TheBelow Deckfranchise has been making some good casting decisions that translate well into a positive reception by fans.Below Deckpremiered in 2013, and the OG show has 11 complete seasons behind it.Below Deck Mediterraneanwas the franchise’s first spinoff, and it debuted in 2016.Below Deck Sailing Yachtfollowed in 2020, withBelow Deck AdventureandBelow Deck Down Underfollowing in 2022.Below Deck Down Underis still a network spinoff, butBelow Deck Adventurewas a one and done hit.
Over the more than a decade of time on TV, theBelow Deckumbrella has amassed millions of fans and continues to be one of the biggest networks in the reality TV world. That said, it has come this far because the casting has been excellent, with many now-household names coming out ofBelow Deck. Notably,Captain Lee Rosbach, Kate Chastain, Captain Sandy Yawn, and Hannah Ferrier were all major contributors to the early days of success for the show. Since then,producers have been getting a lot right with casting, and it keeps viewers coming back.
Bringing Controversial Below Deck Cast Back Is A Good Thing
It Boosts Viewer Engagement
Bravonetwork has been known to bring back cast members who have been deemed controversial for their behavior on and off-screen, but it’s working for the franchise. Kate faced a lot of criticism for her attitude and antics on the show, and she caught heat for a domestic violence incident she got arrested for off-camera. Despite her negative reputation, her entertainment value proceeded her, and she stayed onBelow Deckfor seven seasons. Having her continue to reprise her role was beneficial for the show, becauseviewers always wondered how she would react in situations.
Below Deck Sailing YachtFirst Officer, Gary King, is also a hugely controversial figure in the franchise. His questionable leadership, lack of responsibility, drunken messiness, and plentiful boatmances in which he acted disparagingly, have earned him a negative perception from viewers, yet he remains in a department head role season after season. Gary even had a sexual misconduct allegation against him from aBelow Deckmakeup artist, but producers still brought him back.
Gary is aBelow Deckfigure who keeps viewers coming back because they want to watch not only the shenanigans he will get into but also because they love to hate him.
Having villains on the show keeps viewers engaged and opinionated.
Steward Kyle Viljoen appeared inBelow Deck Medseason 7 and 8, and stirred the pot at every turn. His savage remarks towards his fellow crew members and penchant for being overly dramatic added a heavy layer of amusement to each season, and producers were smart to bring him back for that reason.
Keeping The Same Below Deck Chief Stews Is Working
The Chief Stews Get The Most Air Time
Another solid casting tactic that theBelow Deckfranchise employs is bringing back the same Chief Stews.Chief Stews are known to get most of the air timenext to the Captain and the Bosun, and their perspectives, narratives, and work ethics help shape a season’s trajectory and reception. Aesha Scott started as a Stewardess onBelow Deck Medseasons 4 and 5 before she debuted as the Chief Stew inBelow Deck Down Underseason 1 and 2. She then became the Chief Stew inBelow Deck Medseason 9.
Below Deckfans have enjoyed watching Aesha progress in her career and skill level, and having her return and also steerBelow Deck Down Underhas been a smart decision. Aesha is quirky, assertive, and an overall riot to watch, so keeping her in a leadership position has been a smart move by producers, who see her value.Below Deckfans like to see a capable leader who is also telegenic, both qualities Aesha possesses.
Other notable Chief Stew, Fraser Olender, has a sharp tongue and hot takes, and he also gets involved in boatmances and crew drama. Fraser is now the Chief Stew face of the OG series, and the show has benefited from keeping him on, as fans love his sass and competency. He takes criticism, dishes it out, and helps to keep the OG show entertaining and well-regarded.
Single Below Deck Cast Make Better TV
Boatmances Are A Below Deck Staple
Below Deckfranchise casting also tends to select single cast members, and it’s a move that resonates well for the network. Single cast members are more likely to get involved in boatmances and put themselves out there more.
Romantic relationships on board are a staple ofBelow Deck, and it’s an element that viewers most look forward to, as it almost always leads to drama and interpersonal dynamic shakeups among the crew.
Just inBelow Deck Sailing Yachtseason 5, Deckhand Keith Allen’s initial spark with Stewardess Danni Warren ended in chaos, as she not only made out with Gary but also brought a club promoter back on board with her. Now, Keith has set his sights on Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher, who also has Gary and Chef Cloyce Martin after her. Having a ratio of more single cast members gives the show a more captivating quality, as feelings get hurt, work relationships get damaged, and the overall quality of the season’s entertainment gets impacted in a positive way.
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The Below Deck Captains Have Varied Personalities
Which Gives Fans Different Expectations
Perhaps the most important casting decision rests in the likability and charisma of the people at the helm of the vessel and franchise, the captains. Captain Sandy, Captain Glenn Shephard, Captain Jason Chambers, and Captain Kerry Titheradge have been excellent sources of interest among viewers, as they have the final say on board and are responsible for all the crew.Each captain brings a refreshing component to their respective showsand gives viewers a different set of expectations.
Retired from Below Deck (seasons 1-10)
Captain Kerry Titheradge
Below Deck Adventure (season 1), Below Deck (season 11)
TheBelow Deckfranchise captains are all unique with different leadership styles, points of incitement, and varied personalities. Producers have done a good job at casting, and keeping, the network captains, all of whom have contributed to the show’s massive success over the years. With no end in sight forBelow Deckfranchise, casting is choosing the right people to entertain fans and create a long-lasting reality powerhouse.
Below Deck Sailing Yachtairs on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.
Source:Bravo/YouTube
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.
