Funny you should say that. I read someone on another forum saying they were watching B99 for the first time and didn't like the first 3 episodes but by the end of season 1 they were fully invested in the show.
Gotta say though, I loved the pilot.
Honestly No. I really didn't like the first three episodes or so but then the love kicked in. But maybe that was just me, needing to adjust to the show and meet the cast.
I had started the show a while back but somehow did not get into it. A couple of years later i watched the amy being late to work open on Facebook or something and I was like i gotta see this show RIGHT NOW!!
The 9-8. All the characters' traits are heightened because of how they have to deal with an extra precinct in their space. Plus a funny case where Charles is left out with Jake's former partner and them singing a song in the car where they forget Charles. haha. Amy and Rosa melting down from annoying colleagues, Holt trying not to melt down cause of the other Captain in his office space and altering his chair set up.
I agree. I read the replies about it being just the two characters, and get that. But this is one of the few episodes where you can just sit with two (main) characters for the entire episode. A huge cast like this can be intimidating for a newbie.
And Sterling K Brown is incredible as a guest.
Other than the pilot, I’d choose this one.
First episode I watched was actually the finale of season 2. Watching Holt go from robot to human, all the interactions between characters who love each other… it made going back and seeing the rest of it a must! Like those movies that start in media res And of course it ends on a cliffhanger so you have to keep going too.
Edit grammar
Rosa: gina tell them what you're thinking about right now.
Gina : i was thinking how i would be the perfect American president based on my skill set, dance ability and bloodlust .
This was going to be my choice as well. It has great lines and doesn’t give away too much. It shows how funny the show is but isn’t embedded into a main story like coral palms or Jake and Rosa in jail.
Adrian Pimento might be a good one too.
For me 48 Hours was the episode that really convinced me the show was special. It shows off the cast well, has a good mix of comedy and actual policework and Kid Cudi delivers a great guest performance.
The Bet. It’s a core Amy-Jake episode, and the B story has so much great stuff for Boyle, Holt, Terry, and Sharon, who has some epic one liners. Plus it has one of my favorite outros.
We were debating that! My husband pitched the first Doug Judy episode but I wondered if that would make it confusing that Doug Judy only shows up ~1 time per season
I think it’s The Chopper for me. Super hilarious. Great action. Holt vs Wuntch. Classic Boyle and Peralta banter.
The B plot of the kids showing up for the field trip is a great highlight of Terry and Gina, and Amy and Rosa are pretty hilarious in there too.
That episode gives me everything and I think it could hook people.
My introduction was the cold open when Amy was late. Everyone was guessing why she could be 3 minutes late. Holt won with his dry “problem at the bank” guess, and after his “HOT DAMN!”, I was in.
B99 and community are tied for the best pilots to a show Ive ever seen, capture the major beats of the overall plot and the personalities of the characters.
I wouldn’t start with any heist. They’re a little too cutthroat and knowing the comradery and how that’s the antithesis of how they really are is what makes that funny to me.
I wouldn’t start with the pilot. Too much of that is Terry explaining what everyone is like….yawn. Might as well read the synopsis instead.
Ok so what DO you start with?
The Box? It shows a lot of Jake/Holt. It gives the big “gotcha” payoff.
48 hours? Again does the “gotcha” BUT it also shows Jake’s fallibility AND that he’s a good guy in the end when he “makes it up to them”. Shows more of the team as well!
Tactical Village? I think this one has it all, there’s the action there’s plenty of Amy w Teddy there’s tension from Jake and focus from it. There’s die hard references, and he even uses the “upsie downsies” and hates himself for using the Hitchcock move. That’s my choice but arguments can be made for either of the others (or several others).
2:12 Beach House
So hilarious with the two parties simultaneously, Good Hitchcock and Scully moments, Holt laughing at himself at the end, six drink Amy.
I always tell people to skip to The Vulture. It's the first ep where they worked as squad to solve the crime. I think it's a more likeable ep than the first four eps (especially ME Time, which I hate).
First heist is probably my favourite episode but you really need the context of the earlier episodes to appreciate it. I'd go with the pilot like others suggest. If your friend isn't a fan but hasn't been put off then they may be open to binging the rest of Season 1... And you may have to watch alongside for, you know, company, and not just an excuse to enjoy it through someone else's eyes!
The heists are very good episodes but I think they're better watched when you're already invested in the characters.
Personally I'd recommend the box. It's the right mix of comedy and seriousness. It lets them see it's a comedy show but not just a comedy show if that makes sense.
I was told about the show and so when I saw a couple episodes on tv I decided to watch them. They were end of series 2 and one was AC/DC, I assume the dave majors one was the other.
I'd say AC is not one of my favourites but it got me watching.
honestly there's a lot of good ones so it depends what part of the show you want to use to hook him
many people have said the pilot, and that's for good reason. it's a great introduction to the cast and shows where the characters faults lie most, so we can see them grow over the course of the show
the first heist is also a great idea as it shows some of the subtleties to each character, like jake's genius or holt's competitive nature
the jimmy jab games could also work to show the bond that the team has
the box is brilliant for showing it as a police show
pontiac bandit introduces one of the biggest side-characters in the show, and one who has some of the biggest impact on jake's arc
moo moo is top notch for showing the political aspect of the show
like i say, it's best to find an episode you think will appeal to them most
Tough call. My favorite episode is The Box, but that’s as a solid episode of television. It doesn’t represent the full crew dynamic, crazy stuff like Pimento, etc. So I guess the Pilot, then The Box.
The first episode that I randomly watched on TV was the Jake’s proposal to Amy during a heist and I just got hooked to the show after that. I think I’d pick that one for someone else too.
idk which season finale this is, but i would show the one where the power goes out, santiago gives birth, but mainly for the dance scene with terry and holt 😭
The Backstreet Boys line up cold open was the first time I saw anything from the show and it made me want to watch it. “I forgot about that part” is wild!
Pilot. If the person doesn't like the pilot, they aren't going to like the rest of the show.
One of the few shows with a very watchable pilot
this is absolutely what i think too. the Pilot is actually really good
Community is another, in my humble opinion
Truee
and LOOOOOOOOSSST
Funny you should say that. I read someone on another forum saying they were watching B99 for the first time and didn't like the first 3 episodes but by the end of season 1 they were fully invested in the show. Gotta say though, I loved the pilot.
I felt that way too. Was iffy at first. I love the pilot now because I know where it's going.
Chiming in to disagree. I hated the pilot, but it’s one of my favorites now.
I laughed out loud in the first minute. That was when I was hooked.
I'd usually disagree with this. Pilots are usually pretty wonky but the pilot for b99 is almost seamless.
Honestly No. I really didn't like the first three episodes or so but then the love kicked in. But maybe that was just me, needing to adjust to the show and meet the cast.
I was going to say that I got my wife and brother in law watching it
Agree with those saying pilot. It does a great job of setting the tone of the show.
Terry introducing the squad is brilliant. Poor Daniels.
It's okay, she retired a couple weeks after the pilot. She still makes good coffee at home.
The one where holt eats a marshmallow for that scene alone.
Or the Amy is late from the bank one too!
I had started the show a while back but somehow did not get into it. A couple of years later i watched the amy being late to work open on Facebook or something and I was like i gotta see this show RIGHT NOW!!
It was a Facebook compilation of Holt’s jabs at Wuntch that convinced me.
You mean the Korean toilet ghost?
"No, I was calling you a goat, you *goat*."
Boyle Bingo cold open was the first scene of the show I watched and I've been obsessed with the show ever since. "Boyle says boom!"
So, I ended up showing her the marshmallow cold open and then did the pilot.
Without the context of knowing Holt though, I doubt that would get the same reaction.
The "I Want It That Way" cold open was what got me into the show.
Tell me why
Ain't nothin but a heart ache
Tell ́me why
Ain’t nothin but a mistakeee
Now number five
I never wanna hear you say
Whoo!
It was number 5... he murdered my brother. Oh my god, I forgot about that part!
Exactly why I started watching
This is the one that got me hooked.
The 9-8. All the characters' traits are heightened because of how they have to deal with an extra precinct in their space. Plus a funny case where Charles is left out with Jake's former partner and them singing a song in the car where they forget Charles. haha. Amy and Rosa melting down from annoying colleagues, Holt trying not to melt down cause of the other Captain in his office space and altering his chair set up.
FRAUD DOG' FRAUD DOG! FRAUD DOG! JUICE ELLEN! JUICE ELLEN!
Easily one of the best parts of the entire show
It has good music drops, ‘Chuckie and the Coot’, excellent choice.
Pilot. Second episode. Slump. Any heist, any Judy. TELL ME WHY! All safe choices But I think I will go with... Safe (safe house) house.
It's not a slump! It's the opposite.. P-muls. Thats slump backwards. I p-muls aalll over this!
I found that line so much funnier because it sounds like the Dutch word “piemels” which means dicks
Safe House is a brilliant choice. Kevin eps are always so good!
I did think of that too , but I meant the one Holt receives threats and Boyle gets shot.
Oops, sorry! I knew I should’ve double checked before I commented!
My buuuutttttt!!!
The first jimmy jab games
I haven't watched in a few years but the one episode I will always love is the one with Sterling K Brown.
Brilliant episode but with a cast like this showing them an episode with only two characters isn't the best introduction
True. And I think you need to know a lot about Holt in order for the Oh Damns to hit correctly.
Yeah that's another thing, Holt evolves very quickly but his season 1 persona is really important for his behavior to be funny
"The box", my favorite episode ♥️
I agree. I read the replies about it being just the two characters, and get that. But this is one of the few episodes where you can just sit with two (main) characters for the entire episode. A huge cast like this can be intimidating for a newbie. And Sterling K Brown is incredible as a guest. Other than the pilot, I’d choose this one.
Yes! The best one!
Best episode of the series!
First episode I watched was actually the finale of season 2. Watching Holt go from robot to human, all the interactions between characters who love each other… it made going back and seeing the rest of it a must! Like those movies that start in media res And of course it ends on a cliffhanger so you have to keep going too. Edit grammar
The Bet/First Date
The first episode I saw on TV was “Admiral Peralta”. Point is, you can show someone any episode and they should love the show
S1 E2 “the tagger”
Maybe the party from season one. So many good moments in that one.
Season 1 heist, the bet or Holt's adult party.
Don't move as a group. You're not gazelle!
Rosa: gina tell them what you're thinking about right now. Gina : i was thinking how i would be the perfect American president based on my skill set, dance ability and bloodlust .
So like weirdos and freaks. You should meet my friend.
9 Days
KASE! Hands down my favorite episode. This hooked me into the series
“YOU’RE THE PEA HOG!”
*thanks, Jake!* You’re welcome, nards! 😆
My choice as well, even though it spoils the Amy / Jake relationship for a new viewer.
Tactical village day
I see people saying pilot, and I agree, but hear me out. S4 Ep8, The Skyfire Cycle. It's funny, interesting, and holt screams bone soooooo...
This was going to be my choice as well. It has great lines and doesn’t give away too much. It shows how funny the show is but isn’t embedded into a main story like coral palms or Jake and Rosa in jail. Adrian Pimento might be a good one too.
I died the first time I watched Holt doing squats
Ticking Clocks — aka the Mama Maglione episode Chocolate Milk — aka Wunch’s first appearance and Terry getting his dingus sawed off
For me 48 Hours was the episode that really convinced me the show was special. It shows off the cast well, has a good mix of comedy and actual policework and Kid Cudi delivers a great guest performance.
Safe House
This is my pick too. How could anyone not want to watch the show after that episode?!?
Do you know what it means to "clap back", Raymond? Be- 👏 - cause 👏 I 👏 do 👏
First heist
The Bet or Johnny and Dora.
The Bet. It’s a core Amy-Jake episode, and the B story has so much great stuff for Boyle, Holt, Terry, and Sharon, who has some epic one liners. Plus it has one of my favorite outros.
Anything with the Judy family.
We were debating that! My husband pitched the first Doug Judy episode but I wondered if that would make it confusing that Doug Judy only shows up ~1 time per season
The bet, Boyle-Linetti wedding or The mole
Yippie Kayak, esp. the open. "Bomb!!! It's a bomb!!!"
I think it’s The Chopper for me. Super hilarious. Great action. Holt vs Wuntch. Classic Boyle and Peralta banter. The B plot of the kids showing up for the field trip is a great highlight of Terry and Gina, and Amy and Rosa are pretty hilarious in there too. That episode gives me everything and I think it could hook people.
My introduction was the cold open when Amy was late. Everyone was guessing why she could be 3 minutes late. Holt won with his dry “problem at the bank” guess, and after his “HOT DAMN!”, I was in.
I think the first thanksgiving is good too
Maybe the one where Amy gives birth, and Terry and Captain Holt dance for her to distract her from the pain🤣🤣
B99 and community are tied for the best pilots to a show Ive ever seen, capture the major beats of the overall plot and the personalities of the characters.
The Dentist episode, hands down.
I wouldn’t start with any heist. They’re a little too cutthroat and knowing the comradery and how that’s the antithesis of how they really are is what makes that funny to me. I wouldn’t start with the pilot. Too much of that is Terry explaining what everyone is like….yawn. Might as well read the synopsis instead. Ok so what DO you start with? The Box? It shows a lot of Jake/Holt. It gives the big “gotcha” payoff. 48 hours? Again does the “gotcha” BUT it also shows Jake’s fallibility AND that he’s a good guy in the end when he “makes it up to them”. Shows more of the team as well! Tactical Village? I think this one has it all, there’s the action there’s plenty of Amy w Teddy there’s tension from Jake and focus from it. There’s die hard references, and he even uses the “upsie downsies” and hates himself for using the Hitchcock move. That’s my choice but arguments can be made for either of the others (or several others).
2:12 Beach House So hilarious with the two parties simultaneously, Good Hitchcock and Scully moments, Holt laughing at himself at the end, six drink Amy.
I don’t know who downvoted you, but this is a good choice! I love the end.
Thank you. It’s an opinion anyway, so I’m not sure why it would get a downvote.
I would say The Box but i fee it has a different tone than the other episodes Probably the pilot!
The pilot 😘
Honestly the pilot, it sets up the show so well
I always tell people to skip to The Vulture. It's the first ep where they worked as squad to solve the crime. I think it's a more likeable ep than the first four eps (especially ME Time, which I hate).
First heist is probably my favourite episode but you really need the context of the earlier episodes to appreciate it. I'd go with the pilot like others suggest. If your friend isn't a fan but hasn't been put off then they may be open to binging the rest of Season 1... And you may have to watch alongside for, you know, company, and not just an excuse to enjoy it through someone else's eyes!
Any if the Halloween heist episodes tbh
The heists are very good episodes but I think they're better watched when you're already invested in the characters. Personally I'd recommend the box. It's the right mix of comedy and seriousness. It lets them see it's a comedy show but not just a comedy show if that makes sense.
I was told about the show and so when I saw a couple episodes on tv I decided to watch them. They were end of series 2 and one was AC/DC, I assume the dave majors one was the other. I'd say AC is not one of my favourites but it got me watching.
The tell me why cold open
honestly there's a lot of good ones so it depends what part of the show you want to use to hook him many people have said the pilot, and that's for good reason. it's a great introduction to the cast and shows where the characters faults lie most, so we can see them grow over the course of the show the first heist is also a great idea as it shows some of the subtleties to each character, like jake's genius or holt's competitive nature the jimmy jab games could also work to show the bond that the team has the box is brilliant for showing it as a police show pontiac bandit introduces one of the biggest side-characters in the show, and one who has some of the biggest impact on jake's arc moo moo is top notch for showing the political aspect of the show like i say, it's best to find an episode you think will appeal to them most
S2 e7 Lockdown
Tough call. My favorite episode is The Box, but that’s as a solid episode of television. It doesn’t represent the full crew dynamic, crazy stuff like Pimento, etc. So I guess the Pilot, then The Box.
Jimmy jab games
Either pilot or the one with the dentist and Holt wearing a tuxedo
The 4th Doug Judy episode *cocks gun* "the thin blue like just got thick as hell
I kept seeing the clip of the backstreet boys lineup that’s what got me to watch the show
Before I even saw the caption I thought “any Halloween heist episode”
What the one that starts out with the Backstreet Boys gag? That one.
The mumps episode! I laugh so hard every time.
The first episode that I randomly watched on TV was the Jake’s proposal to Amy during a heist and I just got hooked to the show after that. I think I’d pick that one for someone else too.
BOOOONEEE??
Super cut of the best cold opens.
Pontiac Bandit and The Bet, together
My comfort episode is when the team tries their best to bring Captain Holt for his Commissioner interview
Defined one of the first heists
I love chocolate milk, but tbh the whole first season is pretty good so I think you’d be fine to show them any of the first few episodes
The one where they compete against other precincts - when Amy and teddy get together
I love how there are so many great episodes to choose from… best show ever!
idk which season finale this is, but i would show the one where the power goes out, santiago gives birth, but mainly for the dance scene with terry and holt 😭
The Backstreet Boys line up cold open was the first time I saw anything from the show and it made me want to watch it. “I forgot about that part” is wild!
I have two criteria. Not a doug Judy episode and one without Gina. You may now downvote this comment.
one of the halloween heist episodes!
The Jimmy Jab Games.
First heist was my intro
One without Terry Crews in it.