Summary
- After six seasons on Below Deck, Kate Chastain surprised fans by quitting the series in pursuit of new opportunities.
- Chastain's sharp humor and professionalism as Chief Steward made her a beloved part of the franchise, especially her bond with Captain Lee.
- Although she won't be returning to Below Deck soon, fans can catch Chastain on other TV projects and follow her journey into motherhood.
Below Deck's Kate Chastain is a favorite among the Bravo crowd — her dry sense of humor, raw responses, and quick wit made for hilarious episodes and confessionals. Sadly, after six seasons on the Emmy-award-nominated show, Chastain quit the series, as reported by Bravo. Fans of the series saw Chastain critique her stews with humor and sarcasm, all while being professional and a stellar Chief Steward. More notably, her close bond with Captain Lee was a beloved part of the series.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Chastain will be back on a mega yacht with Captain Lee any time soon. Since leaving the series, she took advantage of other opportunities and expanded her personal life. Continue reading to learn why the ship has sailed for Chastain and what she's been up to since filming.
Kate Chastain Won't Be Returning To Below Deck Anytime Soon
Kate Chastain reigned supreme as an established chief stew for Seasons 2-7 for Below Deck. In 2020, Chastain took to Instagram to share her resignation from the series.
"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. 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.”
Fans were shocked by her departure, considering how favorable she was in the franchise. Likewise, Captain Lee was just as surprised. In an interview with the Hollywood Life, Lee shared that her departure was "out of left field." He continued, "I did not see that coming at all. I was totally blown away. Kate called me and it was a bittersweet thing. She let me know that she wasn’t going to come back, but she thought it was time to move on."
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Unlike the firing of Below Deck's Hannah Ferrier, fans were going to miss Chastain. Shortly after announcing her exit, Chastain was on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live where she stood her ground on leaving the series.
"I just feel like I'm 37 and a half — and I don't think a girl should be wearing a skort at 38."
Since Chastin has separated herself from the nautical series, fans are excited to see her other projects in the future. And that could potentially be a charter guest on a future season of Below Deck.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the host told Chastain that after speaking with Captain Lee, he'd love to have her back on the show as a charter guest. Thankfully, she had no disagreements with that possibility. "Obviously, as soon as we're allowed to travel I would like that to happen." She continued talking about what kind of guest she would be.
"I would simultaneously be the best and the worst charter guest."
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Because of Chastain's time on Below Deck and in the yachting industry, she's familiar with the way the ship is run and would know if the crew "cut corners."
For now, fans can only hope she rejoins the series as a charter guest or watch her future projects.
Bravo Fans Still Get Their Fix Of Kate Chastain On Different TV Projects
Kate Chastain may not appear as a Chief Stew on Below Deck any time soon, but she has been attached to other TV projects for fans to get their fix on Chastain's quips.
| Bravo's Chat Room | During the pandemic, Chastain joined forces with The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Porsha Williams, The Real Housewives of Potomac's Gizelle Bryant, and Summer House's Hannah Berner for a series called Bravo's Chat Room. The show allowed each host to film inside the comfort of their own home while discussing the latest and greatest in Bravo drama, Hollywood scoop, and gossip. It was the perfect series for Below Deck fans to hear Chastain's views on all things pop culture. |
| Below Deck: Galley Talk | Kate Chastain became the star of a follow-up Below Deck series — Galley Talk. Joining the likes of other famous Below Deck faces, viewers watched Chastain and others watch current episodes of Below Deck from their homes. Seeing Chastain's reaction to the staff's work ethic and the behavior of the guests was top-notch. |
| Couch Talk with Captain Lee | Seeing as Kate Chastain and Captain Lee have an amazing relationship on and off camera, they were the perfect duo for a new show: Couch Talk with Captain Lee. The series only lasted for one season, but had Chastain and Lee conversing and dishing about the latest news in the Bravosphere. |
| The Traitors | Kate Chastain joined forces with some of reality TV's best for the Peacock competition show The Traitors. The Emmy-nominated series follows a group of celebrities as they try to find out who the traitors are among them. The cast all live in the same mansion and go through a series of tests and competitions to remain in the home. Ever the diabolical cast member, Chastain made a great traitor. |
As talented and eye-catching as Chastain is on TV, there was more to life outside of Bravo that she valued more — motherhood.
Kate Chastain's Road To Motherhood Is Her Priority Now
In December 2022, Kate Chastain shocked fans by announcing her pregnancy, according to People.
"I am absolutely thrilled to become a mother. It's something I've always hoped for so this is truly a dream come true!"
Bravo fans quickly wondered who the father was, but Chastain has never disclosed his identity. On an episode of Watch What Happens Live, Chastain announced she was raising the baby "solo." The former Chiew Stew said, "I'm doing it solo and perhaps with some help, but I'm happy to do it alone." In May, Chastain finally got her wish and welcomed a son named Sullivan Cay.
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While Chastain has offered any insight into her dating life post-baby, Bravo shared that Chastain rallied around her independence. “I’m fiercely independent, you know, I don’t really love people’s opinions being different than mine, and trying to make me go their way, so I really am so excited that I’ll be able to do this exactly how I want to.”
Now as a single mother with a long successful resume of reality TV stints, fans can't wait to see what's in store for Chastain next.
