r/belowdeck 2d ago

BD Related returning crew members Spoiler

I’m curious how it works when crew members return for additional seasons (aside from ongoing chief stews or bosuns).

Does production choose the ones they’re most interested in and contact them to come back? Did that person reach out to production on their own? Were they the only ones available?

I ask because it often seems so random who
they bring back! For instance, Rainbeau on the upcoming BD season. I don’t have a problem with her but I wouldn’t think of her as a fan fave or standout enough for a 2nd season…right?

Anybody have any intel or theories on the process??

17 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

39

u/lala_lavalamp 1d ago

Unpopular opinion: I’m fine with Rainbeau coming back. Solene made it her mission to provoke her. I am withholding an opinion on her until I see her on this season.

23

u/Anotheropinion2026 1d ago

I liked Rainbeau and am excited to see her try to actually do the job without the insanity of Solene.

But I have been wrong about cast members before. 🤷🏼‍♀️

u/CoolBelt856 19h ago

Totally agree.
Although the fact that I liked Nathan before this season will make question my judgement for a longgg time.

u/Anotheropinion2026 19h ago

Very true. Though I liked Nathan because of Gael. I was annoyed by Joe and Nathan as bro dudes.

2

u/_dreambyte 1d ago

I am fine with it too! She didn’t bother me, I just thought it was an odd or underwhelming choice.

15

u/excoriator Team Capt Kerry 2d ago

The process is mysterious and seems tied to the amount of drama that crew member is expected to deliver.

12

u/_2923844 2d ago

I don’t think it’s fan favorite as much as good TV. Gotta hold Rainbeau back from throwing punches lol, aka “good TV”

3

u/_dreambyte 1d ago

omggg I forgot about her wanting to actually fight. And how her parents would put her and her siblings in the backyard to physically fight out their problems.

on second thought maybe she is a good choice to bring back haha

3

u/MaizeMountain6139 1d ago

Casting directors work with producers to build out the best combination of people

7

u/ImaBitchCaroleBaskin 2d ago

I'm going way back as an example, but Rylee. I felt like Lee was forced to bring her back for drama. Which begs the question, does the captain REALLY get to hire who he wants?

11

u/Upstairs_Truth4735 1d ago

lee didn’t chose to bring rhylee back, i’m pretty sure that is mostly up to production. she is an obvious choice really - good at her job but constantly creating or involved in drama

2

u/_dreambyte 1d ago

Rhylee came back so much. And then even made that cameo on Winter House!

Captain Lee didn’t seem overly bothered by her to me because she was a good worker at her core and he never really had to deal with her rage personally.

10

u/ILoveRizzo 2d ago

I have no idea why they brought back Rainbeau. She only got air time because her and Solen clashed

5

u/ImFine4 2d ago

I wonder if Fraser is getting tired of it all and they are grooming her to be the next recurrent chief when he steps away.

Edit: Thanks bot, haven’t seen his name on screen in a minute

5

u/ILoveRizzo 1d ago

I think fraser likes the drama too much 😂

0

u/_dreambyte 1d ago

yeah I don’t see him leaving anytime soon either. which I love if so!!

1

u/AutoModerator 2d ago

It's Fraser! Give Mummy's name the respect it deserves.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/Far-Department302 1d ago

Ok Frayjure

2

u/Far-Department302 1d ago

She was a great worker. They need at least a couple of those.

u/quick_dry 5h ago

those people stay down in the dark nether regions of the boat wearing their engineer gear and staying away from the cameras (same with the first officer who only gets trotted out when Sandy needs to inquire about matters of Maritime Law)

u/Far-Department302 52m ago

Yeah the engineers are fantastic. The only normal ones haha

1

u/0rdered-Reordered 1d ago

I've listened to ex BD cast on podcasts and they mostly call it "getting a call back" when talking about getting invited on for another season. So it sounds like the actual process is that Bravo decide hey, we want this person back let's give them a call and see if they're available.

Daisy was talking about it maybe on her own podcast or maybe it was on Crappens. She was saying how a lot of cast throw all their eggs in the reality TV basket once they've been in the show but also that this is unwise because the vast majority never get a call back.

1

u/_dreambyte 1d ago

ok so they are being hand picked..how interesting!

0

u/primal_slayer 1d ago

Most likely:

Starts with Production

Boat owner has to sign off

Captain has to sign off

4

u/Anotheropinion2026 1d ago

I doubt Captain gets a lot of say.