Is Aesha Scott Returning For Below Deck Down Under Season 3?
After returning to Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 as Chief Stew, Aesha Scott’s fate with Below Deck Down Under is unclear. The reality yachting show debuted its first season in 2022 on Peacock, led by Captain Jason Chambers. After appearing in two seasons of the Mediterranean-based series, Aesha joined the cast of Below Deck Down Under season 1 as a first-time franchise Chief Stew. She became a fan-favorite crew member during her first few seasons, working under Captain Sandy Yawn and Hannah Ferrier. After two seasons of yachting in Australia, Aesha switched back to Below Deck Med season 9.
Many fans were shocked to hear of Aesha’s homecoming with Captain Sandy after she formed a strong bond with Jason and worked together as a captain and Chief Stew duo. With over a year passed since season 2, there’s been speculation that Below Deck Down Under isn’t returning for a third installment. Nonetheless, it would be silly for the network to cancel the spin-off after it was nominated for two Emmys, including an outstanding unstructured reality program and outstanding picture editing for an unstructured reality program. Even with all its success, Aesha may not return for another season.
Aesha Was The Leading Lady Of Below Deck Down Under
Aesha debuted in the Below Deck franchise as a Chief Stew in the Australian series. Before she became Chief Stew, she worked as a regular stew on Below Deck Med seasons 4 and 5. Working with Hannah Ferrier, Aesha became a beloved crew member, adored for her sweet and endearing personality. As the Chief Stew of Below Deck Down Under season 1, she truly stepped into her own as a yachtie and made her mark on the franchise.
Season 2 earned two Emmy nods during the 2024 season, though the show arguably went viral when Luke Jones was fired for sexual misconduct. After a night out drinking, the Bosun entered Margot Sisson’s bunk naked while they were both intoxicated. When production tried to get Luke out of Margot’s room, he refused to leave and shut the door in their faces, and they had to force him out. Aesha played a vital role in ensuring Margot was safe and immediately went to Captain Jason to inform him of what happened.
When she brought her concerns to the captain, he didn’t hesitate to fire Luke for his terrible actions. Aesha watched Luke’s behavior towards Margot during their night out to ensure the safety of the crew. The captain and Chief Stew had such a strong trust in each other that he knew how to rely on her during the negative moments. Aesha, Captain Jason, and the Below Deck production team handled the situation in the best way possible, and Luke’s firing will, unfortunately, be known as an unforgettable moment from Below Deck Down Under.
Aesha Returned To Below Deck Med For Season 9, Hinting She Left Down Under
Aesha Didnt Warn Captain Jason She Was Going On Below Deck Med
Shockingly, the Chief Stew returned to her franchise roots to work with Captain Sandy in Below Deck Med season 9. It came as a surprise to viewers who grew accustomed to Aesha on Below Deck Down Under. Nonetheless, it was a smart decision made by production to shift her to the series. Aesha brought a fresh energy back to the spin-off after a few subpar seasons. When she was announced as part of the Below Deck Med season 9 crew, her casting raised questions as to if she’d be on Below Deck Down Under season 3.
Before she switched series’, Aesha revealed she didn’t tell Captain Jason she was going to be on Below Deck Med. In a June interview with Decider, the Chief Stew said she “didn’t tell him beforehand because we’re supposed to stay in the bubble, and I’m a good girl,” but he was “very supportive” of her decision. After starring alongside each other, fans speculated that Captain Jason and Aesha’s relationship was more than platonic and could have deterred her from returning for season 3.
Captain Jason Has Been Dropping Hints About Below Deck Down Under Season 3
Captain Jason Teased The Shows Return
While there’s been no official confirmation about when Below Deck Down Under will return, Captain Jason has subtly dropped hints about the show’s third installment. He left an interesting comment under a picture with season 2 Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph on Instagram, writing, “Below deck down under crew in LA, does this mean our season is getting closer to the screens? Mmm I wonder?” In the wake of the show’s absence, the captain also explained how it can be difficult to find work amid a filming hiatus on his Instagram Broadcast Channel, screenshotted by @Bravohusband on Reddit in August.
The show pays virtually nothing until you get a few seasons.
Captain Jason revealed he’s been prioritizing spending time with his daughter while not filming the show because he “can’t work in between” seasons of Below Deck because “captains are full-time [and] no owner wants a revolving captain.” Oftentimes, Bravo reality stars do not divulge details regarding the status of their shows. Captain Jason’s candidness surrounding the fate of season 3 is partly why the audience has deemed him a fan-favorite. He may be voicing his frustrations publicly to garner viewer support for the show to finally return.
Aesha Likely Wont Return For Below Deck Down Under Season 3
It Would Be Difficult For Aesha To Film & Star In Two Different Shows
Captain Jason will likely return for season 3, but Aesha may not join him. Aesha shined during her appearance on Below Deck Med season 9, and it would be shocking if the show decided to hire another Chief Stew after such a stellar showing. She has a strong relationship with Captain Sandy and forges friendships with the new crew. Aesha would work well with any new yachties introduced during season 10 and the Below Deck crew knows they can count on her to lead an interior team, draw in viewers, and create entertaining TV.
The team behind the scenes will likely prioritize the success of Below Deck Med rather than Below Deck Down Under. As the second spin-off show, Below Deck Med has been on-air much longer than the Australian installment. Aesha seems content with her new role and would probably not turn down the opportunity to work with Captain Sandy for another season. Below Deck Down Under can survive without her, but it will be odd to come to terms with Aesha not being a part of its cast after two seasons.
After Below Deck Med season 9, Aesha is likely to leave Below Deck Down Under. After two great seasons on the Australian show working with Captain Jason, she took the opportunity to return to her franchise roots. Below Deck Down Under will go on swimmingly without Aesha, but it will still be upsetting to not see her on the show in the future.
Below Deck Down Under seasons 1 & 2 are available to stream on Peacock.
Sources: Decider, Tzarina Mace-Ralph/Instagram, @Bravohusband/Reddit
