Below Deck season 12 has turned out to be the most dramatic season in the history of the franchise, likely due to producer interference. The popular Bravo show returned to TV in June 2025, following the crew as they sail across the Caribbean while managing numerous responsibilities and attending to guests.
The show boasts a strong cast, featuring some familiar faces, including Captain Kerry Titheradge, Chief Stew Fraser Olender, and Deckhand Kyle Stillie. Below Deck season 12 also introduced a surprising twist by featuring more diversity and allowing inexperienced crew members to join, focusing on personalities rather than yachting industry experience.
The latest season of Below Deck also surprised fans with some memorable moments. It featured Chef Lawrence Snowden threatening to leave the show due to ongoing issues with the stove. There was an incident where the guests’ luggage was left behind due to poor management among the crew members.
Below Deck season 12 also saw some midseason shakeups, with Lawrence leaving and Anthony taking over. There has been tension among crew members, including Captain Kerry, who has questioned Caio Poltronieri’s leadership. As usual, there were the expected entanglements, with love triangles and romances in Below Deck season 12.
Below Deck Has Never Seen Abhorrent Guests Like In Season 12
Season 12 Guests Have Behaved Disrespectfully
Below Deck season 12 has been chaotic, in part due to the controversial guest list.
The guests have displayed overly dramatic and awful behavior. For instance, a female guest cursed at everyone before jumping overboard and behaving almost violently. Another group of guests showed entitlement by demanding red carpets and acting rudely toward the crew members.
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Below Deck Season 12’s New Editing Style’s Sparking Scandal (Is The Show Becoming Overproduced?)
Below Deck’s editing style underwent on overhaul in season 12, resulting in a disjointed finished product that threatens the show’s authenticity.
The new season was particularly notable for featuring star guests who pushed boundaries during their time on the yacht. Despite the crew accommodating all their requests, they left a disappointing tip, which was downright tacky.
The Below Deck Producers Have Been Choosing Unsavory Guests On Purpose
Producers Could Be Incorporating Elements That Provoke Conflict
There has been speculation that producers are intentionally selecting the most chaotic guests to stir up drama and create unexpected viral moments. According to a Reddit thread by @Clean_Dragonfruit_94, many fans believe that the producers intentionally choose challenging charter guests for the sake of content.
They’ve also been casting less experienced crew members, further suggesting that they may be trying to create conflict on the boat. Some viewers feel that the new Below Deck is more focused on partying and the drama of reality TV stars rather than showcasing the work of yachties.
“The show is now completely about reality stars working on a boat instead of a show about yachties doing their job.”
Does The Bad Behavior Guest Below Deck Twist Add Value?
Below Deck Season 12 Has Been Entertaining So Far
Below Deck season 12 seems to be a success, despite its controversial nature. The new twists, despite rumored producer interference, make the show more engaging and help it stand out on social media. However, relying too heavily on drama could eventually harm the show and destroy its reputation.
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There could be several long-term consequences if producers continue to prioritize drama over authenticity in portraying the yachting industry. Some of these potential effects include alienating long-time Below Deck viewers, destroying the reputation of the yachting industry, and decreasing viewership.
Below Deck airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Source: @Clean_Dragonfruit_94/Reddit, Below Deck/Instagram
Below Deck
- Release Date
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July 1, 2013
- Writers
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Mark Cronin
