Aesha Scott is one of the most visible Below Deck Down Under stars, and the next season of the show could flop without her. Below Deck Down Under season 3 should be on the way soon, with Captain Jason Chambers returning to the helm on the hit Bravo spin-off. However, Aesha worked alongside Captain Sandy Yawn about the Mustique in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. There are signs that Aesha will return for Below Deck Mediterranean season 10, meaning she couldn't possibly also appear in Below Deck Down Under.
Below Deck Down Under season 2 was marred by sexual misconduct. Bosun Luke Jones was fired after attempting to sexually assault Margot Sisson in her cabin as she slept. Making matters worse, Laura Bileskalne was fired for her misconduct incident and doubled down by defending Luke after the show. Captain Jason handled the situation swiftly and effectively, but it still left a stain on the Australian-based cast and crew. Here's why Aesha's absence could spell trouble for the Bravo spin-off.
Aesha Isn't Returning As Chief Stew
She's On Below Deck Mediterranean Now
It's unlikely that Aesha will return as Chief Stew on Below Deck Down Under given her appearance on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. She and Captain Sandy work well together, and while there were some definite issues between Bri Muller and Elena "Ellie" Dubaich, Aesha was able to diffuse their feud. Aesha also worked with a new stew, Carrie O'Neill, on finishing out the charter season.
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Additionally, there weren't issues with sexual misconduct on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 like there were on Below Deck Down Under season 2. Aesha was present for the entire debacle between Luke and Margot, and she might want to avoid a crew that had problems with harassment. She can't handle back-to-back charter seasons, and her return to Below Deck Mediterranean is more likely.
There Isn't A Lot Of Hype Around Below Deck Down Under Season 3
The Franchise Is More Focused On Below Deck Sailing Yacht
There's been very little hype surrounding Below Deck Down Under season 3. While Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 just ended, it would be expected to hear more news about the spin-off. Much of the attention has shifted towards Below Deck Sailing Yacht, especially the lack of fan-favorite Colin Macrae's return and the fallout of his relationship with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher. Additionally, there's pushback against the return of Gary King after his sexual misconduct allegations from last season.
The success of previous Below Deck Down Under seasons hinged on compelling crew members like Aesha. If season 3 lacks standout personalities in addition to Captain Jason or fails to introduce fresh dynamics, it might be hard to maintain attention. For now, there's very little news regarding the new season.
What Producers Can Do To Make Below Deck Down Under Season 3 A Success
They Need Entertaining Personalities
Bravo producers need to step it up to make Below Deck Down Under season 3 on Peacock a success. The series often hinges on the popularity of its most visible cast members. Losing Chief Stew Aesha is a definite blow, but Captain Jason is a likable character. Producers need to cast dynamic and entertaining crew members to fill Aesha's shoes.
Below Deck Down Under can still be saved despite Chief Stew Aesha's absence.
Additionally, they need to vet cast members to avoid a situation like last season, where two cast members were fired amid sexual misconduct allegations. There are issues of safety among the cast and crew, and producers would be smart to focus on those problems. Below Deck Down Under can survive a season without Aesha, but it will be an uphill battle.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and streams the next day on Peacock.
