
27 December 2018
The best of Charles Boyle on Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Buddy cops don’t come more in sync, or with stranger quirks than Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and his Best Friend Forever Ever Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) in buddy cop comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine (stream S1-7 here only on Showmax).
From making pre-bachelor-party party invites or adopting a slightly odd Latvian boy, to anything to do with Boyle’s awkward family, nothing is too absurd for the character who just wants to be Jake’s significant man.
So what exactly makes Boyle the best bestie that a detective dude like Jake could ask for?
- He’s more reliable than a dog – and a dog is man’s best friend.
Jake could literally murder someone and Boyle would find a silver lining, a reason why Jake had no option but to do what he did. Boyle will defend his buddy through thick and thin, no matter what. - He cares.
Jake knows all 99 steps to any plan (have you heard him describe his alter egos and made-up characters for his sting operations? Nothing is forgotten!) – but Boyle adds that final 1 for the round 100. Like in season 3 episode 6 when Jake forgets to take care of himself while on duty. In steps Boyle with some healthy treats.
Boyle: Did you have breakfast?
Jake: What? That’s not on the checklist!
Boyle: I added it because I care about you. - He’s the crazy one
Jake’s plans are, let’s face it, pretty crazy. So how does Jake manage to make himself seem normal, with everything under control? He doesn’t need to – Boyle is always thinking ahead and coming up with something to divert attention while Jake sets his plan in motion. Like in season 3 episode 17 when he uses a pressure cooker to make goat stew – and it explodes, leaving the break room dripping in meat. - He doesn’t lie
Okay, so this can be a negative trait, because some thing are better left unsaid – like in season 2 episode 1. Jake knows that he’s a little short with his cop buddy at times and Boyle only has the best intentions. And that’s why Jake keeps a straight face and lets Boyle ramble on about being aroused while watching a nature documentary on bees. It’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth when it comes to Boyle. - He follows his gut
Luckily for Boyle, his gut is almost always right (except when he’s making goat stew). Even with his and Jake’s backs to the wall, the more outlandish their theory on a crime, the more likely they are to be proven correct. And best of all, Boyle and Jake have a signature “we solved a crime” dance.
Original African stories by local talent

The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.

What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.

Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.

The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.

Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.

The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 5 now, with new episodes every Friday.
SA celebs open up about divorce on Untied
The action heats up on Empini
More Mzansi gold

Eye-opening homegrown documentaries to stream
These unmissable South African shows and movies deliver surprising insights on the country we’re living in today.

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream
Stream The Catch, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa’s best reality shows on Showmax.

Mablerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion
Mablerh returns to host The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the third year in a row. The Season 5 reunion drops in two parts on Showmax, premiering 4 July and 11 July 2025.

Obstruction S1
A fiery netball superstar dreams of being noticed by the Gauteng provincial coach and playing for the national team… until her mom uproots her to a new school.