Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of the better network sitcoms of the 2010s—genuinely funny, surprisingly heartfelt, and more thoughtful about representation than most comedies. It's got the workplace-family vibe of Parks and Rec with a police procedural twist.

That said, this is NOT a family show despite what the silly promos suggest. There's constant sexual humor, adult relationship content, and crime scenarios that younger kids shouldn't be processing. If your teen is 13+ and you're okay with TV-14 content, this is a solid choice that'll actually make them laugh (rare!) while sneaking in some genuinely good messages about diversity, growth, and friendship.

The show's handling of Captain Holt as a gay Black police captain is particularly well-done—respectful, funny, and meaningful without being preachy. It's also one of the few cop shows that actually addresses police bias and misconduct, though it doesn't dwell there.

Bottom line: Great for teens and adults who want comedy with heart. Just don't let your 10-year-old watch it because Jake makes fart jokes and then expect it to be Bluey.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who can handle adult humor and crime-related content. The goofy tone might appeal to tweens, but the sexual jokes and mature themes make it firmly teen-and-up territory. Adults will enjoy it just as much, if not more.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Brooklyn Nine-Nine models strong workplace camaraderie, genuine friendships across differences, and characters who grow emotionally over time. The ensemble cast demonstrates loyalty, support, and kindness while navigating conflicts. However, the show includes some crude humor, occasional relationship drama, and workplace antics that sometimes model immaturity rather than responsibility. The tone is generally upbeat and optimistic, with conflicts resolved through communication and teamwork.

Imaginative

65

The show demonstrates creativity in its comedic approach to police procedural format, with clever heist episodes, Halloween competitions, and creative problem-solving scenarios. However, it's primarily a workplace sitcom following established genre conventions rather than pushing boundaries of imagination. The humor is clever and the character dynamics are well-crafted, but it doesn't invite active creativity or exploration from viewers—it's consumable entertainment rather than participatory.

Safe

62

As a police comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine includes crime scenarios, occasional violence (mostly off-screen or played for laughs), references to serious crimes including murder, and adult themes. The show contains sexual humor, innuendo, occasional profanity (bleeped or mild), drinking scenes, and relationship content that goes beyond what younger children should encounter. While it's significantly lighter than gritty crime dramas and avoids graphic content, parents should expect PG-13/TV-14 level material including jokes about sex, bodies, and adult situations. The show handles serious topics like discrimination and bias thoughtfully, but they're still mature themes.

Enriching

72

Brooklyn Nine-Nine tackles meaningful themes including workplace diversity, LGBTQ+ representation (Captain Holt's storyline), racial bias in policing, found family, and personal growth. Characters demonstrate emotional intelligence, learn from mistakes, and support each other through challenges. The show addresses serious social issues with humor but also genuine respect. It models healthy relationships, apologizing when wrong, and standing up for principles. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused comedy rather than deeply educational content, and the laugh-track pacing prioritizes jokes over deeper exploration.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny ensemble cast with excellent chemistry and quotable one-liners that teens will repeat endlessly
Thoughtful representation of diversity, including one of TV's best LGBTQ+ characters in Captain Holt, handled with respect and humor
Models healthy workplace relationships, emotional growth, and friends supporting each other through life's challenges
Addresses real issues like racial bias in policing while maintaining comedic tone—rare balance that sparks good conversations
Characters actually learn and evolve over seasons, showing that goofballs can mature without losing their charm

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What to Watch For

Lots of sexual humor, innuendo, and relationship content—this is not a kids' show despite the goofy vibe
Crime scenarios include references to murder, assault, and other serious offenses (played for comedy but still present)
Occasional drinking scenes and references to adult situations that require context for younger viewers
Some episodes tackle heavy topics like discrimination, assault, and police brutality—handled well but intense

Conversation Starters

"Captain Holt faces discrimination for being gay and Black in the police force—how does the show handle those storylines?"
"Jake starts out as a total man-child—what makes him grow up over the series, and is he a better detective for it?"
"The show makes fun of police work but also shows cops as heroes—what do you think about how it portrays law enforcement?"
"Amy and Jake's relationship develops from rivals to partners—what makes their dynamic work compared to other TV couples?"
"Which Halloween heist was the best and why is it obviously the one where [your favorite character] won?"

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