Saturday Night Live

Lore & Background

Other members of the squad also share ties to the program, creating an invisible thread connecting their comedic talents. Stephanie Beatriz, who plays Rosa Diaz, was a cast member known for her sharp delivery and physical comedy, skills she translated into one of the show's most formidable detectives. Even Terry Jeffords, played by Terry Crews, appeared on the show as a guest host, bringing his unique blend of strength and humor to the stage. These connections highlight how the diverse talents brought together at the 99th Precinct were honed in the high-pressure environment of live television.

Reader's Guide

The connection between Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Saturday Night Live is rooted in the real-life careers of its cast members, particularly Andy Samberg. Before creating the sitcom, Samberg was a prominent member of the SNL cast and part of The Lonely Island, which influenced the show's musical segments and comedic tone.

Many actors who joined the 99th Precinct had previously appeared on SNL, either as cast members or guest hosts. This shared background often led to improvisational moments during filming that felt natural because the actors were accustomed to the fast-paced, sketch-based environment of the live show.

The production team frequently leveraged these connections for special episodes and promotional events, sometimes bringing in former castmates or referencing specific sketches within the dialogue. The crossover appeal helped bridge the gap between late-night comedy fans and police procedural audiences.

Did You Know?

• Andy Samberg was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2005 to 2012 before starring in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
• Terry Crews has served as a guest host for Saturday Night Live multiple times throughout his career.
• Joe Lo Truglio, who plays Hitchcock, was also a cast member on the show during its early 2000s run.