The Below Deck franchise is getting these casting decisions right (the show needs these elements for positive reception)

THE Below Deck the franchise has made some good casting decisions that have translated into positive fan reception. Below Deck premiered in 2013, and the OG show has 11 full seasons. Below Deck Mediterranean was the first spinoff of the franchise and debuted in 2016. Sailing yacht below deck followed in 2020, with Below Deck Adventure and Below Deck following in 2022. Below Deck is still a network spinoff, but Below Deck Adventure It was a success and it was right.

Over more than a decade of airing on TV, the Below Deck Umbrella has amassed millions of fans and continues to be one of the biggest networks in the world of reality television. That said, we've made it this far because the cast was excellent, with many now-known names coming out of Below Deck. Notably, Captain Lee Rosbach, Kate Chastain, Captain Sandy Yawn, and Hannah Ferrier were major contributors to the show's successful early days. Since then, the producers have been very successful with the castand keeps viewers coming back.

Bringing back the controversial Below Deck cast is a good thing

Increases viewer engagement

Bravo The network has been known to bring back cast members who have been considered 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 was criticized for a domestic violence incident for which she was arrested off-camera. Despite her negative reputation, her entertainment value stuck with her and she remained Below Deck for seven seasons. Having her continue to reprise her role was beneficial to the show because viewers always wondered how she would react in situations.

Sailing yacht below deck The first officer, Gary King, is also an extremely controversial figure in the franchise. His questionable leadership, lack of responsibility, drunken mess, and many boats in which he acted derogatorily earned him a negative perception from viewers, but he remains in the role of department head season after season. Gary even had a sexual misconduct allegation made against him from a Below Deck makeup artist, but the producers still brought him back.

Gary is a Below Deck figure who keeps viewers coming back because they want to watch not only the shenanigans he gets into, but also because they love to hate him.

Administrator Kyle Viljoen appeared on Below Deck Mid seasons 7 and 8, and stirred the pot at every turn. His wild comments towards his teammates and tendency to be overly dramatic have added a strong layer of fun to each season, and the producers were smart to bring him back for that reason.

Keeping the same Boss Stews below deck is working

Chief stews get more air time

Another solid casting tactic that the Below Deck the franchise employs is bringing back the same Chief Stews. Chief Stews are known for getting the most airtime alongside the Captain and Boatswain, and their perspectives, narratives, and work ethic help shape the trajectory and reception of a season. Aesha Scott started as a flight attendant in Below Deck Mid seasons 4 and 5 before debuting as Chef Guisado in Below Deck season 1 and 2. She then became the chief stew in Below Deck Mid season 9.

Below Deck fans have enjoyed seeing Aesha's progress in her career and skill level, and having her return and also direct Below Deck it was a smart decision. Aesha is quirky, assertive, and a general riot to watch, so keeping her in a leadership position was a smart move by the producers, who see her value. Below Deck fans like to see a capable leader who is also telegenic, qualities that Aesha possesses.

Another notable Chief Stew, Fraser Olender, has a sharp tongue and hot scenes, and also gets involved in boat and crew drama. Fraser is now the face of the OG series' Chief Stew, and the show benefited from keeping him, as fans love his sass and competence. He takes criticism, dishes it out, and helps keep the OG show fun and well-regarded.

Unique Below Deck Cast Makes Better TV

Boatmances are a staple below deck

Below Deck The franchise's cast also tends to select unique cast members, and it's a change that resonates well with the network. Single cast members are more likely to get involved in boating and expose themselves more.

Only in Sailing yacht below deck In Season 5, deckhand Keith Allen's initial spark with flight attendant Danni Warren ended in chaos as she not only hooked up with Gary but also brought a club promoter back on board with her. Now, Keith has his eye on Chef Stew Daisy Kelliher, who also has Gary and Chef Cloyce Martin after her. Having a ratio of more cast members gives the show a more endearing quality, as feelings are hurt, working relationships are strained, and the overall quality of the season's entertainment is positively impacted.

Below Deck Captains Have Varied Personalities

Which gives fans different expectations

Perhaps the most important casting decision lies in the friendliness and charisma of the people who are in charge of the ship and the 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 the entire crew. Each captain brings a refreshing component to their respective shows and gives viewers a different set of expectations.

THE Below Deck The franchise captains are unique, with different leadership styles, incentive points and varying personalities. The producers did a good job casting and retaining the network captains, all of which contributed to the show's huge success over the years. No end in sight for Below Deck franchise, casting is about choosing the right people to entertain fans and create a lasting reality powerhouse.

Sailing yacht below deck airs Mondays at 9pm ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.

Source: Bravo/YouTube