f you’re as obsessed with the Below Deck franchise as I am, you’re probably counting down the days until you can dive into Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5. This spin-off has always brought a unique twist to the high-seas drama with its stunning sailing yacht, Parsifal III, and a crew that’s equal parts chaotic and charming. Season 5 is no exception, delivering a fresh batch of boatmances, crew clashes, and jaw-dropping moments—all set against the backdrop of Ibiza, Spain. So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of rosé, if you’re channeling your inner chief stew), and let’s unpack everything we know about this season, especially for us Canadians eager to watch.
Premiere and Episode Rundown
Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 kicked off on October 7, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo in the U.S., with episodes dropping weekly on Monday nights. As of today, March 26, 2025, the season has wrapped up its run, concluding with Episode 16, “The Bitter End,” which aired on January 27, 2025. That’s right—16 episodes of pure yachting madness! The season took us through the sun-soaked waters of Ibiza, where Captain Glenn Shephard and his crew tackled everything from dietary disasters to a near-catastrophic boat crash.
Here’s a quick look at the episode lineup so far, based on official sources like Bravo and IMDb:
| Episode # | Title | Air Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | “Ibiza, Baby!” | Oct 7, 2024 | Gary and Daisy clash, newbies flirt |
| 2 | “Tender Envy” | Oct 14, 2024 | Gary crashes the tender, chaos ensues |
| 3 | “Chef Woes and Cabin Blues” | Oct 21, 2024 | Cloyce bonds with the boys |
| 4 | “Merde!” | Oct 28, 2024 | A mermaid saves a birthday charter |
| 5 | “Chicken Little” | Nov 4, 2024 | Chicken saves the day after a tense night |
| 6 | “Happily Ever After” | Nov 11, 2024 | Gary kisses Danni, Daisy’s not happy |
| 7 | “Gone Overboard” | Nov 18, 2024 | Cloyce faces Daisy’s critique |
| 8 | “Damage Control” | Nov 25, 2024 | A boat crash and Emma’s exit |
| 9 | “Tensions High, Patience Low” | Dec 2, 2024 | Keith and Danni’s rift grows |
| 10 | “Tugboat Annie” | Dec 9, 2024 | Drag show shenanigans |
| 11 | “Keep the Lines Slack” | Dec 16, 2024 | Daisy’s emotional after service complaints |
| 12 | “A Whale of a Problem” | Dec 23, 2024 | Cloyce plans a move on Daisy |
| 13 | “The Wrath of Cloyce” | Jan 6, 2025 | Gary asks Daisy a big question |
| 14 | “Raising the Flag” | Jan 13, 2025 | Glenn lays down the law |
| 15 | “No Dice, Love” | Jan 20, 2025 | Chase and Danni’s drama peaks |
| 16 | “The Bitter End” | Jan 27, 2025 | Final goodbyes and dietary tightropes |
Each episode clocks in at around 42-43 minutes, giving us plenty of time to soak in the drama. If you’re behind, don’t worry—there’s still a way to catch up, which I’ll get to in a bit.
The Crew: Old Faces and New Drama
This season’s crew is a mix of familiar favorites and fresh faces, stirring the pot in all the best ways. Captain Glenn Shephard is back at the helm, still the calm, cool, and collected leader we adore. Daisy Kelliher returns as chief stew, determined to reclaim her interior game after last season’s messy love triangle with Gary King and Colin MacRae. Speaking of Gary, he’s back as first officer, though his role feels a bit muted this time around—likely due to the sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced after Season 4 (more on that later).
Newbies include Chef Cloyce Martin, who’s had his share of kitchen struggles, and deckhands like Keith Allen and Emma Crouch (who dramatically exited mid-season). Stews Danni Warren and Diana Cruz brought plenty of tension, especially Danni, whose flirty antics and attitude rubbed Daisy the wrong way. Chase Harding rounded out the deck team, adding his own romantic subplot with Danni. Oh, and Colin MacRae? He’s out this season, focusing on his sailing life elsewhere.
The trailer promised fights, flings, and someone getting fired—and boy, did it deliver. From Gary crashing the tender to Daisy juggling Keith and Gary’s affections, the interpersonal drama was off the charts.
Location and Yacht Vibes
Season 5 takes us to Ibiza, Spain, the party capital of the world. Think crystal-clear waters, buzzing nightlife, and charters that demand perfection. Parsifal III, the 177-foot sailing yacht, is the star of the show as always. Fun fact: chartering this beauty starts at $195,000 a week, jumping to $225,000 in high season, according to Yacht Charter Fleet. For us regular folks, watching the crew scramble to keep it pristine is as close as we’ll get!
The Controversy: Gary’s Allegations
Let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the first officer on the deck. After Season 4 wrapped, Gary King faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct from a former makeup artist, Samantha Suarez, detailed in a 2023 Rolling Stone article. She claimed Gary tried to force himself on her during filming in 2022. Bravo didn’t cut Gary from Season 5 (which was already filmed by then), but his reduced presence in the trailer and editing suggests they’ve dialed back his spotlight. It’s a sticky situation that’s left fans divided, with some calling for his exit and others still tuning in. It’s worth noting this delayed the season’s release, pushing it from a typical early 2024 premiere to late 2024.
Where to Watch in Canada
Alright, Canadian friends, here’s the scoop on catching Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5. Since Bravo isn’t directly available up here, we’ve got a few solid options:
- Hayu
- Link: Hayu – Below Deck Sailing Yacht
- Price: $6.99/month, with a 7-day free trial for newbies
- Details: Hayu has all five seasons, including Season 5 episodes as they roll out. It’s ad-supported unless you upgrade to an ad-free plan via Amazon Channels. Perfect for streaming on your laptop, phone, or TV.
- Citytv+
- Link: Citytv+ – Below Deck Sailing Yacht
- Price: $4.99/month via Amazon Prime add-on, often with a 7-day free trial
- Details: Citytv+ streams Season 5 and past seasons. You’ll need a Prime subscription ($9.99/month) to add it, but it’s a steal if you’re already a Prime member.
- Buy Episodes
- Apple TV: Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Apple TV – $2.99/episode or $24.99/season
- Microsoft Store: Around $20-$30 for the season pass
- Details: If you prefer owning episodes, these platforms let you purchase Season 5 outright.
Sadly, it’s not on Netflix or Prime Video in Canada right now, and there’s no free streaming option legally available. I double-checked JustWatch to confirm—Hayu and Citytv+ are your best bets for streaming. Pro tip: If you’re traveling or tech-savvy, a VPN could unlock Peacock (where it’s available in the U.S.), but that’s a workaround, not a direct solution.
Reviews and Reception
So, what’s the word on the water? Critics and fans have mixed feelings. Vulture recaps highlight the season’s fast pace but note it wasn’t as “fun” as past seasons, with a bitter crew vibe by the end. Daisy’s leadership and Cloyce’s growth got praise, but Gary’s presence and Danni’s attitude drew flak. On IMDb, it’s sitting at a solid 7.4/10, though some fans on X have called it “messy but addictive.” The drag show in Episode 10 and the crash in Episode 8 were standout moments, per ScreenRant. Love it or hate it, it’s got people talking!
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Boat Crash: Episode 8’s tender crash was a real nail-biter—Gary’s not winning any “driver of the year” awards.
- Ibiza Nights: The crew’s nights out in Ibiza’s club scene added a wild layer to the usual yacht chaos.
- Charter Costs: Guests pay upwards of $200K for a week on Parsifal III—talk about a luxury tip jar!
What’s Next for the Franchise?
With Below Deck Sailing Yacht Season 5 in the books, fans are already buzzing about Season 6. No official word yet from Bravo, but given the franchise’s popularity, it’s a safe bet we’ll see more. Will Daisy stick around? Will Gary’s controversy sink his return? Stay tuned to BravoTV.com for updates. In the meantime, other spin-offs like Below Deck Mediterranean are keeping the yachtie drama alive.
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