Behind the Scenes of Below Deck Mediterranean: Kizzi’s Candid Confessions and the Dynamic Season 10
In a refreshingly candid moment during the October 6 episode of Below Deck Mediterranean, stew Kizzi Kitchener opened up about her approach to relationships in a way that was both humorous and surprisingly relatable. “I am a massive flirt,” she admitted to the cameras during a conversation with Chef Josh Bingham. Kizzi went on to describe her paradoxical romantic desires with charming self-awareness: “I love the person that I am seeing to be kind of obsessed with me in a slightly unhealthy manner.” However, she quickly clarified the boundaries of this desired devotion, adding, “But also, I don’t want you to come knocking at my door with a knife and be like, ‘I want to wear your skin.’ Not that kind of obsession.” This juxtaposition of wanting adoration while maintaining personal safety highlighted her genuine personality, as she concluded, “I have a really big fear of being murdered but I want princess treatment.” This blend of vulnerability and humor has made Kizzi a standout personality on the show, offering viewers a glimpse into the complex reality of modern dating through her unfiltered perspective.
Later in the episode, Kizzi’s confessional took an even more unexpected turn when she revealed a dating experience that sounded like something straight out of a thriller novel. After a friendly conversation with bosun Nathan Gallagher prompted questions about her love life, she shared, “When I am single I just feel free to act however I want to act.” She then divulged a particularly unusual dating experience: “This one time I was on a date with a guy and I slept with him. Then I found out he is in a cult.” Her concern was evident yet tempered with humor as she added, “I don’t want to say everything in case he comes and murders me, but I don’t think he will.” This startling revelation not only entertained viewers but also showcased the unpredictable nature of dating experiences that many can relate to, albeit perhaps not to such dramatic extremes. Kizzi’s willingness to share these personal stories has created a connection with the audience, who appreciate her authenticity in discussing the sometimes bizarre realities of single life.
Season 10 of Below Deck Mediterranean, which premiered last month, has brought together a compelling mix of returning favorites and fresh faces. Captain Sandy Yawn returned to lead the crew, joined by chief stew Aesha Scott and now-bosun Nathan Gallagher from previous seasons. The rest of the team comprises new additions including Chef Josh Bingham, stews Kizzi Kitchener and Victoria SanJuan, and deckhands Christian Trimino and Tessa Budd, along with returning deckhand Max Salvador from an earlier Below Deck series. This blend of established relationships and new dynamics has created a fertile ground for engaging storylines and interpersonal drama. The reunion of Sandy and Aesha, in particular, has provided a stable foundation for the season, with their established trust and working relationship allowing for smooth operations while the new crew members find their footing and establish their own connections with viewers and each other.
Chief stew Aesha Scott shared her excitement about the current season in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, promising viewers an unprecedented viewing experience. “There is so much that happens. Like, the viewers this whole entire season are going to be absolutely enthralled,” she enthused. Aesha contrasted this season with the previous one, noting, “I feel like with last season, it was a lot of the same stuff. It was the love triangles, and there were a lot of themes that just extended over. Whereas this season, every single charter I was like, ‘What just happened? And now that happened.'” Her excitement about starting fresh in season 10 was palpable as she described the content as divinely inspired: “I was like, ‘The story God is shining upon us.’ Because so much kept happening.” What makes this season particularly special, according to Aesha, is that while there’s plenty of drama, it comes from a more authentic place: “There was so [much] interesting [stuff], but it’s not toxic or gross stuff. It’s people’s real lives and family stories and just really interesting and often relatable stuff.” This suggests a shift toward more meaningful content that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
Captain Sandy Yawn expressed her satisfaction with how the crew is functioning this season, particularly highlighting her confidence in Aesha’s leadership of the interior team. “I’ve always felt settled. I think maybe the interior feels more settled [this season], to be honest,” she shared with Us Weekly. The captain elaborated on the peace of mind that comes with having a trusted chief stew: “Also for me, I don’t have to worry. It’s not that I have to walk through and make sure [the stews are] doing their job and the guests are looked after. Having Aesha on board just says everything is fine on the interior for me — unless someone is obviously pushing back against her.” This professional trust is clearly mutual and has developed over their time working together across multiple seasons. Sandy’s appreciation for Aesha extends beyond her professional capabilities to her personal qualities as well: “It’s always a pleasure having her. She’s the most kind individual I’ve ever met — besides [my wife]. So she’s pretty epic and I trust her. I trust her decisions and having that trust on board really makes a difference.” This established relationship between captain and chief stew provides stability that allows the show to explore other interpersonal dynamics and challenges without constant leadership conflicts.
As Below Deck Mediterranean continues to air on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the next day on Peacock, viewers can anticipate more candid moments from Kizzi and the rest of the crew. The season appears to be striking a balance between entertainment value and authentic human experiences, moving away from manufactured drama toward genuine interactions that resonate with audiences. The mix of returning crew members who have established trust and working relationships alongside new personalities brings fresh energy while maintaining the show’s signature elements. Captain Sandy and Aesha’s professional partnership provides a solid foundation for the yacht operations, allowing the personal stories and interactions of crew members like Kizzi to take center stage. With teases of unpredictable events and meaningful narratives throughout the season, Below Deck Mediterranean’s tenth installment seems poised to offer viewers both the escapism of luxury yacht life and the relatability of genuine human connections, making it a compelling watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.