Samberg talks comedy, Chicago & cops
‘SNL’ alum loves faking intelligence on cop sitcom
“I like to say it’s the funniest show since ‘Cops.’ ”
LOS ANGELES — While many critics previewing the new Fox sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” have raved about the cop comedy, star Andy Samberg notes, “None of that will matter if the public doesn’t rave about it — and more importantly watch it every week!” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” premieres at 7:30 pm. Tuesday on WFLD-Channel 32.
The actor and former “Saturday Night Live” mainstay chatted with me about the show and how good he’d be as a real cop.
Q. Your co-star Andre Braugher says on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” he’s “the string and Andy’s the kite,” who flies around and makes everyone laugh. True?
A. That works for me, but I’ve been saying Andre is the granite rock that anchors everything, and I’m the yipping Chihuahua running around at his feet, trying to trip him up and make him laugh.
Q. Some critics have said “Brooklyn Nine Nine” is the best cop comedy since “Barney Miller.” Pretty high praise, yes?
A. I like to say it’s the funniest show since “Cops.” But that’s funny for the wrong reasons. Our show is funny for the right reasons.
Q. Chicago is a huge comedy town, but beyond that, what do you love most about Our Town?
A. Hey, Chicago is the comedy town. Second City, iO [Theatre], Upright Citizens Brigade — all Chicago roots. What would “SNL” do without Chicago? [laughs]. But beyond comedy — and I know it’s trite — but I think of food in Chicago. I really enjoy the Chicago hotdog with the neon relish and sport peppers. Of course, there are some incredible restaurants in Chicago. But along with going to such places like Next or Schwa, I’m just as happy finding a good old pizza place too.
Q. How good a cop do you think you’d be in real life?
A. Me? Terrible! Look, the character I play, Jake, is super goofy, and I can really relate to that part of him. But on the other hand, his brilliance as a detective — that’s handled by the writers.
Jake is much smarter than me. I love pretending I’m that smart and can reel off that technical dialogue really fast. That’s the acting part!