What Happened to Nico's Brother on Below Deck
Nico's brother on Below Deck refers to Charles 'Charlie' Robinson, who appeared as a deckhand on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1 in 2020. Robinson was arrested before filming concluded and charged with felony murder and other counts in connection with an alleged conspiracy murder-for-hire plot in Florida. He was not reinstated after the season wrapped, and subsequent legal proceedings kept him out of the series. This evergreen explainer outlines Robinson's role, the allegations, the production response, and his current status as of the latest available information.
Identity and Role on Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Charles "Charlie" Robinson was cast as a deckhand on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1, which filmed in the Greek Isles in 2019 and premiered in 2020. He is the brother of Nicholas "Nico" Piernas, who served as chief stew on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 1 in 2022. Robinson's role placed him among the active deck crew, and his onscreen presence included typical sailing operations and interpersonal dynamics consistent with a new crew member learning the environment. Because both brothers appeared as main cast members on separate seasons, viewers frequently compared their experiences and conduct.
Cast Position and Filming Timeline
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cast Member | Charles "Charlie" Robinson | Production casting announcement |
| Season | Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1 (2020) | Official series documentation |
| Role | Deckhand | Onscreen credits and promotional materials |
| Relationship | Brother of Nico Piernas | Public statements and interviews |
| Departure | Arrested mid-season; not reinstated | Court filings and network statements |
Arrest and Legal Issues
In August 2020, Robinson was arrested in Florida on multiple charges, including felony murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder. The charges stemmed from an alleged plot to hire a hitman to kill a romantic partner. According to court documents, Robinson and co-defendants planned the murder-for-hire scheme, leading to his detention. Because he was incarcerated and unable to continue, production did not reinstate him after the season wrapped. The case proceeded through the state court system, with multiple court dates reported in local and entertainment news outlets.
Legal Timeline Snapshot
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| August 2020 | Arrest in Florida | Ended onscreen participation |
| Late 2020 | Charges filed (felony murder, conspiracy) | Defined the legal stakes |
| 2021–2022 | Ongoing court proceedings | Prevented return to series |
Production Response and Outcomes
Below Deck production, in partnership with the network, confirmed Robinson's departure and clarified that he would not return to any future seasons. No footage of Robinson was included in Behind the Deck or other reunion content following his arrest. The decision was consistent with production standards regarding cast conduct and legal matters that could affect the show's brand and audience perception. By the time Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1 concluded, Robinson's storyline ended with his legal troubles, and no contractual or casting plans for his return have been announced. The case attracted ongoing coverage because of its severity and the high profile of the franchise.
Brother Nico Piernas: Context and Contrast
Nicolas "Nico" Piernas, Nico's brother, served as chief stew on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 1, which filmed in 2021 and aired in 2022. Unlike Charlie, Nico completed his season and remained in the public narrative around performance and crew culture. Industry observers often contrast their experiences to discuss how production handles crew issues, legal matters, and interpersonal conflict. Nico's tenure was marked by typical chef responsibilities, leadership challenges, and documented tensions among the stew team, but he did not face legal interruptions. The comparison underscores how different outcomes can affect a crew member's documented legacy within the franchise.
Comparison at a Glance
- Charles Robinson (Nico's brother): Deckhand, arrested midseason, charged with felony murder and conspiracy, not reinstated.
- Nicolas Piernas (Nico): Chief stew, completed season, no legal interruption, ongoing public narrative around performance.
- Impact on brand: Production maintained standards by not reinstating Robinson; content omitted footage post-arrest.
Current Status (Evergreen Clarification)
As of the most recent information available, Charles Robinson remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings related to the original charges. He has not appeared on any subsequent Below Deck seasons, spin-offs, or reunion events. Production has not indicated any plans to revisit his casting or include archived footage in retrospectives. Public discourse around Nico's brother centers on the legal outcome rather than any future involvement in the franchise. This status reflects the long-term implications of legal issues for reality television cast members and production decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Charles "Charlie" Robinson is Nico's brother and appeared as a deckhand on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1.
- He was arrested in August 2020 in Florida on felony murder and conspiracy charges and was not reinstated.
- No footage of Robinson appears in Behind the Deck or reunion content following his arrest.
- Nico Piernas completed his season as chief stew on Below Deck Mediterranean without legal interruption.
- Robinson's legal status remains unresolved as of the latest available public records, and he has no current involvement with the Below Deck franchise.
Summary
Nico's brother, Charles Robinson, was a deckhand on Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 1 who was arrested midseason on serious felony charges and was not reinstated. His legal issues concluded his participation, and no further involvement with the franchise has occurred. Understanding the distinction between the brothers' experiences clarifies ongoing narratives and accurately frames how production and legal outcomes shape a cast member's legacy within the Below Deck universe.