight of saying goodbye, ensuring that the conclusion felt earned rather than rushed.
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Precinct
From the outset, "The Last Day" understood the duality of the series finale: it needed to function as a satisfying police procedural while also serving as a heartfelt goodbye. The cold open immediately set the tone, pairing the high-stakes arrest of a serial killer with the mundane chaos of the squad preparing for Jake and Amy’s wedding. This juxtaposition highlighted the show’s core strength, finding humor in the stressful and stakes in the silly, reminding viewers that the heart of the show was always the relationships, not just the cases.
Tying Up Narrative Threads
The episode excelled at providing closure for long-running character arcs without feeling predictable. Jake Peralta’s journey from a talented but immature detective to a devoted husband and father was given the perfect bookend as he chose to stay in New York to support Amy’s Chief of Staff ambitions, a selfless decision that solidified his growth. For Captain Holt, the finale delivered a poignant moment of validation as he finally achieved the Commissioner rank, his stoic demeanor barely cracking to reveal a deep sense of pride and relief. Meanwhile, the quiet but powerful conclusion for Terry Jeffords, as he stepped back into a role that allowed him to be present for his family, felt like a genuine and welcome evolution for the character.
Character | Arc in the Finale | Outcome
Jake Peralta | Balancing career ambitions with family | Supports Amy's new role, finds balance
Captain Holt | Pursuit of the Commissioner title | Achieves his goal, reflects on legacy
Gina Linetti | Seeking purpose beyond the precinct | Leaves on a high note, ready for new ventures
Charles Boyle | Coping with loss and moving forward | Finds new purpose in fatherhood and work
The Supporting Cast Shines
While the main ensemble took center stage, the finale ensured the supporting characters received their due. Gina Linetti’s chaotic energy provided consistent laughs, but her final scene, a heartfelt toast to Holt, added a layer of sincerity that acknowledged her unique way of showing love. Kevin Cozner’s recurring presence was a welcome treat, and his interactions with Rosa Diaz offered a glimpse into a potential future for the detective. The episode also gave due reverence to the legends of the 99th Precinct, like Jimmy Brogan, whose presence served as a reminder of the rich history the show had built.
Humor with Heart
Brooklyn Nine-Nine never abandoned its comedic roots, and "The Last Day" was packed with the show’s signature rapid-fire jokes and visual gags. The wedding planning subplot, filled with Amy’s controlling nature and Jake’s laid-back chaos, was a consistent source of laughs. However, the humor always felt grounded in character. A joke about a cursed chair or Holt’s inability to say "I love you" works because it reveals something true about the person, making the laughs feel like an extension of the storytelling rather than a distraction from it.
