‘Brooklyn 99′ Snuck the Best Sitcom Joke in History Right Under Viewers’ Noses

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Sitcoms thrive on memorable lines, and shows like The Office, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory all gave us phrases that became instantly recognizable. NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine was no different, filled with funny running gags and catchphrases from characters like Jake Peralta, Terry Jeffords, and even the usually serious Captain Holt. However, one particularly clever joke from the show doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

Charles Boyle, played by Joe Lo Truglio, is the quirky, lovable oddball of the 99th Precinct. Known for his obsession with food, playful innuendos, and unwavering loyalty to Jake Peralta, he was often the target of jokes, or simply made people laugh with his unusual behavior. While he occasionally delivered a perfectly timed funny line – like his memorable “Diane Weist infection… like yeast!” – his absolute funniest moment, and arguably the best joke of the entire show, went completely unnoticed by viewers and his colleagues. True to character, it was a completely offhand and unintentional bit of comedy.

Charles Boyle Has the Best Joke in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’


Fox 

Season 3, Episode 11, “Hostage Situation,” is packed with memorable scenes, but the opening moments are arguably the most famous in the series. It starts with Captain Holt having his coffee knocked away by a street performer. Instead of resolving the conflict like a police officer, he playfully challenges the dancer, asking, “You call that dancing?” and then unexpectedly breaks into his own dance moves. The scene is full of funny lines, including Jake complaining, “Why is my phone always broken? I only paid $12 for it!” However, the most hilariously casual moment comes when Boyle tries to hand Jake his phone, fumbles it, and simply says…

“Oh, my hands are all covered in butter from making butter.”

The line itself isn’t particularly funny, but a perfect storm of circumstances makes it the show’s best joke. It’s brilliantly in character for Charles – a man who obsessively reviews pizza based on texture would absolutely make his own butter. What makes it even funnier is how ridiculous the whole situation is: Captain Holt is breakdancing, Jake’s questionable life choices include a spicy burrito and a cheap phone, and Boyle is covered in butter. And despite all this absurdity, the line is delivered with a perfectly straight face by Lo Truglio, as if someone casually mentioning buttery hands is completely normal.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Fans Understandably Missed the Joke

Even though it was a brilliantly funny line, most viewers completely missed it. When fans talk about the scene – often considered the show’s best cold open – Boyle’s comment is never brought up. But that’s not surprising, and it’s almost excusable, considering how much else is happening in the moment.

The humor in the scene comes from how surprising Captain Holt’s breakdancing is. This is compounded by Jake trying to film it, creating a layered comedic effect. Small details, like Jake’s poor-quality phone and Holt’s skill, keep adding to the joke. By the time Boyle delivers his memorable line about butter, it feels like just one more unexpected element in a series of funny moments – a delightful, escalating surprise.

All episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine are currently streaming on Peacock.

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2025-11-15 23:02