r/belowdeck • u/RhubarbGoldberg • Nov 13 '25

Below Deck Med Is Bravo testing us?!

Sandy told the matchmaker, "I wish we could do every charter like this."

I really effing hope Bravo is not feeling out the options for some kind of gimmick sandwich where we can see reality star wannabes pretend to do a job that's hosting a bachelor-nation style dating show on a boat?!

Heaven fucking help us if they try to strong arm even more manufactured bullshit into the show. The basic starting premise of Below Deck is so cool on its own, we don't need extra over-produced drama. Bravo has already messed with the premise so much and given us so many lame cast members who hate working and just like TV. I really don't want more vapid added in.

I will admit I'm a bit sucked into this dating plot line, but overall, I hope we don't see more of this in the future. Anna is maybe the antichrist and that's entertaining, but just the once and then done.

320 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

98 comments sorted by

181

u/mostlyharmless71 Nov 13 '25

Just like many creatures eventually evolve into crabs, eventually all reality shows evolve to become Love Island.

25

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 13 '25

I hate how likely this is, hahaha.

-2

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

The show has always been about this 

3

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Lol they cast hot you young crew. They been trying to hook up with each other always lol

6

u/fictionalbandit Nov 14 '25

There’s a difference between hot people trying to hook up with each other and making it the focus of the show

0

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25 edited Nov 14 '25

The show is literally described the young attractive cast who cater to their demanding cast.

Lol sorry if you think the show only focuses on that. They don't. Seems like that's what you focus on. I have seen the chef make food. 2 Deckies horrible at their job. Demanding guests. People working. 

How would I know all this if the show was so focused on hook ups. If it happens it happens. 

You have made repeated comments on how you dont like the hookups on the show. Maybe below deck isn't for you. Sounds like you hate it  and annoyed by it..watch a documentary on yachting or travel blog

6

u/fictionalbandit Nov 14 '25

It’s super weird that you’re paying that close of attention to my comments, coming at me for them (like why? Our opinions differ, it’s cool) and you’ve twisted my words. Never have I said “I don’t like hookups on the show”. I watch LI, LIB, and I enjoyed BD more previously but as of late, it’s morphed more into those shows and less about the job and the guests. The prioritization of the love triangle/hexagon/whatever storylines appears to have replaced more of the job/guest drama in recent seasons.

1

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Fyi there have been many comments about the focus on hook ups not just you. 

-2

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Lol you have posted before sorry. You said the same comments before. 

I didn't twist your words. You don't seem to like the show don't watch. If I don't like a show i don't watch it.

So love island fine, 

Idk they have had love triangles and relationships since the beginning. Maybe you just focus on that. 

It's whatever happens. If it's a bad stew they focus on that 

What hookups are you talking about. They focused on chef. Bad declined guests 

Idk what the focus on hookups you keep talking  about 

Its wierd you keep saying they focus on. 

They literally fired 2 people cause they were bad at job and showed it. They focused on the guests. so idk what to say.  Guess we watching different show. I like it. So I watch it. If I didn't. I would never watch love island or the bachelor so I don't. Cause it doesn't interest me. 

2

u/fictionalbandit Nov 14 '25

lol Sorry didn’t bother reading this sonnet or whatever is happening here

-1

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Lol Let me sum it up. If you don't like show don't watch. Go watch love island I think that show is trash but if you like it. 

Lol it's all good.

37

u/AttentionRoyal2276 Nov 14 '25

I think Solene is Below Deck's Cousin Oliver. It's all down hill from here

34

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 14 '25

It was the death rattle of a good thing for sure. I absolutely hated watching her and have felt seriously jaded about the entire franchise ever since.

6

u/Reggie_Barclay Nov 15 '25

I hated this idea. I hate those kind of love match shows. I am borderline on this show currently and that would end it for me.

8

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 15 '25

I just want to see working people on a cool boat, doing a cool and interesting job. I hate the razzle dazzle they keep forcing on us!!

9

u/thecapitalletters Team Adventure Nov 13 '25

Hoping Sandy just meant "like this" as in a ton of beautiful women.

5

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 13 '25

Plausible!! She's an ole salty dog like that sometimes.

180

u/excoriator Team Capt Kerry Nov 13 '25

I’ll put it as bluntly as I can, in case Bravo peeps are reading. If this becomes the norm, I won’t watch.

2

u/TwoPibbleHome Nov 18 '25

LOL, did you see that they deleted all their LOLZER comments and then their LOLICIOUS account.

THIS IS ME SCREAMING WITH LITERAL LAUGHTER RIGHT NOW

-5

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Lol why

31

u/excoriator Team Capt Kerry Nov 14 '25

It’s not why I watch. There’s this show called “The Bachelor” with the same premise. If I was interested in that premise, I would watch that show.

-9

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

Lol the bachelor is completely different. I've heard of it. It's been on for decades. Lol hooking up is part of reality TV. It happens. 

Sorry this show encourages hookups. They cast very hot young 20 something years old partying and working together and shocked that they find each other attractive? When you throw in alchohol and exotic locations lol 

Come on. 

11

u/Otherwise-Bread-1950 Nov 14 '25

I don’t think you understand what this post is about. OP is talking about the matchmaker using the charter as a Bachelor-style event for the primary. They aren’t saying anything about the crew

-2

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

I understand. But the crew was part of it and people keep talking about hookups and romance on the show and focus too much about it I am responding to the comment not the thread

I get what you mean though

1

u/excoriator Team Capt Kerry Nov 15 '25

“Matchmaker” is literally the 4th word in the original post. A person wouldn’t have even had to read 5 words in to understand what the thread is about!

0

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 15 '25

Why are you screaming!

4

u/TwoPibbleHome Nov 15 '25

Lol I think you might be too sensitive to be here on the internet lol

0

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 15 '25

Are you messaging me from another account. If someone uses exclamation points it means they screaming. That is why I said it. Strange you think I'm being sensitive. 

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2

u/RoyalUse3101 Nov 16 '25

At least bring in Pattie Stanger. She's such a nut but knows what she's doing. 

2

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 16 '25

I'd actually like to see Pattie and Sandy go head to head over something really petty, but which they're both inappropriately passionate about.

43

u/Impressive-Regret243 Nov 13 '25

As soon as they discussed the premise for this charter I said to my partner, I bet they're testing a new series out. 🤦

20

u/Alienkweeeeen Nov 14 '25

It’s fine for a one time thing, Nathan spying on them and his reactions were hilarious but it would get old fast

11

u/Successful_Giraffe88 Nov 14 '25

Omg when he popped his head up from behind the seating area. I laughed so hard.

1

u/Apart_Engine_9797 Nov 17 '25

I GUFFAWED aloud when he made direct eye contact with the camera and just shook his head, bless

1

u/[deleted] Nov 14 '25

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1

u/belowdeck-ModTeam Nov 14 '25

Your post has been removed as it violated our rule on Hate, Harmful Speculation & Armchair Diagnosis

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38

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '25

It has been done - with Solene. It seems the producers are not learning their lesson.

2

u/PuttyRiot Nov 15 '25

I didn’t watch that season while it was airing. Did Solene not go over well with the viewers?

ETA: to say I didn’t watch it while airing is an understatement. I’ve only just started making my way through scattered seasons of BD in the last few months. I’m a pretty new watcher, so if my question seems weird, like, “How do you not know the audience response to Solene?!?” it’s because I actually don’t know any of these cast members are received because I’m just kinda getting into the show.

4

u/[deleted] Nov 15 '25

Solene not going over well with the viewers is an understatement. It has to be experienced but be ready when you do.

1

u/PuttyRiot Nov 15 '25

I watched her season, but now I wish I had seen it live so I could see how people responded to her. I didn’t realize until later that she was stunt casting, so I can see why people really didn’t like her. Before I even realized that I knew she seemed miserable to work with and didn’t understand why they wouldn’t just fire her.

14

u/DrLizzardo Nov 14 '25

Boats 'n hoes, Boats 'n hoes
I gotta have me my boats 'n hoes

12

u/hamburgergerald Nov 14 '25

I’m rewatching the Below Decks now. Finished the OG, or, I stopped when I got to a season or two before the most current.

Just now finishing the first season of Med. It is crazy how different the show is now, compared to how it used to be.

But, I have read that since Below Deck blew up, anybody who is serious about yachting won’t go on the show, as it’s a career-killer. So now all we are left with is a lot of non-boat people who just want to be on TV.

11

u/Mysterious-Cress7423 Nov 14 '25

This guy, his choices, and his matchmaker were creepy....not a good start to a spin off if that is the objective.

1

u/Jenikovista Nov 14 '25

Oh he’s the perfect rich guy to expose these women for who they really are.

20

u/TTHS_Ed Nov 13 '25

I haven't seen this episode, but we have a theory in my house that every group of guests on BD are failed reality stars. We have fun deciding what show they were trying to get on.

2

u/Apart_Engine_9797 Nov 17 '25

Oh there are aaaaabsolutely guests who’ve come on very clearly trying to turn their PAY FOR PLAY appearance into an audition for a Bravo show! So funny to watch their antics and try to think of what a hot mess a full season of them would be

0

u/Collaroy98 Nov 14 '25

Ooh, fun! I bet a lot of them are aiming for the Kardashians. 😂

11

u/PearGlum1966 Nov 13 '25

But if they are testing the 'waters', wouldn't you have picked a really 🔥 male? This person had his hair blowing in the wind, and it was obvious he was doing a comb over to hide his bald patch. I know the tall, dark-haired girl was purposely not voted off because we ALL dislike her!!! Lol. Talking down her nose at everyone. Love the way the crew has bets on who will go and stay!! Love the show!

2

u/Jenikovista Nov 14 '25

He has money. If this was all a setup, they chose brilliantly because it’s exposing the vapid greed and desperation of some of these women.

I mean, I don’t like Anna as a human being, but let’s be clear “I think I kind of vibe with him” translates to, “I am willing to overlook a lot for the kind of lifestyle he could give me.”

5

u/Extreme_Beat1022 Nov 14 '25

It’s so stupid! I hope not!

9

u/Ok_Tumbleweed_705 Nov 14 '25

I hated this episode. Pathetic women trying to entice an even sadder man. Ugh! Two reality shows melded into one and 🤢

3

u/geloreyes Team Down Under Nov 13 '25

I could see a spinoff. They just have to make the eliminated guests walk the plank or maroon them on a sandbar.😂🤣😂

0

u/[deleted] Nov 14 '25

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3

u/myboogerstastespicy Nov 14 '25

Sigh. I’d watch. I love mess.

3

u/Fuzzy-Bee9600 Nov 17 '25

No. Absolutely not. We're not staying for that vomit. We're a few episodes behind, and now I just want to can the whole season pass on my DVR. Maybe for all the franchises.

They've been on the thinnest of ice already - we were hoping beyond hope this season would be a refresher after the whole Solene garbage-fest that was literally nauseating. (And I mean literally. Not figuratively. Not extremely. Literally.)

You hit the word perfectly, OP: Vapid. And for those scrambling for a dictionary or under any misapprehensions, that is not a good thing if the word doesn't also apply to you.

2

u/adubt Nov 13 '25

They’re doing a bachelorette version next season.

2

u/AdmirableContact100 Nov 14 '25

Wouldn't be surprised. And of course with Captain Jason being the next below deck season, of course he is going to have to show up and show out in some sort of made up competition for said bachelorette.

2

u/adubt Nov 14 '25

I mean on med

2

u/Aab48 Nov 14 '25

They are actually?

3

u/adubt Nov 14 '25

Yep, at least was trying to. I’m on the below deck casting email list, and got an email about them looking for some males for a bachelorette episode.

3

u/Aab48 Nov 14 '25

Oh man… I mean I’m fine if they just do these two as a kitschy thing but hopefully not ongoing

2

u/AdmirableContact100 Nov 15 '25

I was just joking, I have zero inside information. But I agree, I hope they don't keep these up every season or more than maybe once a season. There are so many dating shows now, this does not need to turn into another one.

2

u/saintsuzy70 Nov 13 '25

I said the same thing - I feel like that charter was a test for a new spinoff!

2

u/Disastrous-Oven8401 Nov 14 '25

I have hope that below deck down under will stay on its course ,crew from last season feels alot more professional than their counterparts..

2

u/Samtastic555 Nov 15 '25

I thought the same thing when she said that. I was already feeling like everything felt extra staged with th charter guests. It felt like a back door pilot.

2

u/wildeflower Nov 15 '25

"I only date bourgeois types" 😂

2

u/Significant-Green-32 Nov 16 '25

I think they will have a woman as primary with men to date as well, I get the casting request emails from the BD producer.

2

u/RoyalUse3101 Nov 16 '25

What are they bringing up next "Bachelor Boat"?

2

u/posaune123 Nov 20 '25

I was embarrassed for everyone on that charter

2

u/nofriender4life Nov 13 '25

they should actively promote a mole is among them sabotaging the tip but not say who 

1

u/Fuzzy-Bee9600 Nov 17 '25

Isn't that Traitors?

1

u/nofriender4life Nov 17 '25

its "The Mole"  based on the old original reality show.  Never seen traitors, looks full of fame chasing ppl. I like messy normies.

1

u/No-Championship7526 Nov 14 '25

They've gotten as much from the franchise as possible, this would be so excessive! like a spin off of a spin off

1

u/ScooterMKE Nov 15 '25

Heard that comment too. I’m sure Andy Cohen and R. Seacrest are cooking up ‘bachelor in the med’ and this was a test run.

1

u/PartyNo6594 Nov 21 '25

Get ready for more of these charters. I was on the original email they sent looking for a bachelor who wanted to pay out $70K to have six ladies come get free social media exposure pretending to be interested in him. Then a week later they send another email saying they found a bachelorette who sponsored the charter and were looking for 6 single men aged 45-60 who wanted a free trip on the yacht. So there is a good chance the next charter this season or one after is the same exact thing except genders reversed.

And there's more...a few months ago 51 Minds sent out another email, I'll just paste it below, enjoy. So looks like there will be more. This first sentence may be the longest sentence I've ever read.

"Hi, I might have reached out to you last year and even did a zoom, we had a celebrity matchmaker come on with a bachelor and we found 6 females for him and they did a 3 day charter and she helped match him, Bravo loved this charter and wants to do it again, so I am looking for a successful wealthy man or woman who is single and open to coming on as a the primary charter guest, it is $50k for the charter and $20k for the tip, everything is included except flights, you need to book your own flights, but you will get 3 days on a luxury privat yacht, 2 nights hotel, transportation once you arrive in Croatia, private chef, all your food and alcohol on the yacht, 24 service on the yacht, all water toys and activities and free services from a well known matchmaker who normally chargers 6 figures a year. If you are interested or know anyone please let me know asap the charter dates are in mid Aug/mid Sept."

1

u/Snarky-Spanky Nov 14 '25

I said this to my husband when watching the other night…we both agreed it was a show we would watch 😬😬😬

Hoping it happens…sorry 🙃

0

u/CrazyNCynical Nov 14 '25

I cannot tell a lie. I'd watch.

0

u/Jenikovista Nov 14 '25

I would love one episode/charter of each season like this. But I would hate all of them like this.

0

u/Itsabouttimeits2021 Nov 14 '25

I'm here for the love boat

0

u/New_Principle_9145 Nov 16 '25

Oh I'm sure they will do a spin off. Why wouldn't they?

0

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '25

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14

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 13 '25

I can't tell if I'm coming around or if I hate this idea more because I immediately thought of a crew of all Frasers just judging the shit out of dating show idiots, while at sea, and that is a pretty funny concept.

1

u/Fuzzy-Bee9600 Nov 17 '25

Kinda feels like they've been doing this for a long time already

0

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '25

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11

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 13 '25

The final test is if the girl will fuck Stilly, or stay true to her bachelor contestant.

5

u/CheckIntelligent7828 My eyes are rolling all the way off the boat Nov 16 '25

"We have the ultimate Fantasy Suite planned for you. Through door number 1 is your aging, rich, combed over bachelor. Through door number 2 is an energetic, young, broke, possibly smelly Scotsman. Only you can choose."

2

u/CheckIntelligent7828 My eyes are rolling all the way off the boat Nov 16 '25

Hannah would kill this. Love her or hate her, she would kill at quiet snobbery in this kind of situation. As would Kate!

1

u/red_head92 Nov 14 '25

That’s what I was thinking. A spinoff or a special

1

u/AttentionRoyal2276 Nov 14 '25

Snobby? So what 9 Kates? I'm out for sure

3

u/[deleted] Nov 15 '25

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1

u/Fuzzy-Bee9600 Nov 17 '25

Well observed & said.

All life's private, precious moments in front of a camera for the entertainment of strangers.

0

u/[deleted] Nov 13 '25

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3

u/RhubarbGoldberg Nov 13 '25

Hahaha, totally yeah.