Below Deck

10 Best Episodes of Below Deck - Season 8

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 - S8E2

#15 - There's No Crying in Yachting (Season 8 - Episode 2)

The sudden departure of one of his teammates leaves Shane struggling to adapt to the unforeseen responsibilities on deck. Coming off her clash with Francesca, Izzy begins to question if the interior satisfies her dream of being at sea. While dealing with demanding guests, Rachel lets her emotions get the best of her, and Francesca loses her composure in front of Captain Lee. Meanwhile, James gets caught in the middle of an explosive guest argument.

The episode was rated 7.37 from 146 votes.

Below Deck - S8E5

#14 - Champagne Wishes and Caviar Screams (Season 8 - Episode 5)

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Shane tries to redeem himself after getting caught sleeping on the job. Meanwhile, Ashling excels in her duties on deck as Elizabeth suffers the scrutiny of Francesca. In the galley, Rachel is excited to finally have refined guests on board, but things are not always as they seem.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 145 votes.

Below Deck - S8E8

#13 - No Way Rosé (Season 8 - Episode 8)

A new face joins My Seanna as the repercussions of Rachel’s decision cause uncertainty for the charter. Elizabeth gets encouragement from her crew members, and Captain Lee steps in after Eddie is put into a precarious situation.

The episode was rated 7.43 from 139 votes.

Below Deck - S8E9

#12 - The Devil You Know (Season 8 - Episode 9)

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As the fallout from her impulsive decision lingers, Rachel attempts to regain Captain Lee’s trust, but her antics annoy Eddie. Meanwhile, a demotion within the interior department sparks controversy, and Francesca feels lonely. Bonds on board grow stronger than ever as a romance heats up between Elizabeth and James while Izzy opens up about her painful past.

The episode was rated 7.45 from 131 votes.

Below Deck - S8E3

#11 - Max and Dax's Excellent Adventure (Season 8 - Episode 3)

Ready to let loose in the Caribbean, James instead finds himself disappointed on the first night out. Heads turn as My Seanna welcomes a new crew member, and Izzy makes a surprising decision, much to the chagrin of James. Francesca comes to grips with the ramifications of her emotional outburst. A charter group of thirsty 20-year-olds arrives, and Shane’s mistakes push Eddie’s patience to the edge.

The episode was rated 7.45 from 128 votes.

Below Deck - S8E15

#10 - Don't Cry for Me Antigua (Season 8 - Episode 15)

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Ashling suffers the consequences of her white lie while Izzy’s promotion creates waves on deck and Rob makes his feelings abundantly clear. A condiment mishap fuels the contention between Francesca and Rachel as Elizabeth spends the charter focusing on James instead of her job.

The episode was rated 7.46 from 135 votes.

Below Deck - S8E14

#9 - Hide the Salami (Season 8 - Episode 14)

Pushed to the brink, Francesca loses all trust in Elizabeth while Captain Lee shares an unfortunate bond with the charter guests. Rachel continues to grow frustrated with the interior over miscommunication, and Elizabeth’s high expectations for her 30th birthday fall short. Ashling decides to lie to the primary’s son, and the crew grows fearful of COVID-19 as it ramps up back home.

The episode was rated 7.47 from 139 votes.

Below Deck - S8E1

#8 - There's No Place Like Home (Season 8 - Episode 1)

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Captain Lee returns to the Caribbean aboard M/Y My Seanna with a brand-new crew and one familiar face, Eddie Lucas, but a critical injury sends Lee to the hospital and puts the fate of the charter season in question. Eddie’s return to yachting is rocky as he deals with a new team and a green but lovable deckhand. Chief Stewardess Francesca sets high standards for her interior crew, but this rubs some the wrong way.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 143 votes.

Below Deck - S8E6

#7 - Just Another Day in Paradise (Season 8 - Episode 6)

After a caviar mishap, the primary’s 50th birthday dinner teeters on the edge of disaster, and Rachel finds herself embroiled in interior drama. As Shane’s career hangs on by a thread, Francesca’s frustrations with Elizabeth build.

The episode was rated 7.51 from 142 votes.

Below Deck - S8E12

#6 - Blue Skies and UTI’s (Season 8 - Episode 12)

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In the episode "Blue Skies and UTI's" of the show Below Deck, Rachel's behavior continues to cause problems for the crew and Elizabeth finds herself in trouble. In a more emotional moment, Captain Lee shares a personal tragedy with Francesca, showing his more vulnerable side. Unfortunately, Izzy's health still seems to be a problem and Eddie sends her off for medical care. However, more crew members fall ill and Francesca is concerned if they'll make it through the next charter.

The episode is full of frustration and vulnerability as the crew tries to keep afloat. Rachel's antics are still causing tension and Elizabeth finds herself on the receiving end of the repercussions. Captain Lee opens up to Francesca about a personal tragedy and reveals a softer side. With the crew's health in jeopardy, Eddie sends Izzy off for medical care, but more crew members become ill and Francesca worries if they'll make it through the next charter.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 131 votes.

Below Deck - S8E16

#5 - Premature Evacuation (Season 8 - Episode 16)

Carl kicks off the first weekend and hosts a reception for his mom’s virtual wedding. Danielle throws a roller-skating party, but Lindsay is too bothered by Stephen’s hectic work schedule to enjoy herself. Afterward, the housemates get to work to throw Kyle an unforgettable birthday, which devolves into chaos when Hannah and Ciara’s budding friendship threatens Luke’s chances with either girl.

The episode was rated 7.56 from 138 votes.

Below Deck - S8E7

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

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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 144 votes.

Below Deck - S8E13

#3 - James' Big Cannoli (Season 8 - Episode 13)

In the exciting episode of Below Deck, "James' Big Cannoli," James plays games at Elizabeth’s expense. He does this in a way that is both childish and immature, and Elizabeth isn't happy about it. At the same time, Eddie presents Izzy with an interesting opportunity. While Izzy is unsure how to handle it, she is excited by the prospect.

The team comes together for a beach cleanup, but the warm and fuzzy feelings quickly dissipate when Francesca finds out that subordinates have been sleeping in a guest cabin without her permission. This causes tension amongst the crew as Francesca is determined to put her foot down and make sure that the rules are followed. In the end, James’ actions have consequences, and Izzy has to make a tough decision.

The episode was rated 7.62 from 121 votes.

Below Deck - S8E11

#2 - 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 7.64 from 128 votes.

Below Deck - S8E10

#1 - 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 7.68 from 138 votes.

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