Below Deck Down Under's New African Locale Is An Unexpected Pivot (What Prompted The Move Out Of Australia?)
Below Deck Down Under is returning for season 3 in February, but unlike previous Below Deck Down Under seasons, the show won't take place in Australia. As the name of the series suggests, the crew typically charters its superyachts around the coast of Australia, but Below Deck Down Under season 3 in the Seychelles. The East African country is a tropical paradise with crystal blue waters, allowing viewers to see a new location that hasn't been explored in any of the franchises.
Although Below Deck Down Under is exploring a fresh location in Seychelles this upcoming season, the crew will still be cruising through the Indian Ocean, which is on the opposite side. For viewers familiar with the show’s past settings, the African coastline should offer an exciting new backdrop. While the series will have a slightly different feel this year, Below Deck Down Under season 3 seems poised to deliver the drama and adventure fans expect.
BDDU Season 3 Will Take Place In Africa
The Change Is Unprecedented
Below Deck Down Under season 3 takes viewers on a charter season set in Africa. Captain Jason Chambers returns to the series, overseeing the Motor Yacht Katina, the biggest yacht in the franchise's history. The season’s preview hints at"conflicting department heads and demanding guests," according to Bravo, as the crew sails around the stunning Seychelles.
Since the location of the season will be different, the excursions guests may take throughout the show could look a bit different. Diversifying the show’s locations could be a great step forward for the series, ensuring the show keeps moving forward and doesn't become receptive as the seasons continue.
Why Is BDDU Moving Out Of Australia?
It's A Surprising Shift
While there has been concern about the future of the Australian version of the popular franchise, Below Deck Down Under seems ready to embrace a season of transformation. The departure of Chief Stew Aesha Scott marked the beginning of some swift changes, which we will see in season 3. After the drama surrounding the sexual harassment incident in season 2, where deckhand Luke Jones assaulted stew Margot Sisson until Aesha intervened, it was uncertain whether the series would continue.
When it was announced that Aesha would be moving to Below Deck Mediterranean as Chief Stew, many assumed Below Deck Down Under was finished. However, Captain Jason quickly put those rumors to rest, assuring fans the show was not canceled. The controversy from last season could be why they decided to move to a new location, hoping for a fresh start.
Moving BDDU Out Of Australia Was A Poor Decision
The Name No Longer Makes Sense
Each Below Deck franchise features its unique flavor due to the location it is set in. The reason the series can have so many successful spin-offs is because of these changes, with fans knowing none of the locations will create the same experiences. Below Deck Down Under was unique because of its Aussie location, and now, that won't be the case.
The spin-off is called Down Under for a reason, a nickname that refers specifically to Australia and New Zealand. Just because the ocean they're sailing in is south of the equator, doesn't mean it fits into the name of the series. If Bravo wanted to have a Below Deck spin-off based in Africa, they should have created another series, and not turn Down Under into something it's not.
Below Deck Down Under season 3 premieres Monday, February 3 at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
Source: Bravo/Youtube Below Deck/Instagram
Below Deck Down Under is a reality television series that follows the crew of a luxury yacht navigating the waters of Australia. Set against the backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, the show highlights the challenges and dramas of managing high-end, on-the-water hospitality while balancing personal dynamics among the crew members.
- Main Genre
- Reality
- Seasons
- 3
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