Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

As a devoted fan who’s seen every episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine more times than I care to admit (and that’s saying something!), I must say that the show’s Thanksgiving episodes are nothing short of a delightful feast for my comedy-loving soul. Each one is as delectable as a perfectly seasoned turkey, with just the right blend of humor, heart, and hilarity.


Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to this day, continues to rank among the finest sitcoms set in a workplace, owing to its endearing characters and unique blend of standalone episodes revolving around cases with ongoing story arcs. Moreover, it is renowned for crafting some exceptional holiday-themed episodes, particularly those centered on Halloween, Christmas, and undeniably, Thanksgiving.

Discussing Thanksgiving episodes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine showcases the remarkable camaraderie that transformed a team of unconventional partners into a bonded family who share triumphs and hardships equally. It’s no surprise these episodes hold a special place for fans. However, some episodes really shine while others might not be as memorable – this is simply the way it goes. As we gear up for our Thanksgiving marathon of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, let’s rank every episode based on its holiday setting instead.

5. “Lockdown” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

In this rephrased version: The least effective episode of the TV series’ Thanksgiving lineup revolves around a dubious package filled with white powder, which necessitates a lockdown at the police station. With Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) and Terry (Terry Crews) absent, Jake (Andy Samberg) grapples with managing during the emergency, resulting in swift disorder within the precinct.

This episode struggles by dividing the main cast and failing to capture the cozy charm that typically marks Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s holiday episodes. Although it does contain some humorous scenes, particularly Jake’s growing efforts to keep things under control, the limited setting and omission of traditional Thanksgiving aspects make it feel more like a regular episode set on the holiday. Unfortunately, the plotline centered around enforcing quarantine measures overpowers any heartwarming holiday moments or character progression that previous Thanksgiving episodes have masterfully presented.

4. “Two Turkeys” (Season 5, Episode 7)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

In “Two Turkeys,” Jake and Amy (Melissa Fumero) endeavor to entertain both sets of parents during Thanksgiving. Although the plot had promise, it leans excessively on typical sitcom tropes about conflict between families. The episode manages to excel in its minor scenes, particularly an amusing subplot featuring Captain Holt’s search for his misplaced pie that highlights Braugher’s exceptional comedic delivery. Furthermore, the parents’ interactions elicit genuine chuckles. Nevertheless, the narrative fails to break free from the conventional structure of “first-time in-laws meeting,” which diminishes its appeal compared to other Thanksgiving episodes.

Although there were some issues, the episode rightfully earns recognition for setting up crucial family dynamics that proved significant in future seasons, notably by depicting how Jake and Amy deal with their distinct family histories.

3. “Ava” (Season 3, Episode 8)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

As a gamer, I’ve always been on the lookout for unique experiences, and “Ava” gave me just that when they unveiled the legendary Tommy Gobbler costume worn by Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) – a character detail that would go on to become an adored staple in future Thanksgiving episodes.

The central storyline of this episode centers on Sharon (Merrin Dungey) giving birth to Terry’s third daughter at the precinct during Thanksgiving festivities. The scriptwriters skillfully employ the holiday frenzy to delve into the team’s dynamics under stress, effectively resolving several subplots in a single episode. This multi-tasking is quite impressive. Even amidst the general chaos that each member of the squad is experiencing, “Ava” manages to preserve the warm family ambiance we appreciate in Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Thanksgiving specials. Consequently, Ava’s birth turns out to be a significant event that unites the entire precinct in joyous celebration.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement when I mention that “Ava” features a standout guest role by Nick Offerman as Holt’s former beau, who lends a hand in the delivery room. It’s an unspoken rule among fans: whenever Offerman is on screen, any episode instantly becomes better!

2. “Mr. Santiago” (Season 4, Episode 7)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

As a devoted fan, I’d say “Mr. Santiago” is a top-notch exploration into character-driven comedy, focusing on my encounter with Amy’s dad for the first time. Just as anticipated, my efforts to win over Mr. Santiago (played by Jimmy Smits) ended up blowing up in my face, providing plenty of laughs. But what truly sets this episode apart is its exceptional character development – it shows me evolving from a guy who shies away from commitments into someone ready to confront his fears for Amy. Moreover, it delves deep into challenging archaic gender and relationship norms, making it even more relatable. To top it off, the subplot featuring Boyle bringing a live turkey to butcher adds all the chaotic fun that Brooklyn Nine-Nine is known for!

In this particular installment, we delve deeper into Amy’s family relationships and Jake’s dedication towards them, all while maintaining the comedic essence that the show is renowned for, by cleverly incorporating a holiday backdrop.

1. “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 10)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

The initial holiday episode is considered the benchmark for exceptional holiday episodes within “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” This episode masterfully intertwines several plotlines: Amy’s earnest effort to win over Holt with a meticulously planned dinner and a lengthy, detailed toast; Jake’s emotional disclosure of his past Thanksgiving hardships; and the debut of “Boyle Bingo.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my thoughts on the episode titled “Thanksgiving.” This installment earns some well-deserved bonus points for setting the tone for how the show handles holiday episodes – by skillfully blending laughter with heartfelt moments. The scene where Jake recognizes the precinct as his chosen family is one of the standout moments from the first season, and that’s saying something given the exceptional quality of the entire season. In essence, this episode encapsulates everything that transformed Brooklyn Nine-Nine into the hit series it became. You tune in for the humor, but you keep coming back because of its profound emotional connections.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is currently available for streaming on Peacock and Hulu.

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2024-11-17 02:10