Fancy Brudgom

A best man dilemma meets a squad-wide diet disaster in this Season One milestone.

"Fancy Brudgom" is the twentieth episode of the first season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Written by co-executive producer Laura McCreary and directed by Victor Nelli, Jr., it aired on Fox on March 11, 2014. The episode centers on Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) naming Jake Peralta his best man for his upcoming wedding to Vivian. As they plan the ceremony, a major conflict arises when Vivian reveals she is moving to Ottawa, Canada, expecting Boyle to accompany her. Simultaneously, Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), Amy Santiago, and Gina Linetti embark on a shared diet that quickly spirals out of control. The episode concluded with positive critical reception, specifically highlighting Boyle's character growth and Crews' performance.

Quick Facts

Series: Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Director: Victor Nelli, Jr.
Writer: Laura McCreary
Photographer: Giovani Lampassi
Editor: Sandra Montiel
Runtime: 22 minutes
Air date: 11 March 2014

Lore & Background

The title "Fancy Brudgom" refers to a Danish magazine given to Jake by Charles. In the episode, "brudgom" translates directly to 'groom' in Danish, serving as a guide for wedding preparations. The narrative unfolds through two distinct storylines that intersect emotionally. In the A-storyline, Jake and Charles taste cakes and shop for suits before the revelation about Ottawa shocks them.

Jake attempts to counsel Boyle into honesty, but Charles panics, inviting Vivian to breakfast with Jake in a desperate attempt to have Jake tell her he doesn't want to move. This plan backfires spectacularly, causing Charles and Vivian to leave together. Later, Jake forces a confrontation where they ultimately decide not to move to Canada. The B-storyline involves the diet pact initiated by Terry, Amy, and Gina.

Gina quits almost immediately, while Amy eventually succumbs to junk food, upsetting Terry. In a twist revealing his true motivation, Terry admits he was dieting only to support his wife. Before he can abandon the effort himself, he is handcuffed to ensure he continues the diet.

Reader's Guide

Viewers can watch "Fancy Brudgom" as the twentieth episode of Season One, originally broadcast on Fox on March 11, 2014. The runtime features a dual narrative structure: the emotional arc of Charles Boyle facing a life-altering move to Canada and the comedic struggle of three squad members attempting a diet. Key moments include the Danish magazine explanation, the failed breakfast intervention, the resolution in Ottawa's decision, and the handcuffing of Terry Jeffords. For ratings context, the episode drew 2.49 million household viewers with a 1.2/3 share among adults aged 18–49. Critics praised the episode, with Roth Cornet of IGN rating it 8.5/10, Molly Eichel of The A.V. Club giving it an "A−," and Andy Crump of Paste awarding it a 9.0. The episode ranks as the second most-watched show on FOX for that night.

Did You Know?

The episode received positive reviews, with critics specifically praising Joe Lo Truglio's character development and Terry Crews' performance.
Despite beating 'Glee', the episode finished behind 'New Girl' as the second most-watched show on FOX for the night.