“Southern Charm” season 11 continues to deliver major relationship moments, and one of the most talked-about storylines centers on Craig Conover and Charley Manley’s first official date — along with the growing tension it sparked inside the Charleston friend group.
In season 11, episode 9, Bravo viewers watched Conover plan a thoughtful oyster-farming outing for Manley. The pair later opened up about the experience on the “Southern Charm After Show,” sharing behind-the-scenes details that didn’t make it to air. Their connection now sits at the center of a complicated love triangle involving Salley Carson, as new midseason footage teases escalating conflict among the cast.
Craig Conover & Charley Manley Open Up About Their Oyster Farm Date
Conover explained that he chose the oyster farm specifically because it offered both privacy and something Manley genuinely enjoys.
“I was like how fun will this be?” Conover said on the “After Show.” “Also, it will get us away from the people in Charleston — and by people, I mean our friends.”
He added that Manley sometimes felt nervous about how others, including Carson and Venita Aspen, might react when they spent time together publicly.
Manley praised Conover’s effort and creativity, calling the date an experience rather than a typical dinner.
“It was seriously so fun,” she said. “He knows how much I love oysters and thought that it would be cool to be able to see this process. I appreciated that the date was an experience. It wasn’t just sitting down at dinner. It was something that I’m interested in and a cool thing that I would never go and do on my own.”
She also shared a last-minute fashion scramble before heading out.
“Luckily, I know the route of my UPS driver,” Manley explained. “So, I was able to wear those boots. I wore little overalls. They were cute. It was hot.”
When asked to rate the date, Manley gave it high marks.
“It was like a nine out of 10,” she said. “It was a good date. It was a fun day.”
Conover described the hands-on nature of the outing, noting they handled oysters together before enjoying freshly shucked seafood overlooking the Lowcountry.
“We held a million oysters in our hand, like the babies,” Conover shared.
“Then they shucked us a dozen oysters, and we sat on this deck on top of everything.”
Although their day ended without a romantic hookup, Conover said they stayed connected afterward.
“It led to a FaceTime call on the way home, just being like, ‘That was so much fun,’” he said. “It was fun being innocent with someone.”
‘Southern Charm’ Season 11 Teases Love Triangle Fallout & Rising Tensions
While Conover and Manley’s date marked a positive step forward, the midseason trailer reveals growing friction involving Carson and several other cast members.
Conover admitted he worries Carson could impact his connection with Manley.
“I know that we have a great relationship,” Conover tells Manley in the preview. “I’m just worried that Salley’s going to drive a wedge between us.”
Carson later confronts Manley for not telling her about accepting Conover’s date invitation. Manley responds, “I tried to set boundaries! Let me just (expletive), like, sit here. Please.”
In another moment, Conover shouts, “(expletive) you, Salley,” signaling that their fragile truce may not last.
Shep Rose also weighs in during the heated exchange, saying “Craig’s crazy,” while Molly O’Connell adds, “There is no more we can do.”
Conover’s conflicts don’t stop there. During a group dinner, he tells Aspen, “That was none of your business,” prompting her to respond, “Get it all out on the table in front of everybody. Get. It. Out.”
Austen Kroll later accuses Conover of avoiding accountability, telling him, “You are a lost soul. You want to be anybody but yourself — and it’s obvious.”
New episodes of “Southern Charm” air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and stream the next day on Peacock, per Bravo.
Austin, you just described yourself exactly. Every time you attack Craig you make a fool of yourself. Get help buddy. Your mother must be very disappointed how you can’t make a commitment. You would be a terrible father.. stay single
I agree 100% with Sharon. Austin Craig definitely knows who he is and doesn’t want to be anybody but Craig Conover. How do you think he got where he is today. All he needs is a good woman by his side to love and marry and start a family. That means he’s grown up. Can’t say the say the same for you . Austin your the loser. You’ve accomplished a big fat ZERO in your life. Grow uo…. PERIOD
It’s no coincidence that Austen laughed at Craig as he verbalized his plans for making Southern Home decor via pillows. Look at the success he has achieved. Austen’s business? Not so much. I believe that is at the root of Austen’s continued negativity and simmering anger towards Craig. Envy, constant negative jabs, avoidance, won’t-let-things-go mentality……. Austen, it’s not a good look. Craig has had some instances where he was a jerk, but he’s maturing and taking positive steps to join the human race with a female team mate by his side, and hopefully a cast of adorable bambino’s to make a family.