Is The Below Deck Franchise Going Downhill? (It's Not What It Used To Be) (2024)

Bravo's high-seas adventure series Below Deck has become one of the most successful reality TV franchises with super yachts cruising on the Baltic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean seas, but lately, the show has been going downhill, evident through low ratings. Below Deck is watchable and enjoyable for every single person. There is also the mystification over the appeal of Gary King, a First Mate who has a spirited temperament and a flirtatious charm, which makes him a loveable character. Below Deck and its spin-offs, have presented an escapism aspect to the series, keeping many hooked.

The premise of every episode of the franchise is when a group of rich guests board a boat for a lavish vacation. Below Deck takes the viewers through the crew's daily lives as they try to keep up with the demanding guests, who slowly drive them to the brink of madness. Despite its popularity, Below Deck has significantly changed since its debut in 2013. The debut of Below Deck Adventure in November 2022 wasn't the best for the franchise as it wasn't as exciting as the others, dropping the ratings. Lately, this has been the case for most Below Deck shows, and here's why.

The Drama Feels More Fabricated

There Are Lots Of Manufactured Scenes

When it comes to entertainment and drama, Below Deck is one of the most popular reality shows with luxurious mega yachts, difficult charter guests, and exotic locations. However, there's still a question of how much of it is manufactured drama, and what role the producers have to play. Turns out most of the parts are entirely unscripted. Although some conversations are prompted and some shots well edited, the series still depicts a small percentage of yachties' real-life situations. Nonetheless, Below Deck focuses on drama, and the people onboard know how to keep it up.

Related

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

For example, in Below Deck Mediterranean season 5, Captain Sandy Yawn fired Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier for having a CBD pen and undeclared Valium in her belongings. This was after receiving a tip from Hannah's bunkmate Malia White. Many felt like the whole issue was orchestrated to create maximum tension, thus increasing the chances of falling out, which would lead to drama.

Captain Sandy still let go of Hannah even though Hannah stated she had a prescription for the anti-anxiety medication. Although Hannah should have declared it before, this situation was exaggerated to create drama. In a recent Reddit thread from Front_Crow_5328, they proved this theory, with one commenter stating:

"I think it was the plan to fire Hannah from day one of season 5 production. Something that’s always bothered me about Sandy is she creates problems when there shouldn’t be just to stir up drama. Hannah was a victim of this way too many times."

Additionally, Below Deck has had some of the most outrageous guests who've ended up making some unreasonable requests. Some have demanded lavish beach picnics within a short time, while others have made extreme changes to their meals. Below Deck season 8 was certainly a memorable one. A huge argument broke out as the charter guest bickered over deckhand James Hough. Shay, a guest onboard, had expressed her interest in James and hoped she would ride on a jetski with him.

However, a different guest, Lexi ended up going on that adventure with James and a huge fight occurs, leaving the crew shocked (via Bravo). That incident seemed to be exaggerated to heighten the drama. Further, most Below Deck crew members do not seem qualified to perform their duties well. Below Deck season 8 presented Elizabeth Frankini, who frequently failed to complete her tasks as expected.

She often left some tasks unattended or poorly done, and her carefree attitude was infuriating for all crew members. Elizabeth further became distracted by her involvement, but with James preventing her from doing her job well. Bringing these crew members on board made the show more dramatic than anything else. It has also made yachting look less professional than it is.

There Have Been Too Many Scandals Across The Below Deck Franchise

Too Many To Count

Below Deck franchise has seen its fair share of scandals over the years. For instance, many Below Deck crew members have gotten involved in onboard romances that led to betrayal, public breakups, and more. Since most of Below Deck cast members are young and attractive, it has become difficult for them to fall for one another. That has led to many boatmances and, in some situations, one-night stands. Natalya Scudder and Storm Smith from Below Deck Mediterranean season 7 didn't have the best relationship.

Although he wanted to make it work, Natalya often caused pointless fights, which made their relationship rockier and more dramatic. There have also been incidences of guest misconduct, like the infamous incident in Below Deck season 7, where a guest named Brandy caused a stir with her drunken behavior. She was caught on the beach struggling and seemingly in need of medical help. In another controversy, Peter Hunziker was fired from Below Deck Mediterranean season 5 for posting a misogynistic and racist post, which wasn't far-fetched from the behavior he'd depicted on the series.

Related

Daisy Kelliher Is The Backbone Of Below Deck Sailing Yacht (Will She Continue To Tolerate Gary King's Bad Behavior?)

Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Daisy Kelliher has been the backbone of the series to date, but will she continue to tolerate Gary King's bad behavior?

1

Jean-Luc Cerza-Lanaux's paternity drama in Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 2 is one of the most scandalous romances. Dani Soares revealed she was expecting after they wrapped up filming. Unfortunately, Jean-Luc expressed doubts about being the father, leading to a public paternity dispute. The off-screen drama became a huge talking point, but eventually, he did admit to being the father.

How Can Bravo Fix The Below Deck Universe?

Consider More Crossovers, Maybe

Since Below Deck has expanded to other spin-offs, crossing over between franchises could create a buzz on different shows. Having crew members from Below Deck Med work on other Below Deck franchises could bring some interesting aspects to the show. It has been the case when big names in the Real Housewives universe such as Claudia Jordan and Cynthia Bailey chartered a Below Deck yacht. By combining Below Deck with shows like Southern Charm, the cast members would bring chaos combined with personal conflicts and romantic entanglements that could boost the ratings.

Below Deck should also expand to other locations. They should consider expanding to exotic places like the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and some unique destinations like Antarctica or the Galápagos Islands that would present new challenges but also breathtaking views. Below Deck Adventure was on the right trajectory, as it presented a colder climate in Norway.

It had all the makings of a hit series, providing a unique setting in a more rugged Norwegian environment and new faces, which was refreshing to the viewers. Therefore, bringing back Below Deck Adventure, which is on hiatus, might boost the ratings. Although the Below Deck franchise has tried to increase diversity on the show, they should also select yachties from other parts of Africa rather than South Africa alone for more inclusivity.

Below Deck is available to stream on Peacock.

Sources: Front_Crow_5328/Reddit, Bravo/YouTube

Is The Below Deck Franchise Going Downhill? (It's Not What It Used To Be) (3)
Below Deck

Below Deck is a popular reality TV franchise that focuses on a group of crew members as they work on luxurious yachts and cater to their client's needs. After the original series proved to be a success, Bravo developed a handful of spinoff shows including Below Deck Selling Yacht, Below Deck Adventure, Below Deck Down Under, and Below Deck Mediterranean.

Created by
Mark Cronin , Rebecca Taylor Henning , Doug Henning
First TV Show
Below Deck
Cast
Kate Chastain , Gary King , Mads Herrera , Daisy Kelliher , Colin Macrae , Aesha Scott , Lexi Wilson , Glenn Shephard , Jason Chambers , Marcos Spaziani , Sandy Yawn
TV Show(s)
Below Deck , Below Deck Adventure , Below Deck Down Under , Below Deck Mediterranean , Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Is The Below Deck Franchise Going Downhill? (It's Not What It Used To Be) (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 6169

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.