Below Deck is one of the longest-running shows on Bravo, and while viewers were skeptical at first, Fraser Olender has proven to be the best Chief Stew the series has ever seen, revitalizing it after some jarring changes. Fraser, who joined Below Deck after Kate Chastain’s exit, quickly rose in the ranks to become one of the most prominent members of the superyacht’s crew. First working with Captain Lee Rosbach, Fraser’s experience and determination have been a major plus. Starting as a second stew on Below Deck season 9, Fraser’s been able to work his way up in the rankings.
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Moving up to the Chief Stew of Below Deck season 10’s crew, Fraser had a handle on the interior department even though it was a bit chaotic. Working with stews who he wasn’t able to keep a handle on, Fraser was able to navigate some tricky situations between Alissa Humber and Camille Lamb, ultimately having to turn to the interim captain, Sandy Yawn, for assistance when he needed it. On Below Deck season 11, Fraser returned for another season as Chief Stew, this time having a better handle on how to navigate the social aspects of his sometimes precarious position.
Fraser Is A Good Boss
He Treats His Stews Fairly
Although some have criticized Fraser throughout the years, his time on Below Deck has proven that he has what it takes to be a good boss. Thrown into the position of Chief Stew during Below Deck season 10, Fraser had to navigate a tough situation between Alissa and Camille without understanding of what was going on behind the scenes. Camille, working as a combination deckhand/stew, wasn’t getting everything done promptly, and her attitude with Alissa was difficult to handle. While the pair butted heads, Fraser knew how to take control of the situation for the betterment of the crew.
During Below Deck season 11, Fraser was determined not to have to deal with anything like he had on his last charter, hopeful that he would be able to make himself more of an authority figure than a friend to his stews. Working with Barbie Pascual, Cat Baugh, Xandi Olivier, and eventually, Paris Field, Fraser had a group of very different personalities to contend with throughout the charter season. Though he had some issues with Barbie, Fraser was able to handle them in stride and ultimately found himself a better boss for having gone through a difficult situation at work.
Fraser Knows The Difference Between Work & Play
He’s Able To Get The Job Done
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At the heart of the Below Deck franchise is the ability for yachties to know when it’s time to get to work, and when it’s time to bask in the face of luxury. Working aboard a superyacht for the majority of the year, the Below Deck crew knows that they have to be able to ignore the beautiful weather and stunning views sometimes to keep themselves accountable and focus on their charter guests. Fraser has been able to find the difference between work and play easily during his time on the Below Deck franchise, navigating tricky social situations with grace.
Though Fraser is an incredibly hard worker with a great sense of what needs to be done and how to do it, he also understands that there needs to be downtime with such a grueling work schedule. Fraser’s yachties typically work long hours, having to stay up to cater to any of the charter guests’ needs, so their time off is sacred to them and typically revolves around going out together, drinking, and dancing. While Fraser is usually buttoned up when it comes to work, he’s able to hang with the crew when he has downtime, prioritizing blowing off steam.
Below Deck Fans Enjoy Fraser
Viewers Like His Style
Throughout Below Deck’s run, Fraser has been able to go from a questionable second Stew to the Chief Stew of St. David, which made him a hit with viewers. While Fraser’s style hasn’t always been for everyone, his laid-back attitude and attention to detail keeps viewers interested in watching him on screen. After Kate Chastain left her mark on Below Deck, many were curious about who would be able to take her spot after Below Deck season 8 and 9 had two different Chief Stews. When Fraser entered the mix, he wasn’t a clear front-runner, but he did seem capable.
After watching Fraser move through the last few charter seasons, his ability to work hard under insurmountable pressure without being difficult on any of his Stews is a great quality. The Chief Stew has been able to navigate some tough situations with his crew without making anyone angry, being kind and listening while also understanding that he needs his crew to be able to handle their jobs. For some, Fraser’s dry sense of humor is too much, but his one-liners often make Below Deck episodes even funnier, and his ability to play directly into his role is a great skill.
Will Fraser Return For Below Deck Season 12?
He’ll Be Coming Back According To Spoilers
Although Below Deck season 12 likely won’t be airing until the beginning of 2025, the season is already filming aboard the St. David, meaning there have been some major casting spoilers about which yachties will return and which won’t. Fraser, who had a tough season on Below Deck season 11, will be returning for Below Deck season 12 as Captain Kerry Titheradge’s Chief Stew. While it’s not clear who will be working with Fraser or if any of his past Stews will return to the show, Fraser will be back for another fun charter season with the Below Deck franchise.
While Fraser hasn’t announced that he’ll be returning for another season of Below Deck, he’s been spotted on multiple occasions filming the show by fans who are either vacationing or live in the area. Fraser’s energy on Below Deck season 12 will be an exciting addition to the mix, as he’ll be happy to be aboard St. David and ready to work hard on the superyacht. Though he had some drama during the last season of Below Deck, Fraser’s time in the upcoming season of the series will bring out his best, making viewers excited to see him join in.
