‘Below Deck’: Fans React to the News That Kate Chastain Has Left the Show
Another major Bravo cast member has departed as Kate Chastain from Below Deck announced she is leaving the show. Moments after the final installment of the reunion aired, Chastain shared to Instagram that she is moving on after six seasons.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, I have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new land based role,” she shared along with a photo in her chief stew uniform. “I intend to step back as a senior member of the Below Deck Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support His Majesty Andy Cohen.”
Colin Macy-O’Toole from Below Deck Mediterranean replied, “Congrats girl!” Captain Sandy Yawn from Below Deck Med tweeted, “All the best @Kate_Chastain! Have no doubt you will be successful at anything you pursue. Life is short. MAKE IT COUNT!”
Some fans were shocked
Although Chastain hinted she may hang up her skort after this season, the news took some fans by surprise. Captain Lee Rosbach replied to a tweet from a fan hoping the news was fake. “It isn’t,” he responded.
One fan took the news pretty hard. “Day of mourning as @Kate_Chastain announces she’s leaving Below Deck. @BravoTV worst day in tv history,” the person tweeted. Another simply wrote, “I’m VERY upset about this.”
A few fans insisted they won’t watch the show anymore if Chastain isn’t going to be on it. “No way will I be watching #BelowDeck anymore if @Kate_Chastain is leaving. She is the show. I’m not interested in getting to know a new cast EVERY season without the exception of the Chief Stew. I’d feel the same way about @hannahferrier_.”
Another fan had a suggestion about who could step into the chief stew role. “@Kate_Chastain had a good run, all the best in her new adventures. Maybe replace Kate with @josiahcarter_ He was an excellent second stew. Happy you’re still with us Captain. We might have lost one of the propellers, but we didn’t lose the wheel.”
Some fans want a spin-off
Several fans also wished her well. “Thrilled for @Kate_Chastain leaving #belowdeck to find a new passion after the most recent season she absolutely deserves something that makes her as excited as her early days in yachting. Sad that it’s the end of the kate and @capthlr double act tho. Very best wishes Kate,” one person wrote.
A few fans don’t think this is the last they’ll hear from Chastain. “Now that @Kate_Chastain will no longer be on #BelowDeck can we get her a spin off #bravotv?,” a Twitter user asked. Another added, “No!!!!! My world is no longer right!!!! She needs her own show!!”While most of the comments were positive or expressed regret that Chastain was leaving, a few fans were happy to see her leave.
Below Deck reunion host Andy Cohen remarked during the reunion that Chastain was living a new life in New York City. Plus Chastain shared that she was seriously considering retirement when she talked to the hosts from Another Below Deck podcast. “I just turned 37 [and] I just don’t know at what age when wearing a skort is no longer appropriate,” she said. “So I don’t think that I’ll be wearing a skort much longer.
