I think that Below Deck season 12 is set to premiere June 2, 2025. The trailer for season 12 and who the cast is comprised of have already been released, and there are some familiar faces. Fraser Olender is reprising his now-tenured role as Chief Stew on the OG show, while Deckhand Kyle Stillie and Captain Kerry Titheradge are also returning. That leaves 7 new crew entering the franchise.

I noticed a lot of production changes regarding editing in BDDU season 3. Cast, sea creature, and guest bios, super-imposed romance monologs, and a stewardess step counter have all sent me this season in a good way. Not to mention, the yacht, below water, and landscape visual captures have improved and become more encoming. Since Below Deck effected change with its editing in BDDU season 3, I feel like production is now aiming to shake things up with their casting strategy. However, I see a big issue with one particular choice for the interior team.

Below Deck Season 12 Should Not Have Cast Solène

She Has Next To No Experience

Out of all the cast in Below Deck season 12, Solène has the least amount of experience. Furthermore, Solène has the least amount of experience in the history of Below Deck franchise cast . According to her Bravo Bio, Solène only had 22 days of yachting experience in the industry before ing the show and motoryacht St. David. In fact, Solène said during the interview, "St. David was my first charter experience," so she didn't have much to base her answers to questions about her past charter season experience on.

I think it's appalling that Below Deck casting would choose someone who is as under-prepared and under-experienced as Solène. To me, Solène's casting means that Below Deck production and Captain Kerry are okay with hiring someone completely green. That said, it makes me feel like Below Deck casting will now hire anyone to work on yachts, and it's not about a show with experienced yachties anymore. I believe this is a concerning trajectory for the franchise to be taking. While Solène's casting as a complete newbie may be isolated, I'm scared it won't be.

Solène Seems To Be A Clout Chaser

Solène Has Been On Reality TV Before

What troubles me further about Solène being cast, is that she already has a history of appearing in the reality TV industry. She was in Love Island season 2, which ran from April to June 2023. Solène spent 52 days on the island, and placed third with Nicolo Ferrari. Going onto Love Island , Solène described her occupation as an "Influencer," which is a red flag to me.

I think Solène is using Below Deck season 12 as just another stepping stone in her aspirations to be famous.

I think she is a clout chaser who wants to expand her social media followers and opportunities and doesn't actually care about the show or the work.

I believe her behavior and background that stance.

Below Deck Casting Should Avoid Casting People Like Solène

Below Deck Needs To Boost Cast Quality

I'm certain that Below Deck production casting people like Solène isn't a positive thing. I feel it sends the wrong message about the yachting industry and that casting is okay hiring people with no experience for such a demanding position. I understand everyone has to start somewhere, and Solène may actually want to advance her career in yachting, but that notion is just not there for me given what I perceive her motives to be. In any case, I don't want other influencers or former reality TV participants to continue being cast, as I feel it diminishes the show's quality.

Below Deck season 12 premieres June 2 at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.

Source: Bravo.com