The Below Deck shows have officially taken over as Bravo's top-rated series, beating out The Real Housewives franchise.
The original Below Deck aired in July 2013 and was followed by Below Deck Mediterranean just three years later. In 2020, Bravo aired the third installment of the franchise, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, which was also met with high praise from fans. Who knew following the lives of crew members on a superyacht would be so entertaining?
As reported by Cheat Sheet, the latest episode of Below Deck received its highest ratings this season with 1.547 million viewers and a demographic of viewers between the ages of 18-49. The Twitter account Bravo Ratings originally reported the numbers, adding that Below Deck is now Bravo's highest-rated show. For years The Real Housewives of Atlanta was the network's highest-rated, but recently the ratings have hit a bump in the road, with the second episode of season 13 only receiving 1.189 million viewers. The jump in ratings for Below Deck season eight does not come as a surprise, as season five of Below Deck Med received the highest ratings in the entire history of the franchise. This past season was filled with drama on and off-screen, making the whole season a must-watch for fans of the show. While the reality show may have garnered good ratings, they didn't come without some backlash. Fans weren't too pleased with the "bros" from season seven of Below Deck and were very unhappy with bosun, Malia White, who snitched on Hannah Ferrier for having valium on board, which ultimately got her fired on this past season of Below Deck Med.
As for the Housewives, this franchise hasn't seen steady high ratings for many months now. Even The Real Housewives of Orange County is receiving its lowest ratings compared to seasons past. What shocked fans the most is The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is the highest-rated Housewives series this year. Now, with RHOA getting its lowest ratings after the departure of Nene Leakes, fans feel the franchise needs an overhaul. Viewers have already begun boycotting RHOC after Kelly Dodd's return. Her comments about the coronavirus pandemic, being against wearing a mask, and her lack of empathy for racial injustice left many fans outraged and calling for her to be fired. As for the newest Bravo show, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, the ratings have been low, but it is a hit with the fans. Due to the 10 pm time slot, RHOSLC has not been getting the ratings the show deserves.
Will Below Deck be able to keep its high rating going into the new year? The Real Housewives of Dallas and New Jersey will be airing at the beginning of the year and could possibly bump the beloved series from the top spot.
Sources: Cheat Sheet, Twitter: Bravo Ratings