Brooklyn Nine-Nine Writer Reflects on Iconic Backstreet Boys Cold Open

The beloved comedy's viral Backstreet Boys-inspired scene still resonates years later.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Nearly five years after Brooklyn Nine-Nine wrapped, the show's iconic "I Want It That Way" cold open from Season 5 continues to go viral. Writer Lang Fisher, who worked on the show during Seasons 4-6, opened up about the joy of crafting those memorable cold opens and how it's gratifying to see the Backstreet Boys-inspired scene still resonating with fans.

Why it matters

The enduring popularity of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine cold open highlights the show's ability to deliver laughs that stand the test of time. As a writer, Fisher's insights shed light on the importance of crafting strong comedic openings that hook the audience and set the tone for the episode.

The details

The Backstreet Boys-themed cold open, which features the suspects in a lineup breaking out into a synchronized dance and song, has amassed over 44 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched video on the show's official channel. The Backstreet Boys themselves even got in on the fun, reenacting the scene on TikTok.

  • The cold open first aired in 2018 during Season 5 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
  • The clip resurfaced in 2026 after the Backstreet Boys' Super Bowl commercial debut.

The players

Lang Fisher

A producer and writer who worked on Seasons 4-6 of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. She later co-created the comedies Never Have I Ever and The Four Seasons.

Andy Samberg

The star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, who reprised his role on the show when it moved from Fox to NBC.

Backstreet Boys

The popular 90s boy band whose hit song "I Want It That Way" was featured in the iconic Brooklyn Nine-Nine cold open.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, that was a really classic and wonderful cold open. Writing those cold opens for Brooklyn Nine-Nine was really a joy, and it was like its own extra job. We had a board of cold open ideas. But it's always nice when you work on a show and things resonate after a while and people still find things funny. That show was also such a lovely cast and such a wonderful show to work on. It makes me really happy that it's still hitting.”

— Lang Fisher, Producer and Writer (cinemablend.com)

What’s next

The Backstreet Boys are expected to continue making viral content that will likely spur more resurgence of the beloved Brooklyn Nine-Nine cold open.

The takeaway

The enduring popularity of the Brooklyn Nine-Nine Backstreet Boys cold open demonstrates the show's ability to create comedic moments that transcend time and continue to resonate with fans. As a writer, Lang Fisher's insights highlight the importance of crafting strong, memorable openings that set the tone and hook the audience.