Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Fox reveal why they cancelled US sitcom

The show has since been picked up by NBC

While many shows have been cancelled (The Expanse, Lucifer, Inhumans), no cancellation caused as much controversy as Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Moments after Fox announced the Andy Samberg-led comedy was not returning, Tweeters began expressing their outrage online.

One day later and fan prayers were answered as NBC revealed they were going to produce and air a sixth season – a surprisingly quick turn around by anyone’s standards.

Many have been left asking: why had Fox chosen not to renew Brooklyn Nine-Nine? To ratings watchers, the move made sense: the number of people watching has declined steadily over the years. The network has since given a press conference, further explaining the decision.

“It was based on a variety of factors,” Dana Walden, Chairmen and CEO, Fox Television Group, said, according to EW. “We love this show, those are great creators, it’s a phenomenal cast. We ordered it throughout five seasons. It’s a great length of time for a single-camera comedy.

“Ultimately we felt like we didn’t have the exact right place to schedule it this year. It performed best in our Sunday night lineup. We wanted to give Bob’s Burgers an opportunity to have a plum time period and really grow. It really limited the opportunities to schedule Brooklyn.

“With Thursday Night Football, there were two fewer hours to program. We were trying to create a more cohesive program, and scheduling Brooklyn would prevent us from promoting something new. Ultimately we decided we just didn’t have room for it and were trying we’re really happy its found a new home.”

Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows a team of detectives in the New York City Police Department. The show has been praised for its inclusivity and diversity, featuring a cast including Andy Samberg, Melissa Fumero, Terry Crews, and Chelsea Peretti.

Speaking about renewing the show, NBC Entertainment's Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement: “Ever since we sold this show to Fox I've regretted letting it get away, and it's high time it came back to its rightful home.”

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The current season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is on E4 on Thursdays at 9pm in the UK. The season finale will air on 20 May in the US.