Hannah And Conrad on ‘Below Deck Mediterranean’ Are The Hottest Romance On TV Right Now

We’re all so desperately thirsty for a good romance these days: an escape, a titillating connection, and even a single shred of hope that love is out there. So please, allow Below Deck Mediterranean’s trophy couple, Conrad Empson and Hannah Ferrier to provide that for you.

Hannah is returning to the Bravo series as Chief Stew of the yacht, in charge of managing the interior crew and service for the charter guests. Sparks flew when she met newbie Conrad, the “Babyface Boson,” her equal in managing the deckhands of the boat, though he’s seven years younger (he was 23 at the time and her, 30). But we all know your status as heads of departments goes directly overboard once love anchors your heart.

The best part about this on-boat relationship is that the pair didn’t spend a whole lot of time on the will they/won’t they deal. She drunkenly shouted into his ear, “You’re pretty cute for a 23-year-old,” he laughed, and it wasn’t long before they were sharing a romantic kiss on the deck of the boat. But it was tender! Even for reality TV, it seemed like these two might be forming a connection and caring about each other, not just reaching for the nearest lips after a long night out.

Now, there are many elements of this relationship that make it the best one on TV right now. First of all, there’s something empowering about the age difference. While Hannah’s not quite cougar status, she’s a woman who knows what she wants, and she got it. Neither of them care about the age difference and have no problem telling those that do to mind their business. It’s exciting for both of them: she snagged the cute guy, and he’s with the intimidating lady of the ship. But perhaps it’s that the infamous hard exterior she’s known to display on the boat melts a little bit around hm. Hannah becomes relaxed when the two are sharing drunken makeout sessions and sneaking off to giggle with each other on the boat. Part of this could be their nicotine intake during these moments as well, but it feels genuine. Especially when this is compared with Joao bouncing back and forth between the other poor, confused stews, Brooke and Kasey.

Hannah remarking that Conrad “takes care of” her, and the way he’s totally smitten in return is refreshing and sexy in an old-school way. So often these types of relationships are portrayed as awkward or embarrassing on TV, but these two are living in the moment and actually having some fun. From being down on their hands and knees scrubbing the carpets in the middle of the night, which he told me was decidedly “not their first date,” to this week’s episode that very much was their first date, the build-up of cute moments leading to them finally sipping wine at a gorgeous Italian restaurant for their date feels as though we’re watching the progression of a real relationship, instead of just a series of unsatisfying hookups.

Sure, their only hurdles are Captain Sandy being annoyed with them for getting “distracted” but come on, the fact that it’s a little bit forbidden or at least frowned upon is what keeps it exciting! That Conrad’s climbing up into her BUNK BED feels both so ridiculous but also so innocent that you can’t help but be sucked in. He defended her honor in the latest episode, and sure, it was after she was called a “c*ck-juggling thunderc*nt,” but it was still chivalrous.

It’s quite charming to watch two people get vulnerable, despite the fact that they’ve both voiced their fear of doing so. Their courting is simple and sweet, and that’s what ultimately makes it so damn sexy. Sure, some might be asking, “Yeah, but will it last?” and I’m here to remind you that the number one rule of summer romances is to just not think about that.

Where to watch Below Deck Mediterranean