Should I Watch It? Below Deck Down Under season 2, the reality drama back with an Aussie twist.

There's nothing more pervy than the lives of the uber wealthy. Just look at all the franchises of Real Housewives. 

As someone who can’t afford to holiday on a superyacht, I am desperate to know what goes on behind closed doors. But as a former waitress, I’m even more desperate to know how the staff actually operates, and what they really think of their super rich guests. 

Enter: Season 2 of Below Deck Down Under.

The Australian iteration of Below Deck is back for another season set in the stunning waters off Cairns, Queensland, and follows the staff on a luxury superyacht as they live, work and party together over a hectic six week charter season. 

Hayu's debut Down Under season was quick to capture hearts of reality TV fans in 2022, so the rowdy crew with tumultuous dynamics are back again, rumoured to be serving us a “love pentagon”, food mishaps, and even a crew member being terminated.

Before we go any further, you can stream it ad-free from July 18 only on Hayu (same day as the USA). 

Here's more pervy details on exactly why you should watch it.

What's season 2 of Below Deck Down Under about?

Last year's first season of Below Deck Down Under absolutely delivered in drama. From lazy stewardesses and saucy hookups, to break-ups, breakdowns, and unbearable guests; it had all the hallmarks of excellent reality TV gold. And by the look of this season’s trailer, season 2 will not disappoint.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Below Deck (@belowdeckbravo)

Now, who are the cast members? Returning is Chief Stew Aesha Scott, who's no stranger to the Below Deck family, having captured our hearts as the fill-in second stewardess from sister-show Below Deck Mediterranean. And I for one, am so stoked she’s back to make another season "her b*tch" (her words, not mine). 

Also returning is Captain Jason Chambers, and I'm PRAYING he brings his sparkly helmet of shame to bestow on a different staff member each charter. 

This season we’ve got a brand-new chef, bosun, stews and deckhands to look forward to, and from the bits teased so far, it promises lots of drama throughout the season. 

I’m a Below Deck superfan, so I’m not surprised there’s a bit of drama in the love department on board among the deckhands and stews. In fact, I welcome it. It’s fairly standard practice if previous Below Deck seasons are anything to go by. 

“Harry likes Margot, who likes Luke, and Laura likes Adam, but also wants Luke… It’s a love pentagon,” Aesha reveals in a sneak peek. 

There’s also a very upset (very lactose-intolerant) guest, who's seen to be yelling at the chef. A few guests are seen disobeying crew orders to stay out of the ocean at night, and Captain Jason gets serious and threatens to take them back to the marina. 

Up in Cairns, there are strong currents, reef sharks and box jellyfish in the water… I would be listening to Captain Jason on that one.  

More seriously, Aesha is seen going to the Captain about some questionable crew behaviour on a night out, which results in a crew member’s termination. And all of that is... just what they could fit in the trailer.

Come for the…

Drama, baby. If the preview we have seen so far is anything to go by, we're in for a nautical treat. 

Now, if you’re a Below Deck newbie, you're forgiven, but importantly you can still enjoy it just as much as the superfans. 

Before you jump in, the hierarchy to know is as follows: at the top, you’ve got Captain Jason. He leads the team, drives the boat, and is, well, the captain. 

Then there's the exterior team, headed up by the bosun. They're the captain’s right-hand man and leads the team of deckhands. They keep everything on the exterior of the boat sparkling clean, set up water toys for the guests, take them snorkelling on the tender, and do a lot of the heavy lifting. 

Then there’s the interior team, headed up by the Chief Stew Aesha, she runs the team of stewardesses to attend to the guests every want and need. They serve meals, drinks, maintain the cleanliness of the interior of the boat, clean cabins and keep everything spick and span. 

The Chef is kind of their own department. They make every single meal on the boat to a restaurant quality standard. They also need to make every crew meal as well. Their hours can be ridiculously long. They have a job I do not envy at all, because I had toast for dinner.

Stay for the…

Holiday envy… and Captain Jason in his speedos. 

What TV shows will it remind you of?

If Vanderpump Rules, Getaway and Real Housewives had a baby. On a superyacht. 

How long is it?

Episodes are under an hour long, last season there were 17 episodes. In season 2, there will be 18 episodes. 

So, should you watch it?

Definitely. It’s a vicarious look into the lives of service workers who tend to every whim of some of the world’s wealthiest people. Plus, if you like boats there are PLENTY of excellent drone shots of superyachts that make you want to pool your money with 23 other friends to buy one!

Below Deck Down Under Season 2 premieres July 18 only on Hayu, ad-free with episodes dropping the same day as USA.

Feature Image: Hayu.