Gina Linetti is going out in a very “physical” fashion when Chelsea Peretti leaves “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” on the comedy’s upcoming sixth season, in what showrunner Dan Goor says is a two-episode story.
And though writing off a character sometimes means a permanent plot point to close the book on (see death), Peretti says that’s definitely not how the human form of the 100 emoji will exit. (Oh, and there will be dancing. FYI.)
“It sounds cliche, but I feel that you’ll laugh and cry, which is kind of the ideal combination of an exit for Gina Linetti,” Peretti told TheWrap Tuesday, during an on-set press event ahead of the show’s Season 6 premiere on its new network, NBC. “She’s very physical. There’s a lot of very silly things she gets to do in these episodes… But then there’s also some really emotional connecting scenes with her family and her friends.”
OK, so she’s getting physical — which isn’t super-big news for a world- class dancer such as Ms. Linetti — but is it going to be sad or dark when we actually say goodbye?
“No, no. No, I think there’s a much more like, ‘Hey, who knows?’ kind of vibe to it,” Peretti says. “So, I don’t think it’ll be as much crying as you’re talking about: ‘She’s dead! They’re throwing dirt on my grave.'”
Great, so there is room for Gina to make a dazzling return at some point.
Goor and “Nine-Nine” star Andy Samberg had this joke-filled exchange when TheWrap asked about Gina’s big farewell, which was announced in September:
Goor: It’s sort of a two-episode arc that Jake plays a big part of … I think one of the things that Chelsea really wanted to make sure of was that those episodes were funny.
Samberg: No presh!
Goor: And we failed.
Samberg: Dry as a bone.
Goor: Yeah, not a laugh to be found. But I think there’s some stuff that’s kind of moving in it and there’s some stuff that’s really, really funny. And she’s fantastic in it.
Peretti says she was looking for “big comedy moments” in her last hurrah, a wish Goor granted (despite his teasing above). And dancing. Of course there will be dancing.
“I love physical things,” she said. “Sometimes Gina is a little dry and I like when she gets to physically do stuff and the stakes are high for her, so that was kind of my request and I got to do that and that was cool. And then there was dancing, which felt appropriate, [to] kind of bring it all together in the end. She’s a brilliant dancer! But also, you know, I always feel like it’s important to show the friendships and the love as well, so she gets to explore her deeper feelings with people, so it’s not just all like, ‘Bye!’ You know?”
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” Season 6 premieres Jan. 10 at 9/8c on NBC.
2018 Holiday TV Specials: Here Are 20 Programs Sure to Make Your Days Merry and Bright (Photos)
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.
"A Legendary Christmas with John and Chrissy" -- Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. on NBC
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen celebrate the season of joy and laughter alongside the couple’s family and talented celebrity friends. Legend performs a selection of songs from his 2018 holiday album, “A Legendary Christmas.”
"The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" -- Nov. 29 at 9 p.m. on ABC
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” host Jordan Fisher and “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland host two-hour televised event from Disney World and Disneyland. Performances by Gwen Stefani, Meghan Trainor, Brett Eldredge, Andrea Bocelli, Matteo Bocelli and Becky G.
"The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special" -- Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. on ABC
Victoria’s Secret’s Angels once again take the runway. Musical guests include Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts.
ABC
"Deal or No Deal: Happy Howie Days" -- Dec. 3 at 10 p.m. on NBC
Howie Mandel’s hit game show is back after 10 years and he’s offering up the possibility of a $1 million holiday present. A family who has overcome all odds, an incredible adoption story and a player who pushes the limits to bring life-changing money home for the holidays.
"Nailed It! Holiday" -- launches Dec. 7 on Netflix
The creative cooking fun continues, as hosts Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres return for a holiday-themed third installment in the streamer's baking competition series.
"RuPaul's Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular" -- Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. on VH1
The eight queens competing on the hour-long “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” are Eureka O’Hara, Jasmine Masters, Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Mayhem Miller, Shangela, Sonique and Trixie Mattel.
“Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings: Holiday Magic” -- Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.
This year’s featured weddings at Walt Disney World Resort will include a “Mary Poppins Returns” theme and a performance by country music superstar Martina McBride.
"CMA Country Christmas" -- Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. on ABC
Reba McEntire will host and perform during the holiday music special, along with Tony Bennett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Amy Grant, Diana Krall, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Old Dominion, Brad Paisley, Michael W. Smith, Lindsey Stirling, The Isaacs and Brett Young.
“Pentatonix: A Not So Silent Night" -- Dec. 10 at 10 p.m.on NBC
Pentatonix embarks on an unforgettable journey throughout Las Vegas, making stops along the Strip, featuring guests including Kelly Clarkson, the Backstreet Boys, Maren Morris and Penn & Teller.
NBC
"Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas" -- Dec. 11 at 9 p.m. on NBC
Winner of the 2017 season of “America’s Got Talent,” Darci Lynne Farmer will celebrate the holidays Oklahoma style with her puppets and guests Kristin Chenoweth, Toby Keith, Hunter Hayes, Pentatonix and Lindsey Stirling.
"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: A Midwinter's Tale" -- launches Dec. 14 on Netflix
The Church of Night, like all covens, celebrates the Winter Solstice-the longest night of the year-when families gather around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and tell ghost stories. But the holidays are also a time for guests and visitors-both welcome and unwelcome- you never know what might come down the chimney…
"iHeartRadio Jingle Ball" -- Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. on The CW
A 90-minute holiday music event that celebrates the season with performances by Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Camilla Cabello and many more of today’s biggest stars.
"America’s Got Talent" -- Dec. 17 at 10 p.m. on NBC
A festive edition of the competition series, with judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel.
NBC
"Timeless" series finale -- Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. on NBC
The 2-hour series finale promises fans "an epic, unforgettable thrill ride through the past, present and future, with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit."
There’s something for everyone (naughty and nice) on this list — and yes, we checked it twice
With Thanksgiving behind us, you are now officially allowed to start listening to "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (if you haven't been since Nov. 1), baking cookies, decorating the tree and -- most importantly -- tuning into all those holiday specials you look forward to throughout the less festive times of year. TheWrap has rounded up all the ones you can't miss this season. Click through our gallery to check out the list.