Below Deck

10 Best Episodes of Below Deck - Season 5

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 feb 28, 2023.

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 - S5E7

#15 - Blindsided (Season 5 - Episode 7)

Leigh Anne Tuohy, the inspiration for Sandra Bullock's character in the Blindside, and her friends prove to be a challenge for Matt's culinary skills. Nico settles into life as the number two on deck but questions if he has the longevity to stick out the season. Jen tries to impress Kate but fails to adhere to the yacht dress code. EJ takes command of the exterior with consequences. Matt reconnects with someone from his past while Kate reprimands Jen and pushes her to the breaking point.

The episode was rated 7.16 from 251 votes.

Below Deck - S5E11

#14 - Only Doing It for the Money (Season 5 - Episode 11)

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Capt. Lee invites a special guest to come aboard; the crew is surprised by a familiar face; an all-female charter proves to be a handful for Kate and Capt. Lee; as Matt continues to struggle, Capt. Lee takes action to prevent further embarrassment.

The episode was rated 7.23 from 222 votes.

Below Deck - S5E5

#13 - Cool Beans (Season 5 - Episode 5)

Captain Lee makes a decision regarding the crew's re-configuration which rocks the team to its core. Matt's date with Brianna has an unexpected outcome when they mistakenly arrive at a nude beach. Jen grows weary with the unfair treatment within the Interior. Kate plans an anniversary surprise for the charter guests that fizzles. Meanwhile, criticism from the charter guests sends Matt spiraling into shame.

The episode was rated 7.24 from 280 votes.

Below Deck - S5E3

#12 - Jesus Saves (Season 5 - Episode 3)

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Chris Brown's decision to take a nap lands him in hot water; the new guests prove to be a handful; Kate meets a cute sailor and visits him on his boat; Matt faces his first challenge of the season with sushi dinner and a tequila pairing.

The episode was rated 7.25 from 278 votes.

Below Deck - S5E9

#11 - Hot Mess Express (Season 5 - Episode 9)

Captain Lee, Kate, Nico and Matt have their hands full when eight big personalities from Texas come on board. Matt attempts to step up his cooking game, even though the alcohol fueled guests may not notice. Bruno decides to help the interior, only to discover how unorganized they are. Nico attempts to show Captain Lee he is better bosun material than EJ, but a beach picnic might prove too much for him to handle. Meanwhile, Kate attempts to protect Jen from some very hands-y guests.

The episode was rated 7.30 from 250 votes.

Below Deck - S5E12

#10 - 55 and Lovin' It (Season 5 - Episode 12)

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Capt. Lee tests Matt as he removes Bruno from the galley and joins the women for dinner; Jen and Kate's working relationship deteriorates; Kyle and Jen grow closer, but Kyle has ulterior motives; Jen reaches her breaking point.

The episode was rated 7.38 from 218 votes.

Below Deck - S5E6

#9 - 100 Feet From Catastrophe (Season 5 - Episode 6)

Nico is pushed to his breaking point under the leadership of boson EJ; Matt continues to unravel after his date with Brianna, which causes problems for Kate; Capt. Lee makes a staffing decision.

The episode was rated 7.38 from 262 votes.

Below Deck - S5E8

#8 - Under Cover Boss (Season 5 - Episode 8)

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Nico and Brianna grow closer in spite of Nico's girlfriend back in Chicago; unexpected news sends Matt into an alcohol fueled day off; Kate challenges Jen and Brianna to a stewardess speed test with unexpected consequences.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 253 votes.

Below Deck - S5E4

#7 - Kate Goes to Church (Season 5 - Episode 4)

During their night off, Jesus and Kate get to know each other; Chris Brown makes a pass at Brianna; Nico marks the 3-month anniversary of the passing of his brother; a group of fun charter guests arrive ready to party.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 265 votes.

Below Deck - S5E13

#6 - The One Where Jen Loses Her Mind (Season 5 - Episode 13)

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Previous guest and finance wizard Timothy Sykes is back and once again can't live without his WiFi. Kate and Captain Lee know the high expectations that are required for a guest of this magnitude and they are feeling the pressure on this last charter of the season. Jen is under intense scrutiny after she has upset the entire crew, and most importantly her boss Kate who puts her through the ringer on this last charter. Meanwhile, Nico struggles to make a decision about his relationship. Kate helps Matt plan the dinners to finish the charter season on a high note.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 221 votes.

Below Deck - S5E1

#5 - The 1 Percenters (Season 5 - Episode 1)

Captain Lee and his returning crew, Kate and Nico are joined by six new crew members as they embark on a new charter season in St. Martin aboard the luxury yacht Valor. Kate and Nico have their hands full as they are charged with training a few new and inexperienced crew members before the first charter of the season. Meanwhile, Nico is dealing with a personal tragedy which is affecting him more than he's let on.

The episode was rated 7.44 from 291 votes.

Below Deck - S5E2

#4 - It Ain't Easy Being Green (Season 5 - Episode 2)

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Tension is high as Kate and Nico continue to struggle operating with a crew of newbies; the crew welcomes their first charter guests; Captain Lee finds himself having to get more involved in troubleshooting the problems the crew faces.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 262 votes.

Below Deck - S5E15

#3 - Reunion (Season 5 - Episode 15)

Andy Cohen interviews the Valor crew members about the most outrageous and controversial moments of the season, answering viewers' most burning questions.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 152 votes.

Below Deck - S5E10

#2 - King Come-On-I-Wanna-Lay-Ya (Season 5 - Episode 10)

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An accident puts Nico in jeopardy; Kate tries to entertain land-locked guests; Brianna grows weary of Jen; Matt is back in hot water with another restaurant owner; Bruno tries to show Kate up with his knowledge of guest relations.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 228 votes.

Below Deck - S5E14

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

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 7.65 from 210 votes.

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