Below Deck Down Under season 3 will be just fine without Aesha Scott. The Australian-based Below Deck spin-off aired its first season on Peacock. Led by Captain Jason Chambers, fans fell in love with the series for its fresh vibe as a new extension to the franchise. Below Deck Down Under was aided by the inclusion of Aesha as the show’s Chief Stew. She emerged as a beloved franchise cast member in Below Deck Mediterranean season 4, where she served as a stew underneath Hannah Ferrier.
Aesha’s positivity is contagious, and her endearing personality combined with her experience in the yachting industry made her the perfect Chief Stew for Below Deck Down Under. She developed a strong bond with Captain Jason, and they led the crew to success each charter season. However, despite her ties to the series, Aesha returned to Below Deck Med season 9, working alongside Captain Sandy Yawn for the first time since season 5. She excelled in that series, hinting she’ll remain in that cast for the time being. Without Aesha, Below Deck Down Under must go on.
Captain Jason Revealed New Rules Post-Misconduct Scandal
The Show Made Some Changes After Season 2’s Misconduct Scandal
After last season, Below Deck Down Under season 3 is shaping up to be the spin-off’s best season yet. Captain Jason revealed they implemented new policies when filming in a September interview with Us Weekly. All eyes shifted to the series when Luke Jones was fired for sexual misconduct when he climbed into Margot Sisson’s bunk naked while she was intoxicated. He tried to close the door on the film crew, which forced production to remove him from the room, and he was later fired, with Captain Jason and the crew applauded for how they handled the situation.
“There were changes for sure. I know that the policies and procedures were in place during the previous seasons, even when that happened. When production stepped in and stopped it, that showed that these policies and procedures were very understood.”
After the misconduct, Captain Jason confirmed the show “brought additional HR people” on-location aside from production during season 3 “to actually make sure that the black and white writing was understood by all.” The cast is made aware of the “policies and procedures,” though the captain said the rules were “pushed down even further” in the forthcoming season. It’s great to hear production has taken additional steps to protect the crew members, especially in the wake of such a contentious moment during season 2 and allegations against Gary King from Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
The Season Is Getting A New Chief Stew
With Aesha Out, A New Chief Stew Will Be Named
Without Aesha on Below Deck Down Under season 3, the crew will have a new Chief Stew. Her replacement is unconfirmed, though it’s rumored a few cast members from the second installment rejoined the cast. Allegedly, Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph and deckhand Harry van Vliet returned for another season alongside Captain Jason. The show will survive without Aesha, though it will be odd to watch another Chief Stew step into her role in the series. She became a fixture of the show during her consecutive seasons, though that doesn’t mean the new person won’t be a great replacement.
Captain Jason Is Returning At The Helm
Below Deck Fans Love Captain Jason
Captain Jason’s September interview with Us Weekly confirmed he’s returning for season 3. He revealed that the season had already been “filmed” and was “in edits at the moment.” With over a year since season 2, the series is highly anticipated for fans. In the wake of its absence, Captain Jason has been dropping hints and throwing shade at Bravo for the waiting time in between seasons. He teased the show’s return in a comment under a picture with Chef Tzarina on her Instagram in August.
