Below Deck addicts ahoy!

[Wrongdissection]

Anyone other than me and a couple of others on the Selling Sunset thread discovered this awesome reality series? The charter clients are insane, the crew is so bitchy (towards each other and the guests) and it’s just the most excellent escapism.

I definitely think production have a hand in choosing crew as well as guests. They kind of need a combo of conflicting personalities as well as some skills to be able to do the jobs.

The issue I have with those charter guests with the two young kids. is that as result of the kids the adults couldn't let their hair down as much as they wanted to. Therefore, the expectations were higher. Now, because it was such a disaster the first time around. I don't even know why they bothered the second time.
The more it is mentioned, the more I want to know how much say the tv producers have a say in who is hired as crew and who the guests are.

Imrewatching below deck med series one...the guests have left a BLOODY TAMPON in the bathroom

I thought the tampon was in the bedroom on the carpet?!

That was absolutely rank 🤢

Roz you could be right I recoiled so much I think I blacked the detail out 😆

not envy

One thing that strikes me is the amount of crew members who have suffered the death of a parent or sibling in their younger years.

I think the guest pay a discounted rate but they would apply through the production company who cast them. And yes, they would cast the crew too, some may come as recommendations through crew they know just as with MIC, TOWIE etc. Do you know anyone... who would then have a chat/audition or two.

I knew someone who crewed charter yachts for several summers. She made a fortune- used to come home for a couple of months a year, but another flat, live in it for a couple of months then let it out. She ended up with four or five flats that she let out, which gave her an income when she did come home for good.

Finished the original and watching sailboat now.

I don't know why but I couldn't get on with sailboat as much

I'm halfway through sailboat. It's not my favourite. I should do because it has all the elements I love but it's just missing the mark.

The couple deckhands are annoying
I don't really like the chief stew
Parker in other boats would fit right in but on this he just sticks out like a sore thumb.
The charter guests are just caricatures of the original versions

From reading the behind the scenes stuff, the production company choose most of the crew below captain/engineer but all the crew have to have their yacht licenses which are internationally recognised safety certificates. The bosuns have to have certain safety certifications too so they'll be picking from a pool of experienced 'yachties' for the most important jobs. The deckhands and the stews are a bit more free for all but still need to have their licenses.

The guests aren't 'chosen' but they do get a discounted rate. They've said before in interviews that the charter guests requests and preference sheets are true/genuine

I'm on season 5 of the original but not liking the crew on this one, a bit dull so far. Am alternating with Med and think that's at least as good of not better

Oh I found season 5 improved as it went on. But there's some proper arses in that season

I love Malia. Pete is a uber twat.

*an 😂

Just on series 2 of Med. Gave up on Sailboat but will probably watch it when I've finished Med.

Poor Malia being stretched every which way! Whole business is a bit sketchy though. I do not like Adam one bit!

Captain Sandy seems really irritating to me.

I’m re-watching Season 7 & Kevin’s behaviour seems even more obnoxious than when I first watched it. He’s utterly vile. I can see why Kate gets so upset. Ashton is also rather strange in this season. He starts out very chill & happy but moves to bitter & angry by Ep 8! And Simone is so bloody annoying 🤦‍♀️ With her constant “OMG” ing all the time. She sounds like a teenager.

Going to think about it and put together my ultimate crew today 😂 Definitely includes Kate & Ben. Amy was a great stew too. Unsure on the captain though.

Anyone else agree that Hannah & Jenna should never be Chief stew? They are both bullies & have no respect for their team.

All caught up on the current season of BDM.

Won't give too much away. But Hannah gets more hideous with every season.

What's wrong with Capt. Sandy? She's great.

Why is it endearing when Ben calls every girl love, honey sweetie etc. But when Pete says "Sweetie" it's so demeaning

Can't make up my mind about Jenna. I want to know what she would have been like if Adam hadn't been there.

I like Cpt Sandy, she seems a decent sort.

I've mentioned it before I think. But I like capt. Sandy because she allows the crew to grow professionally. Like gives them time to have a go in the bridge and things. Capt. Lee would never do that.

Even Ben said that most captains wouldn't do that.

Just finished season 5, was disappointed there was no reunion for season 4.
I'm kind of mad you guys got me hooked on this, but not really, I'm loving it.

I have a relative who does this kind of work, I hope with less drama. I'm totally going to be quizzing her on it more closely when I next see her.

God. Watching the episodes with Hannah dating Conrad. The poor sod. Massive beef about 50 euros lol. She is so horrid.

Could really do without the banal phone calls home.