I absolutely hate how Below Deck Down Under keeps rewarding bad behaviour 

This article contains the writer's personal opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

As someone who’s been watching Below Deck Down Under since its premiere, I have to say, I’m getting increasingly frustrated with the way the show seems to reward bad behavior. I tune in for the crew dynamics, the stunning locations, and yes, a little drama. But lately, it feels like the worse someone acts, the more they’re celebrated. I believe it sends the wrong message, not just to the viewers, but to the crew themselves.

The show's primary currency seems to be chaos now, ranging from chef tantrums over criticism to untidy, improper connections that ruin entire charters. The loudest, most erratic staff members are kept on for entertainment purposes, while diligent, capable crew members are ignored or even fired, which I find to be really unfair. I think it's beginning to resemble a soap opera with a boat as the setting more than a docu-reality show.

The most disheartening thing, for me, is seeing competent team members—those who genuinely value their work, overshadowed by poisonous drama and frequent outbursts. Bravo needs ratings, I understand, but I thought Below Deck was supposed to highlight the highs and lows of working on luxury charters, not to celebrate unethical behavior as a way to further one's career.

How Below Deck Down Under rewards chaos over competence

It's difficult to overlook the trend observed on Below Deck Down Under: crew members who are more disruptive appear to get greater screen time and job security. Although drama is expected on reality TV, it becomes apparent that turmoil is being valued more highly than real performance when amateurish behavior is often ignored or even encouraged.

One of the best examples is Chef Ryan's time on Below Deck Down Under. He stayed on board much longer than his behavior justified, despite his erratic eating and overt contempt for the crew.

The amorous relationships between the deck crew members have also drawn attention. While crew members who remain focused on their work tend to blend into the background, hookups that turn into full-blown confrontations frequently take center stage in the episodes.

Instead of facing consequences, one deckhand continued to be showcased prominently while repeatedly transgressing professional norms. It appears that the show prioritizes controversy over skill in its casting and editing decisions.

Competent and well-balanced team members, such as Aesha or Culver, find themselves relegated to responding to the chaos around them instead of being commended for their professionalism. If this tendency continues, Below Deck Down Under risks shifting its focus from luxury yachting and crew dynamics to promoting reality-TV showmanship at the expense of true talent and leadership.

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Fans can watch the episodes of Below Deck Down Under on Bravo.

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