Is Below Deck Changing Their Editing Tactics? (I Think Below Deck Down Under’s New Production Twists Have Improved The Show)
It seems to me that the Below Deck franchise is changing its editing tactics, as I’ve noticed Below Deck Down Under season 3’s production changes have improved the show and its reception. Below Deck Down Under season 3 premiered in February 2025, and the season is currently more than halfway over. A lot of cast changes have taken place this season, as Captain Jason Chambers fired three crew members and hired replacements. I’ve found season 3 to be highly entertaining between the boatmances, interior and exterior department drama, and the nature of the guests.
Another big change in season 3 is the location being highlighted. Below Deck Down Under has been in Australia the first two seasons, as the name suggests. However, this season pivoted completely, and Captain Jason and his crew have been doing superyacht charters in the Seychelles, East of Africa. The show has been defined by Captain Jason’s leadership style, wayward crew dynamics, and volatile personalities making their way onto the show. What’s set this season apart for me in a good way, has been the editing style changes that have made the show even better.
The Below Deck Franchise’s Editing Tactics Haven’t Changed Much Until Now
I’ve Known What To Expect
I’ve been a Below Deck franchise fan since it premiered in 2014. Back then, I felt there were some noticeable editing growing pains, like the quality in which the show was shot and some stumbles figuring out how to film the crew in complete between the cabins and yacht as a whole. However, since the initial seasons, I’ve seen Below Deck‘s editing come a long way. Being a powerhouse Bravo show that is regarded in the U.S. and abroad as a top reality show, production has come to have its own editing style.
Production aims to capture the crew members not only in their work environments, but also through their interactions in the cabins, on nights out, and in the water with the guests. The interview scenes have also had a pretty standard procedure, with the done-up cast members talking in front of green-screened yacht-style backgrounds. As the crew run around the boat, they are captured on all deck levels, as well as service and guest areas. The only areas the cameras don’t go to are in the bathrooms and guest cabins.
In any given season, I’ve come to know what to expect in terms of the types of moments that are captured, how the drama will be laid out, and how the crew interviews affect the overall narrative. While I don’t think those core elements have changed, I feel they’ve been enhanced. BBDU season 3’s editing and production changes have impressed me in a good way and have made me feel like the show should stick to the new editing tactics for a better viewing experience.
BDDU Season 3’s Editing Has Added Several New Elements
Better Cast Bios, Romance Clips, A Step Counter
Below Deck Down Under season 3 has added some spice to his routine editing approaches. Starting with the introduction of the cast, a new CV bio has popped up for each crew member, highlighting their experience, personal and professional backgrounds, and fun facts. Moreover, they chose to do this for a special turtle the guests and crew encountered on an on-shore excursion, which I found adorable. Secondly, the Stewardess step counter has been instituted, since motoryacht Katina is the largest vessel on the show thus far.
Moreover, there have been better visual shots of the guests in the water, with the use of drones and better angles, and the use of Go-Pros has been more involved in my opinion. Then there was Bosun Wihan Du Toit’s love letter to his Deckhand, Adair Werley. It had a cinematic effect as he read his love poem, unlike any romantic shot I’d seen before.
Wihan was superimposed as he read his poem, and it added not only to the comedic value but also to the eccentric nature of Wihan’s plan in general, which was brilliant and innovative editing.
The natural beauty of the Seychelles I’ve felt, has also been captured masterfully. The underwater shots coupled with the sweeping angles of Katina and the island backdrop have been stunning and have given me a good impression of the locale. Also, the shots of the anchor connecting with the sea floor have given a better perspective on what it means when the crew says the anchor has a “good bite.”
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BDDU’s Editing Changes Have Been Well-Received
“Visual Interest Bonus Points x 100!”
Underscoring my views on the visual improvements and overall editing enhancements in BBDU season 3’s production, a Reddit thread by u/DvrstyIsAnEssentlWrkr was started. It compounds my takes on how editing has done a good and better job this season.
“The personal stats for the TORTOISE?! I LOLed. They are really killin it this year! Even noticed some little things, like side aerial shots of guests shooting off the slides. Visual interest bonus points x 100!” read the thread topic.
Other Below Deck Down Under viewers chimed in to share their thoughts on the editing changes.
“The edit to make the Wihan love letter sound like Ken Burns’ Civil War documentary was pure comedy gold.”
The other point made was about how production laid out Deckhand Johnny Arvanitis’ cabinet punching at the beginning of the episode, and then built the episode’s narrative from there.
“Also last episode was so good. Start in the middle with a heated conflict with no context then started the episode. It was a steady build-up throughout the episode.”
The Below Deck Franchise Could Benefit From Keeping The Changes
Better Season Engagement
I sincerely hope these comedic, thoughtful, and more insightful editing moves are here to stay. As an avid and long-time fan, I’ve connected with this season more than the others because I feel like the new production value makes the show even more well-rounded. The Below Deck franchise would do well to listen to Below Deck Down Under viewers about the merits of the new changes and how they improve the show’s quality and engagement.
Below Deck Down Under airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Source: u/DvrstyIsAnEssentlWrkr/Reddit
