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Entertainment • Reality TV

Below Deck

Below Deck is an American reality television series that premiered on Bravo in 2013.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Below Deck is an American reality television series that premiered on Bravo in 2013. It follows the crew of a luxury superyacht during charter season as they work, live, and deal with demanding guests and interpersonal conflict. The show has become a flagship franchise for Bravo, expanding into multiple spin-offs.

Premise

Below Deck follows young crew members working and living aboard a luxury yacht while serving high-end charter guests. The series combines a workplace reality format with personal drama at sea, emphasizing the tension between hospitality service, confined living conditions, and crew dynamics.

Broadcast and distribution

The series premiered on Bravo on July 1, 2013, and has remained associated with the channel. It is also offered on streaming platforms in different markets, including Peacock in the United States and Prime Video listings in some regions.

Franchise

Below Deck launched a franchise that includes Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under, and Below Deck Adventure. These spin-offs use the same basic format in different yachting settings.

Reception and format

The show is structured around charter episodes, with each voyage bringing new guests and operational challenges. Its format emphasizes the tension between hospitality service, confined living conditions, and crew dynamics.

Key facts

  • Below Deck premiered on Bravo on July 1, 2013.
  • It documents the professional and personal lives of yacht crew members aboard a superyacht.
  • Episodes focus on charter guests, workplace pressure, and crew relationships.
  • The franchise has expanded into multiple spin-off series.
  • The show has been available on streaming services including Peacock and Prime Video in some regions.
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Canadian context

The series is available in Canada through streaming services, including a Canadian Apple TV listing, and has a Canadian audience as part of the broader Bravo reality TV franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Below Deck about?
It follows the crew of a luxury yacht during charter season as they serve guests and navigate life aboard the vessel.
When did Below Deck first air?
It premiered on Bravo on July 1, 2013.
What type of show is Below Deck?
It is a reality television series.
What network originally aired Below Deck?
Bravo originally aired the series.
Are there spin-offs of Below Deck?
Yes. Major spin-offs include Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under, and Below Deck Adventure.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Below_Deck
    Supports: Premiere date, premise, and spin-off franchise list.
  2. Peacockhttps://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/below-deck
    Supports: Season count, premiere information, and streaming availability in the United States.
  3. Apple TVhttps://tv.apple.com/ca/show/below-deck/umc.cmc.17kjhzzwgeqxdbl3181ev6bfz
    Supports: Canadian availability and series description.
  4. Apple TVhttps://tv.apple.com/us/show/below-deck/umc.cmc.17kjhzzwgeqxdbl3181ev6bfz
    Supports: Series premise and runtime/format description.
  5. TV Guidehttps://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/below-deck/1000591931/
    Supports: Series run, season count, and general synopsis.