If the Below Deck Season 12 premiere is any indication, we’re in for one of the most chaotic and iconic seasons yet. Here is a quick Below Deck Season 12 premiere recap to catch up on all the drama.

From the jump, the energy is different, and I mean that in the best way. We open in London, of all places, with Chief Stew Fraser Olender setting the tone like a true Bravo star. And then we’re off to Sint Maarten, where Captain Kerry Titheradge is assembling a brand new crew and preparing for whatever madness the sea (and the guests) will bring.

🛥️ New Vibes, Same Yacht Madness

Right out of the gate, the production value is Housewives-level good. We’re getting chic intros, high drama lighting, and full-on character setups before they even step foot on the boat. It’s giving Bravo Cinematic Universe…but don’t worry, it still feels like Below Deck.

And shoutout to production, letting the crew meet on a night out before they board the yacht is genius. We got a quick read on everyone’s personalities, and yes, I’m already placing bets.

👀 The New Crew: Early First Impressions

• Fraser Olender is clearly the anchor of this season. He’s introducing the crew, interviewing them, and steering the narrative. He’s basically the Chief Stew and the narrator now.

• Kyle Stillie is back, flip-flops and all. He’s out to redeem himself and prove he’s not the same guy from last season. We’ll see.

• Solène Favreau, fresh off Love Island France, is high energy and a wild card. She says she wants to be the best “sponge” possible, but she’s clearly overwhelmed.

• Rainbeau de Roos, quiet but intriguing, just got promoted to 2nd Stew. A far cry from the Chief Stew chaos in other franchises.

• Bárbara Kulaif is working to support her mom, and I already love her. But something tells me her dynamic with Solène is gonna blow soon.

• Jess Theron, our deckhand with a bosun background, is giving Captain Sandy energy (not Malia) already.

• Caio Poltronieri, the new bosun, feels fun and calm. Not the guy we saw in the trailer.

• Damo Yorg = chaos energy. Self-proclaimed Peter Pan syndrome, instantly bonding with Kyle.

• Chef Lawrence Snowden… is already unraveling. But more on that in a sec.

👨‍🍳 Chef Lawrence: Unhinged or Underrated?

Chef Lawrence makes a… let’s say, interesting first impression. He’s already stressed before the first plate even leaves the galley. And while the food looks incredible, the steaks are cold and tough, and the guests send them all back.

He tells producers he’s about to shake. He breaks the fourth wall constantly. He’s talking to the camera crew mid-service. It’s hilarious—but also a huge red flag. He even tells Captain Kerry he might not survive another charter. Yikes.

I’m calling it now: we’re getting a new chef this season. The writing’s on the galley wall.

🧼 Leadership, Luggage & First Night Chaos

Captain Kerry’s leadership is calm but commanding. He reminds the crew not to mistake his kindness for weakness, and he’s changing how preference sheet meetings are done, splitting duties between deck and interior. Smart move, and a big boost for Fraser’s leadership role.

Also, the guests’ luggage never made it on board, classic Below Deck moment. Kerry gets it sorted (of course), but it’s a rocky start.

🌈 A Queer Crew & a Fresh Energy

This season also highlights a more inclusive crew: Fraser, Bárbara, and Jess are all openly LGBTQ+, and it’s refreshing to see Bravo reflect the diversity that’s always existed in yachting, but never showcased. Just in time for Pride month. Happy Pride everyone!

There’s already romantic tension bubbling (hello, Kyle’s search for “fun”), and between the personal dynamics and the professional pressure, it’s shaping up to be one of the most watchable casts we’ve had in a while.

🎬 Final Thoughts + Anchor Watch Returns!

The episode ends with Chef Lawrence on the edge and Fraser juggling drama like a pro. The crew pulled off a full turnaround in 24 hours, but the cracks are showing, and we’ve only just begun.

This season is locked and loaded to be one of the strongest in Below Deck history.

⚓ Don’t forget! Anchor Watch returns Tuesday, June 3rd at 10:30PM ET / 7:30PM PT on the Up And Adam! YouTube channel. Gelsey and I will be breaking it all down late-night style—unfiltered, unedited, and definitely opinionated.

Give me your thoughts on this season’s premiere below ⬇️

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