Below Deck season 12 episode 2 recap - Chef Anthony replaces Lawrence while crew tensions escalate

Below Deck season 12 episode 2, which aired on June 9, 2025, showed big changes in the kitchen and rising tension among the crew. Titled Bollywood Nights, the episode followed Chef Lawrence Snowden as he decided to leave after feeling overwhelmed.

Fraser, recognizing the strain, discussed the situation with Captain Kerry, who then contacted Chef Anthony Iracane for a return to the yacht. Captain Kerry confirmed the offer, and Anthony agreed, signaling a fresh start and a chance for redemption after past drama with Fraser.

The crew also dealt with rising pressure in other departments. Solène and Bárbara struggled to work together efficiently, while Rainbeau stepped in to help with cabin cleaning. Jess and Caio faced challenges on deck, especially during a tricky docking situation that required precise coordination. Captain Kerry addressed the issues directly, pointing out areas that needed improvement.

Despite the crew’s internal issues, the guests enjoyed a successful Bollywood-themed dinner and left a $30,000 tip. Later, Damo and Kyle bonded over personal stories, and Solène claimed she kissed Damo, though flashbacks suggested otherwise. Kyle joked about reigniting his interest.

Jess also opened up about her background during a casual conversation, and the crew went out to celebrate after a long day, hinting at new dynamics forming on board.

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Chef Lawrence exits as Chef Anthony returns to the yacht in Below Deck

Lawrence continued to show signs of stress in the galley and admitted to Fraser that he was not managing well. After discussing the issue with Captain Kerry, Fraser suggested bringing back Anthony, who had previously worked on the yacht. Captain Kerry agreed with the plan and contacted Anthony, who accepted the offer to return and take over the role.

Lawrence agreed to stay temporarily to help with the transition, preparing one final dinner service for the guests before stepping aside. Meanwhile, Anthony prepared to join the crew, expressing in his confessional that he hoped to move past tensions with Fraser, though a preview hinted at an argument coming later in the season.

The captain’s decision to make the switch was based on the need for reliability and readiness under pressure in Below Deck. While the guests complimented the food and the dinner service went smoothly, the change behind the scenes marked the beginning of a new dynamic that may lead to further challenges in future episodes.

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Crew struggles with tension as Solène and Bárbara clash in Below Deck

This episode of Below Deck also highlighted crew tension, especially between Bárbara and Solène. Bárbara noted that a language barrier might be causing some miscommunication and decided to simplify her instructions. However, when Solène left part of a cabin uncleaned, Bárbara asked her to redo the work. This created a sense of frustration, though both stews attempted to remain professional.

Solène also required help with a challenging bathroom cleanup, calling in Rainbeau to assist. Later, Rainbeau expressed concern to Bárbara about the uneven distribution of work. On the exterior team, Jess continued to take on cleanup tasks and received encouragement from the captain after a long shift.

Meanwhile, Caio and Jess encountered difficulties with communication while navigating a bridge, leading Captain Kerry to call attention to the issue. Although they cleared the obstacle safely, he reminded them of the importance of clear coordination during such operations.

As the episode closed, the guests departed happily, and the crew regrouped. Fraser had a one-on-one conversation with Solène to reinforce expectations, and they ended on a light note. However, as the crew prepared for the next charter, unresolved tensions, and future challenges remained a key focus.

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Below Deck season 12 episodes are available to stream on Bravo.