Below Deck Down Under’sFebruary 2025 return will feature a drastic change of course in the form of the show’s first-ever charter season outside Australia. Captain Jason Chambers will resume his role, joined byseason 2 stars Tzarina Mace-Ralphand Harry Van Vliet. The rest of the crew will make theirBelow Deckdebuts, including Chief Stew Lara Rigby, who replaces longtime Chief Stew Aesha Scott. The location change isn’t the only milestone the new season will bring: Season 3 will take place upon the largest vessel inBelow Deckhistory, the motor yacht Katina.
Below Deck Down Under,which initially streamed on Peacock before moving to Bravo for its highly acclaimed second season, has historically been set in the waters off Australia. It was the only iteration of theBelow Deckfranchise based in the Australian continent, with the others typically featuring destinations in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.Below Deck Down Under’sidentity was built around its Oceanic focus,and while the new destination is exciting, it could spell disaster for Captain Jason and his crew.
Below Deck Down Under Season 3 Was Filmed In The Seychelles
The Show Moves Across The Indian Ocean To The Stunning Island Chain
Below Deck Down Underwill explore the new setting of the Seychelles, a group of islands off Africa’s East Coast.The destination’s stunning beaches and reefs will make for a breathtaking season. Seychelles is the smallest and least populated country on the African continent, but it draws guests from around the world. The island’s identity as a tourist destination means its culture incorporates various influences. Seychelles is also known for its biodiversity and ecological attractions.
While Seychelles and Australia are in the Indian Ocean, they have different geographical and cultural identities.
Although Seychelles sounds like the perfect location for aBelow Deckcharter season, it’s unclear whyBelow Deck Down Underdecided to leave its Australianhome.The show was created specifically to focus on Australia and its one-of-a-kind scenery.While Seychelles and Australia are in the Indian Ocean, they have different geographical and cultural identities. It will be fascinating to see how the new location changesBelow Deck Down Under, and the changes may not all be good.
Filming Outside Of Australia Could Hurt Below Deck Down Under’s Brand
The Show’s Ties To Australia Set It Apart From The Rest Of The Franchise
Below Deck Down Under’slocation is what discerns it from otherBelow Deckshows.The Australian setting influences the atmosphere of the yacht and its charter guests, attracting guests who seek a remote escape from some of the world’s most beautiful reefs. While the crew hails from around the globe, Australian Captain Jason and New Zealander Aesha have a close familiarity with the setting that ties into the region’s distinctive identity.
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Below Deck Down Under’smove to Seychelles is enticing but seems out of place. By abandoning its core location, the show is losing the main element that makes it unique. Fans loveBelow Deck Down Underbecause it’s so different from the rest of the franchise, but the new destination risks destroying the root of its identity. IfBelow Deck Down Undercontinues to leave Oceania and travel around the globe, there would be nothing to set it apart from any other show within the franchise.
Below Deck Down Under Season 3 Should Have Been Filmed In New Zealand
A Smaller Move Would Shake Things Up Without Being Unsettling
IfBelow Deck Down Underwas looking for a new location, it should have kept the search closer to home.New Zealand would have provided enough of a change to shake things up while staying true to the show’s identity. New Zealand, like Australia, is part of Oceania and would have been a natural progression after the show’s first two seasons. The move to Seychelles feels jarring, and a less drastic move would have been easily received.
Below Deck Down Under’sthird season appears to contain all the elements of a successful show. The trailer alludes to drama between the department heads, a termination, and numerous boatmances.Aesha’s departure and her replacementby an unfamiliar Chief Stew will already bring enough change to Captain Jason’s crew. The move to Seychelles may cause season 3 to lose all ties with the prior seasons, which would doom the show to become another failed spin-off.
Below Deck Down Underpremieres on Monday, February 3 at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
