As Below Deck season 12 rolls out, I am shocked by the harsh takes by fans on Chief Stew Fraser Olender, as he is more controversial than I thought. Below Deck season 12 has come on the heels of the end of Below Deck Down Under season 3. This is Fraser’s fourth season on Below Deck, and second under Captain Kerry Titheradge. Captain Kerry took over at the helm of the OG show from the formidable Captain Lee Rosbach, who exited the show for health reasons in season 10. Captain Kerry previously captained Below Deck Adventure season 1.
The Below Deck franchise currently has four core shows to its name: the OG, Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, and Below Deck Down Under. Below Deck Adventure seems to have been a one-and-done spinoff. Before Fraser was the face of Below Deck‘s oldest accolade, Chief Stew Kate Chastain held that space, as she appeared in seasons 2-7. I know Fraser’s network journey has not been the smoothest, but I am surprised by how much pushback I am seeing about his continued appointment as Chief Stew and propulsion in the franchise.
Fraser Rose To His Chief Stew Appointment
& He Seems To Be Tenured On Below Deck
Before working as Chief Stew with Captain Kerry in season 12, Fraser appeared in Below Deck seasons 9, 10, and 11. In season 9, Fraser was Second Stew under Chief Stew Heather Chase. He returned in season 10 beside Captain Lee for what was the captain’s final season. Not before Fraser endured heavy criticism from Below Deck Med‘s Captain Sandy Yawn, who helped run Captain Lee’s vessel and crew while he was away being treated medically. Captain Sandy called Fraser a “cancer,” and took another jab at his character and abilities.
“You have now infected my entire program. The fish stinks at the head and right now you are that head. What you have done is created the worst experience that I have ever experienced on a boat with a chief stew.”
To rise to the Chief Stew position, hopefuls have to put their time in the trenches of the laundry room, scrubbing guest toilets, and working wherever they are needed in less-desirable roles. 32-year-old Fraser has seven years of experience in yachting in 2025, and he didn’t let Captain Sandy’s words stop him. Fraser tried to take Captain Sandy’s comments in stride, and I thought he ended the season more self-aware. In Below Deck season 11, I noticed Fraser had more control over how he wanted to run the interior team and present himself.
Fraser’s Boatmances Have Been Messy
Fraser Kissed A Guest
I understand that one of the big points of contention against Fraser is his penchant for messy boatmances, and the fact that he hooked up with a charter guest. When Fraser was a second stew, he tossed himself in the boatmance of Rayna Lindsey and Jake Foulger. Then, in season 11, Fraser kissed Deckhand Kyle Stillie, and also asked Captain Kerry for permission (which he got), to kiss a guest named Steven. In Below Deck season 12, it looks like Fraser will romantically mix with his green Stewardess, Soléne Favreau as well as Kyle again.
Moreover, he will do this while having a boyfriend. I see that Fraser has an impulsive side to his romantic life, and I get why that could be a detriment to his image. Being in a leadership position, anything messy relating to how he conducts himself personally could be seen as a reflection on his prowess with his job.
But I never saw it that way.
I thought Fraser worked hard, so he deserved to play hard and throw romance into the mix.
But I do think he is opening himself to criticism for his potentially cheating activities in season 12, and I know his leadership skills have always been in question.
Fraser’s Management Style Has Been Controversial
“He’s Just So Fake”
Since Fraser stepped into his Chief Stew role in Below Deck, I’ve seen him being denounced by fans who think that he micromanages, plays favorites, and escalates drama. In the comments of Below Deck‘s Instagram page’s post highlighting Fraser talking about the motoryacht St. David in season 12, fans responded firmly.
“still trying to make Fraser happen.”
“Cringe worthy. New Capt and Chief stew has ruined the franchise.”
Moreover, in a Reddit thread by u/teanailpolishpreviewing season 12 episode 1, viewers chimed in to relay how unhappy they were with Fraser’s role reprisal.
“I couldn’t get to the end of that clip. Frazer is insufferable.”
“I don’t think I can watch another season with Fraser. This is probably the first one I’ll skip. He is just so fake.”
I understand how Fraser could come off to some as fake, as he has talked about his stews behind their backs within the interior, and it caused messy situations, but I don’t think he lets things get out of hand. I see Fraser’s job as high stress, and I think he does a good job at dealing with all the different personalities while coping with things that bother him. Yes, I see he has room for improvement in his leadership, but I think overall he is good at his job.
Related
Can Fraser Change His Fan Perception In Below Deck Season 12?
A Lot Can Happen In Season 12
With Below Deck season 12 having aired its second episode, there is a whole lot of season to go, and I think Fraser can win over some of his haters. I think he needs to not gossip with his interior team, treat all his stews the same, and be a good teacher to Soléne and a role model to his underlings in general. I am surprised by the negative feelings fans have towards Fraser, as I didn’t think he conducted himself that controversially, but I think he can turn public perception around by setting a better example.
| Fraser Olender | 32 |
| Position | Formerly Second Stew, Currently Chief Stew |
| Below Deck Seasons | Below Deck Seasons 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Years In The Yachting Industry | 7 |
| Relationship Status | Currently Single After Season 12 |
Below Deck airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Source: Below Deck/Instagram, u/teanailpolish/Reddit
