The Below Deck franchise has plenty of heroes, but the most interesting cast members are the best villains of 2024. While some crew members like Sunny Marquis or Aesha Scott are widely appreciated as likable characters, other cast members are more controversial. Bosun Ben Willoughby didn’t do himself any favors on Below Deck season 11, and Natalya Scudder was also a lowkey villain. However, some Below Deck villains are sneakier than they seem.
The fun in Below Deck lies in the realism of the crew members. Yachties come together for a charter season to deliver a great experience for guests while indulging in their drama behind the scenes. While everyone has their reasons for their behavior, some cast members are more villainous than others. Who will take the cake in 2024?
Captain Sandy Yawn has been at the helm on both Below Deck and Below Deck Mediterranean, but in recent seasons, she’s become a bit of a villain. One example is her management style, which can be micromanaging or controlling. For instance, in some episodes, she has been seen closely monitoring the crew’s work and questioning their decisions. She first gave off villain vibes during the fallout from Hannah Ferrier’s firing due to Malia White’s snitching.
Captain Sandy may sometimes exacerbate tensions or take sides without fully understanding the dynamics at play, leading to further friction among crew members. In dealing with the feud between Alissa Humber and Camille Lamb, she ultimately chose to fire Camille. Captain Sandy can also take on villain characteristics with difficult charter guests, not always prioritizing the well-being of her crew.
Captain Kerry Titheradge’s true colors were shown in Below Deck season 11. Despite the admiration he garnered from both crew and guests, subtle hints throughout the season suggested a darker side to Captain Kerry’s leadership. While he often presented himself as a fair and supportive captain, there were instances where his behavior raised eyebrows. Rather than allowing his crew the autonomy to learn from their mistakes, Captain Kerry would micromanage.
Captain Kerry had big shoes to fill on Below Deck, and while he did an admirable job, his managerial style began to unravel by the end of the season.
Moreover, behind-the-scenes accounts from crew members, particularly Bosun Ben, painted a different picture of Captain Kerry’s demeanor. Ben’s revelations regarding the Below Deck crew shed light on a side of the captain that viewers didn’t get to see. According to Ben, Captain Kerry’s interactions with production staff and crew members were less than courteous. Regarding his experience onboard the St. David, Ben commented, “There’s too much that isn’t seen. I’m at a crossroads as to whether the truth needs to be told.”
It’s still early days in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but Iain Mclean is shaping up to become a Below Deck franchise villain. The bosun endured a recent incident in which deckhand Nathan Gallagher and a guest drifted away while paddleboarding, exemplifying the incompetence that has plagued the crew. Despite their best efforts, they found themselves at the mercy of the powerful current, unable to make headway back to the yacht.
The mounting pressure and repeated errors have cast doubt on Iain’s ability to fulfill his Bosun duties effectively. Speculation looms over Iain’s future with Captain Sandy’s crew, with Nathan admitting in a confessional, “We’re trying to row back to the yacht, but we’re actually going backwards because the current is so strong. So, yeah, we’re stuck at sea. I’m sh-tting myself.” If Iain can’t straighten out his deck crew, he could become an even more prominent Below Deck villain.
Chef Nick Tatlock emerged as a divisive figure aboard the St. David in Below Deck season 11, primarily due to his treatment of fellow crew member Paris Field. Despite his last-minute inclusion in the crew, Chef Nick’s behavior quickly became a point of contention, particularly in his interactions with Paris. His unprofessional conduct, such as refusing orders from Chief Stew Fraser Olender and exhibiting a dismissive attitude, created friction, making him a Below Deck villain.
Chef Nick’s commentary about Paris’ eating habits and body was completely inappropriate and largely went unchecked.
Furthermore, Chef Nick’s inappropriate remarks towards Paris, which bordered on being sexually suggestive and made her visibly uncomfortable, demonstrated a lack of respect. His failure to integrate smoothly with the crew and adapt to the demands of the galley reflected poorly on his ability to uphold the standards expected onboard. While fellow villain Captain Kerry seemed to take his side, Chef Nick did not make a positive impression.
Fraser is one of the most controversial Below Deck crew members, but he deserves a spot in the 2024 villains list. Fraser’s management style, notably highlighted in Below Deck seasons 10 and 11, reveals his struggle to handle interpersonal conflicts among his team. When faced with tensions between two stews, Camille and Alissa, Fraser fails to address the issue, leading to a confrontation in front of Captain Sandy. His inability to solve problems bled into season 11 when Fraser’s issues with managing crew members became more pronounced.
Despite his efforts to avoid a repeat of past conflicts, he created an environment where communication is strained, except with his right-hand woman, Xandi Olivier. His treatment of Barbie Pascual, a struggling stew, showcased his favoritism, which got especially bad after Cat Baugh left St. David. Moreover, Fraser’s micromanagement tendencies and disregard for Captain Kerry’s authority highlighted his arrogance. Unfortunately, Fraser will likely still return for Below Deck season 12, as he was spotted filming alongside Captain Kerry.
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Johnathan Shillingford
Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9
While Iain has exhibited some missteps, Chef Johnathan Shillingford will become the real villain of Below Deck Mediterranean season 9. He makes the perfect villain, given his self-centered attitude, disrespectful behavior, and snobbiness. Despite being part of the crew, Chef Jono prioritizes his own needs over the smooth operation of the charter, as seen when he refuses to assist Elena during a challenging night with demanding guests. His subsequent anger and derogatory remarks towards Elena, followed by a complaint to Captain Sandy, only exacerbated tensions within the crew.
Furthermore, Chef Jono’s interactions with the crew, particularly Captain Sandy, reveal a toxic superiority complex with a condescending tone and a know-it-all attitude. Chef Jono’s pattern of disrespectful behavior and refusal to contribute to the team set the stage for further conflict and drama throughout the season. It will be vital to keep an eye on Chef Jono’s behavior throughout the season.
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Barbie Pascual
Below Deck Season 11
Barbie’s time on Below Deck season 11 was a roller-coaster ride, transforming her from a potential star to a polarizing villain. Initially, Barbie and Chief Stew Fraser had a promising rapport, but it soured quickly. Instead of respecting Fraser’s authority, Barbie became confrontational when he offered guidance, showing disregard for his leadership. Her subsequent derogatory remarks behind his back further displayed her lack of respect for authority and teamwork.
Barbie’s focus on her daddy’s money clashed with the crew’s dedication to their job and livelihood, alienating her further. Moreover, Barbie’s dismissive treatment of deckhand Kyle Stillie post-hookup highlighted her callousness and lack of accountability, prioritizing her family’s conservative values over Kyle’s dedication to their relationship. Her dramatic exit from the yacht following the last charter cemented her villain status on Below Deck.
