A Love Letter to Brooklyn Nine-Nine and the Legendary Captain Holt

From the very first “Nine-Nine!” chant to the final precinct farewell, Brooklyn Nine-Nine carved out a place in our hearts with its perfect blend of absurd humor, heartfelt moments, and a cast of characters so endearing that they feel like family. It’s more than just a sitcom—it’s a celebration of found family, loyalty, and the beautiful chaos of being human. And at the center of it all stands the stoic, brilliant, and utterly iconic Captain Raymond Holt.

The Ensemble That Became a Family

Jake Peralta’s boyish charm and relentless pursuit of justice. Amy Santiago’s Type-A ambition and binder obsession. Rosa Diaz’s leather-clad mystery and quiet vulnerability. Terry Jeffords’ yogurt-loving strength and fatherly warmth. Charles Boyle’s boundless enthusiasm and culinary quirks. Gina Linetti’s surreal confidence and meme-worthy wisdom. Together, they formed a squad that was as dysfunctional as it was deeply loving.

Each character brought something unique to the table, and the show never shied away from letting them grow. We watched them fall in love, face fears, chase dreams, and support each other through it all. The writing was sharp, the jokes were fast, and the emotional beats hit hard—especially when they came from the most unexpected source.

Enter: Captain Raymond Holt

Andre Braugher’s portrayal of Captain Holt is nothing short of masterful. Known for his dramatic roles, Braugher defied expectations on their head by delivering comedy through restraint. Holt’s deadpan delivery, rigid formality, and love for his husband Kevin and his dog Cheddar created a character who was both hilarious and deeply moving.

Holt wasn’t just a source of laughs—he was a trailblazer. As a Black, gay police captain, his character broke barriers and brought representation to the forefront without ever reducing him to a stereotype. His mentorship of Jake, his rivalry with Madeline Wuntch, his unexpected love for classical music and robot competitions—all of it added layers to a man who, on paper, seemed emotionless but was actually full of heart.

Braugher’s ability to make Holt’s rare smiles feel like triumphs, his subtle emotional shifts feel seismic, and his one-liners (“The English language cannot fully capture the depth and complexity of my thoughts, so I’m incorporating emojis into my speech to better express myself. Winky face.”) become instant classics is a testament to his brilliance.

Why We’ll Always Love Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In a world that often feels chaotic, Brooklyn Nine-Nine gave us a place to laugh, cry, and feel seen. It tackled serious issues—racial profiling, LGBTQ+ rights, workplace dynamics—with grace and humor. It reminded us that leadership can be quiet and powerful, that friendship can be weird and wonderful, and that even the most serious among us can have a soft spot for a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

So here’s to the Nine-Nine. To the squad that made us laugh until we cried. To the precinct that felt like home. And most of all, to Captain Raymond Holt—whose quiet dignity, unwavering integrity, and unexpected sass made him one of the greatest characters in television history. Rest in Peace Andre Braugher and thank you for making the world a little brighter with your incredible performance as Captain Raymond Holt. 

If you haven’t watched Brooklyn Nine-Nine yet, be sure to check it out on Netflix and/or Peacock, and we hope you enjoy it just as much as we do.

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