February 25, 2026 — Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown is opening up about his memorable guest stint on the beloved sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine, particularly praising his experience working alongside Andy Samberg in one of the show’s most iconic episodes.

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In a recent interview (highlighted in promotions for Hulu’s Paradise Season 2), Brown shared fond reflections on his 2018 guest appearance in Season 5, Episode 14, titled “The Box”.

The bottle episode, widely regarded as one of the best in television comedy, featured Brown as Phillip Davidson, a cunning dentist and prime murder suspect interrogated relentlessly by Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher).

Brown has nothing but high praise for Samberg, describing the chemistry on set as electric and the collaboration as a highlight of his career.

In clips from recent podcasts and interviews (including one shared on TikTok and Instagram by outlets like The Movie Podcast), Brown recalled the intensity and fun of the episode, noting how Samberg’s comedic timing and improvisational energy elevated the scenes.

He emphasized the “gorgeous” dynamic between the cast, particularly the interplay that made the interrogation feel both tense and hilarious.

The episode, a homage to classic procedural dramas like Homicide: Life on the Street (which also starred Braugher), relied on sharp writing, minimal sets, and powerhouse performances.

Brown’s portrayal of the increasingly frustrated suspect earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series—the only Emmy nod Brooklyn Nine-Nine received that year in acting categories. Fans and critics alike hailed it as a masterclass in acting, with the trio’s back-and-forth often called “perfect television.”

While much of Brown’s recent reflections tie back to honoring the late Andre Braugher (who passed away in 2023), he frequently highlights Samberg’s role in making the episode special. In one snippet, Brown expressed admiration for how Samberg and Braugher bounced off each other seamlessly, creating magic that he got to witness—and contribute to—up close.

This nostalgia comes amid Brown’s current buzz for Paradise Season 2 on Hulu, where he stars as Secret Service agent Xavier Collins in the post-apocalyptic thriller.

The show’s exploration of complex relationships and survival themes contrasts sharply with the lighthearted comedy of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but Brown has noted in interviews how varied roles keep him grounded and grateful.

Fans of the show continue to celebrate “The Box” as a standout, with Reddit threads and social media posts calling it one of the greatest episodes ever. Brown’s positive reflections underscore why the 2013–2021 series remains a cultural touchstone, even years after its finale.

Catch more of Sterling K. Brown’s insights in his latest press rounds, and revisit Brooklyn Nine-Nine on streaming platforms—especially that unforgettable interrogation scene! 😄