Below Deck

10 Best Episodes of Below Deck

Below Deck is an American reality television series airing on Bravo that premiered on July 2, 2013. The show follows a crew of "yachties" who live, love and work together onboard a luxurious mega yacht. It has aired 11 seasons and has become a fan favorite. If you’re looking to get caught up with the show, here are some of the best episodes of Below Deck ranked.

These episodes are the best of the best, as ranked by fans. From the most shocking moments to the biggest meltdowns, these episodes showcase the best of what this show has to offer. From the hilarious pranks to the intense drama, these episodes have it all.

So, if you’re looking for the best of Below Deck, look no further. Here are the best episodes of Below Deck ranked.

Written by Sophie and last updated on may 28, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Below Deck - S4E2

#15 - What Happens in the Hot Tub, Stays in the Hot Tub (Season 4 - Episode 2)

In this gripping episode of Below Deck titled "What Happens in the Hot Tub, Stays in the Hot Tub," tensions aboard the yacht escalate as the drama between Trevor and the rest of the deck team unfolds. Viewers are in for a rollercoaster ride as emotions run high and conflicts come to a head.

Meanwhile, sparks fly as Kelley, a member of the deck team, finds himself drawn to a flirty and single charter guest. Will this budding connection lead to romance or cause complications on deck? The dynamics between the crew and the guests add an exciting twist to the episode, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

As if that wasn't enough, the galley is not spared from drama as Kate and Ben, the talented chef, clash over their differing opinions and working styles. The tension in the kitchen adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already explosive atmosphere on board. With tensions reaching a boiling point during a night out, viewers can expect a showdown that will leave them eagerly anticipating the next episode.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 308 votes.

Below Deck - S6E1

#14 - We're Not in the Caribbean Anymore (Season 6 - Episode 1)

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Join Captain Lee and chief stew Kate as they set sail on a new adventure in the captivating episode "We're Not in the Caribbean Anymore" of Below Deck. The luxurious M/Y Seanna ventures beyond the familiar Caribbean waters to the exotic destination of Tahiti, promising stunning views and unexpected challenges for the crew.

As the crew adjusts to the unfamiliar territory, tensions rise on deck as bosun Chandler takes on the task of training a unique new crew member – a fisherwoman turned third deckhand. Will Chandler be able to navigate the waters of leadership, or will this new dynamic create waves among the crew?

Just when everyone thought they had seen it all, the return of the infamous charter guest, Foam Party Steve, shakes things up on board. With high expectations from Kate for her seasoned interior team, and Captain Lee's watchful eye over the crew, this episode is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as they witness the drama unfold in the picturesque setting of Tahiti.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 216 votes.

Below Deck - S4E8

#13 - One Less Fish in the Sea (Season 4 - Episode 8)

Kelley is furious with Sierra in this episode of Below Deck when he discovers how she treated a member of the deck team. Emily takes advantage of her night out with Ben while things get tense between Kate and the exterior crew. Kyle finds out that his wish is granted when he gets to take Sierra out on a date, but things don’t turn out as expected.

Kelley’s anger is palpable as he confronts Sierra about her mistreatment of the deck team. Emily’s night out with Ben is a bright spot that contrasts with the tension building between Kate and the exterior crew. Kyle gets his wish to take Sierra out on a date, but the night doesn’t unfold as he had hoped. In the end, it’s clear that there is one less fish in the sea.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 262 votes.

Below Deck - S6E8

#12 - Flesh Wounds Are Not Five-Star (Season 6 - Episode 8)

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The episode "Flesh Wounds Are Not Five-Star" from the show Below Deck focuses on the miscommunication between Chandler and the rest of the Deck Team. After an oversight, the charter guests are left stranded at an off-boat excursion without basic amenities, leaving Chandler in an uncomfortable situation with Capt. Lee and the rest of the Deck Team.

The episode follows the Deck Team as they try to figure out the best solution to the problem. Chandler is at odds with the team, and must make the difficult decision of how to get the charter guests back safely. With tension in the air, the team must work together to resolve the issue and make sure the charter guests are taken care of.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 177 votes.

Below Deck - S6E16

#11 - Au Revoir! (Season 6 - Episode 16)

In the "Au Revoir!" episode of Below Deck, viewers are presented with an interesting plot arc involving the crew members. The primary of the yacht is due to have her birthday and the crew must scramble to make up for the oversight. Meanwhile, Adrian attempts to create a centerpiece filled with living sea creatures, but the plan is nixed by Kate. This leaves Adrian frustrated, while Rhylee feels uncomfortable around Tyler. Laura and Ashton make plans for the future and Ross hopes to reconnect with his son's mother. Finally, Laura confronts Adrian over his inappropriate comments.

This episode of Below Deck is filled with drama and excitement. Adventuresome viewers will be thrilled as the crew scrambles to make up for Kate’s mistake and Ross attempts to make amends with his son’s mother. Meanwhile, viewers will be left to wonder what Adrian’s inappropriate comments were and what the outcome of Laura’s confrontation will be. Ultimately, this episode of Below Deck is sure to leave viewers wanting more.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 193 votes.

Below Deck - S4E14

#10 - 50 Shades of Ben (Season 4 - Episode 14)

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In the episode 50 Shades of Ben from Below Deck, Sierra spirals out of control as Emily questions if Ben is really "just friends" with Kate. Kyle makes Ashley an offer that she can't refuse, and Kate has to sit Nico and Lauren down for a one-on-one chat. The episode culminates with Ben crossing a line with Kate that changes the dynamic of their friendship forever.

The episode is set in motion with Sierra spinning out of control, causing Emily to question Ben and Kate's true relationship. While they may claim to be "just friends," Emily is not convinced. Meanwhile, Kyle makes Ashley an attractive offer that she can't turn down, making her future uncertain. The tension is ramped up further when Kate has to sit Nico and Lauren down for a one-on-one chat. Finally, Ben crosses a line with Kate that alters the dynamic of their relationship irrevocably, setting the stage for the rest of the season.

The episode was rated 7.56 from 278 votes.

Below Deck - S10E6

#9 - There's No Crying in Yachting, Part 2 (Season 10 - Episode 6)

In this thrilling episode of Below Deck, tensions reach a breaking point as the crew members find themselves caught in a web of drama. The sharp-eyed Captain Sandy steps in as a mediator between Alissa and Camille, who are on the verge of a clash. As accusations fly and emotions run high, viewers are left on the edge of their seats wondering how this feud will unfold.

Meanwhile, Camille voices her frustrations to Captain Sandy about feeling overwhelmed by conflicting responsibilities onboard the yacht. The pressure cooker situation escalates when Fraser decides to address Camille directly about her actions, leading to a showdown that promises to shake things up among the crew. With relationships strained and tempers flaring, the dynamics on the yacht are set for a dramatic shift that will keep fans eagerly anticipating the next twist in the story.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ross finds himself in hot water as his flirtatious behavior with a fellow crew member, Katie, sparks jealousy and hurt feelings. As Katie grapples with her emotions, viewers are left wondering if this romantic entanglement will lead to a heartwarming reconciliation or a bitter fallout. Stay tuned as the crew navigates through these stormy waters in "There's No Crying in Yachting, Part 2" on Below Deck.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 116 votes.

Below Deck - S6E13

#8 - I Said I Got It! (Season 6 - Episode 13)

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The episode "I Said I Got It!" of the show Below Deck is full of drama and romance. Kate is forced to deal with Laura's insubordination, which leads to tensions between the two. Ross is struggling to have patience with Rhylee's attitude. Meanwhile, a charter guest has been pursuing Adrian romantically, creating a complicated dynamic on the ship. To lighten the mood, Ashton leads the crew in a musical performance for the guests. Lastly, Rhylee's developing feelings for Tyler become stronger as the episode progresses.

The episode's title of "I Said I Got It!" is reflective of the individual struggles each crew member is facing. Kate is trying to maintain order and respect among the ranks, while Ross is trying to keep Rhylee in line. At the same time, Adrian is trying to navigate the advances of the charter guest. Ashton does his best to bring the crew together in a fun, lighthearted way. Finally, Rhylee is exploring her feelings for Tyler, but is unsure of how to proceed.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 191 votes.

Below Deck - S8E7

#7 - Runaway Chef (Season 8 - Episode 7)

In this episode of Below Deck, the crew is dealing with the fallout of a conversation between Captain Lee and Shane. Rachel is struggling with her long-distance relationship, while James and Elizabeth’s feelings for each other become more apparent. The crew is in for a shock when Francesca begins to consider a stew replacement, and Rachel makes an unexpected decision.

Tensions are rising as the episode progresses, with the crew struggling to keep up with the demands of their job. Rachel’s relationship issues add to the stress, as do James and Elizabeth’s growing attraction. To make matters worse, Francesca’s critical mistake leads to her considering a stew replacement, throwing the whole crew into chaos. This is further compounded when Rachel makes an impulsive decision, which takes the crew by surprise.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 157 votes.

Below Deck - S8E11

#6 - Blood in the Water (Season 8 - Episode 11)

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In the episode "Blood in the Water" of the show Below Deck, Izzy must make the difficult decision of playing musical bunks, leaving Francesca and Eddie to deal with the professionalism of Elizabeth and James. Meanwhile, Izzy's condition gets worse and she is put into quarantine. Captain Lee rewards the crew for their hard work with a day off at a resort, but his good intentions backfire when Rachel's erratic behavior embarrasses everyone.

This episode of Below Deck puts Izzy in a tough spot, forcing her to make a difficult decision that affects the whole crew. Throughout the episode, Izzy's condition worsens and she is put into quarantine, adding to the tension of the episode. Although Captain Lee tries to reward the crew with a day off, Rachel's actions take away from the relaxation and put the crew in an awkward situation. This episode of Below Deck shows the struggles of a crew working together and the consequences when someone steps out of line.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 140 votes.

Below Deck - S8E10

#5 - Steamy Vibes (Season 8 - Episode 10)

On the latest episode of Below Deck, the crew is dealing with the consequences of steamy vibes among the crew members. Elizabeth is trying to keep her budding relationship under wraps, while James finds himself in the middle of the rumor mill. Izzy is feeling sick, but when a drunk charter guest crosses the line and defies Capt. Lee, he is forced to take action.

The charter guest's behavior causes a lot of tension on the ship, and the crew members are faced with the consequences of their actions. Elizabeth is trying to keep her relationship a secret, but the gossip is spreading. James is struggling to keep his head above water as the rumors swirl. Izzy is feeling ill and is trying to keep her composure in spite of the situation.

Capt. Lee is forced to lay down the law and take control of the situation. He must keep the charter guest in check and protect the safety of the crew. Despite the difficult situation, the crew is doing their best to remain professional and make the charter a success. With a strong captain at the helm and the crew's collective determination, the episode ends on a positive note.

The episode was rated 7.62 from 152 votes.

Below Deck - S5E14

#4 - The Champagne Campaign (Season 5 - Episode 14)

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In this episode of Below Deck, the final night of the charter season has arrived and tensions between the crew are running high. Timothy Sykes has been micromanaging the crew, making them feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Jen is trying to be on her best behavior, but it's been a lot of work to keep up the façade. Nico finally summons the courage to end things with Brianna, while Jen attempts to mend things with Kate.

The episode is an emotional rollercoaster as the crew navigates the last day of their charter season. Jen is struggling to keep her cool and stay professional, but the pressure of Timothy's micromanagement is getting to her. Nico musters up the courage to end things with Brianna, which is the right decision, but not an easy one. Meanwhile, Jen is trying to make amends with Kate, but it's unclear if they will be able to repair their friendship. The stakes are high, and it's an intense episode that will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

The episode was rated 7.62 from 224 votes.

Below Deck - S10E3

#3 - The Muff-Truff Experience (Season 10 - Episode 3)

In this episode of Below Deck, the crew is tasked with preparing a multicourse dinner for the guests. Rachel, the chef, is missing an essential ingredient and quickly realizes the meal is in jeopardy. As the pressure mounts, Fraser, the boat captain, notices a spat between two of his interior team members, and realizes he needs to step in and take a different approach to his management style.

The crew faces a difficult challenge as they attempt to create an exquisite meal without the necessary ingredient. Rachel must use her culinary creativity to come up with an alternative, as the stakes are high. Fraser must also step up and take control of the situation, as he watches his team struggle and argue. He must find a way to keep his team united and motivated to serve their guests.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 120 votes.

Below Deck - S10E17

#2 - Oh Captain, My Captain (Season 10 - Episode 17)

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In the episode "Oh Captain, My Captain" of Below Deck, the crew of the St. David prepares for their final charter of the season. Tensions rise as Fraser, the steward, is apprehensive about the arrival of new bodybuilder charter guests. However, as the episode unfolds, Fraser learns a valuable lesson about not judging people based on appearances, leading to unexpected connections and personal growth.

Meanwhile, the yacht's chef, Ben, finds himself in a whirlwind of emotions when a text message from Camille complicates his love life. Feeling confused and uncertain, Ben turns to another crew member for comfort and support, setting the stage for drama and heartache aboard the St. David. As emotions run high, viewers are left wondering about the future of Ben's relationships and the impact of his choices on the dynamics within the crew.

In a touching and courageous moment, Tyler decides to open up to his mom about his sexuality, a decision fueled by encouragement from his fellow crewmate, Hayley. This heartfelt revelation adds a layer of vulnerability and authenticity to the episode, showcasing the importance of acceptance and self-expression. Meanwhile, Chef Rachel's exhaustion reaches a breaking point, raising questions about her future in the high-stress world of yacht cuisine. As the season nears its end, the fates of the crew members hang in the balance, promising an emotional and unpredictable conclusion to the season.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 107 votes.

Below Deck - S10E12

#1 - The Fish Stinks from the Head (Season 10 - Episode 12)

In this intense episode of Below Deck, titled "The Fish Stinks from the Head," viewers are in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as tensions between Capt. Sandy and Fraser reach a boiling point. The strained relationship between the two creates a palpable atmosphere on the yacht, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats wondering how the drama will unfold.

As if the existing drama isn't enough, Alissa throws a tempting curveball at Ross, adding another layer of complexity to the crew dynamics. Gossip among the crew reaches new heights, fueling the already existing tension and setting the stage for explosive confrontations and unexpected alliances.

Amidst the chaos, Capt. Sandy takes a bold step to address the growing discord within the crew by organizing a team-building trip to the beach. However, despite the captain's efforts to foster unity, Fraser finds himself feeling slighted by Capt. Sandy, further complicating the already delicate balance on board. With emotions running high and alliances shifting, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next episode to see how the crew navigates through the stormy waters of interpersonal conflicts.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 126 votes.

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