The sixteen episode of the fifth season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine , titled NutriBoom, is a masterclass in combining high-stakes tension with the show’s signature absurd humor. Airing during a pivotal stretch of the season, it serves as a dual-purpose narrative engine: it resolves a lingering subplot for Jake Peralta while delivering one of the most memorable cold opens in sitcom history. The Legendary Cold Open
No discussion of this episode is complete without mentioning its first two minutes. The "I Want It That Way" cold open is a cultural phenomenon that transcended the show itself. When Jake asks a lineup of murder suspects to sing the Backstreet Boys hit to help a witness identify a killer, the scene perfectly captures Jake’s infectious, childlike enthusiasm and his ability to turn a grim police procedure into a musical performance. It remains the gold standard for how to start an episode with a bang. NutriBoom: The Pyramid Scheme Nightmare Brooklyn_nine-nine_5x16
Behind-the-scenes facts about the How this episode leads into the Season 5 finale events The sixteen episode of the fifth season of
While Jake fights a pyramid scheme, Amy Santiago faces her own internal battle: her first day as a Sergeant. This subplot provides a necessary grounded counterweight to the NutriBoom absurdity. Amy’s struggle to find her "command voice" and her typical over-preparation lead to a humorous yet touching exploration of her professional growth. It reinforces the show's core theme that while these characters are eccentric, they are deeply committed to their work and each other. Key Takeaways The "I Want It That Way" cold open
The episode serves as a sharp, hilarious critique of MLM culture and legal bullying.