Below Deck fans have longed called for a new reunion host instead of Andy Cohen, and here are his potential replacements. For many Below Deck fans, the reunion episode is one of the most crucial parts of the show. After every finale, fans passionately wait in anticipation of what drama the reunion will offer.
The reunions highlight the most controversial moments during the season and allow the cast members to revisit unresolved feuds and settle old scores. More importantly, fans get to see or hear things that producers edit out during the regular season episodes. Unfortunately, Below Deck fans have not had the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful privilege. Apart from the fact that Below Deck reunions have been done virtually, the network canceled the last two reunions.
Additionally, there has been a growing call for Andy Cohen to step down from Below Deck hosting duties, with many fans labeling him dull. Fans feel Andy is not suited for the role and argue that his approach casts a shadow over the show. They have incessantly complained about how he glosses over complex issues while favoring some crew members over others. However, the final bail to the coffin was Andy’s admission that he doesn’t watch the show.
Following the recent cancellation of the season 10 reunion, as revealed by Camille Lamb, the calls for Andy to be replaced have increased. Some fans have even suggested producers should appoint a Below Deck alum host because they understand the show. So, here are three alums that can replace him.
Captain Lee Rosbach
Captain Lee Rosbach has been a mainstay on Below Deck since it debuted on Bravo in 2013. So much is his influence amongst fans that most regard him as the face of the show. Since his debut Captain Lee has won fans over with his professionalism and warm but disciplined persona.
Captain Lee is a special breed among all the Captains on the Below Deck franchise due to his leadership style. The iconic Captain always supports his crew, although he wouldn’t think twice about sacking anyone putting the ship or the lives of people on board in danger. Unlike other Captains, who fans constantly criticize, Lee is a beloved figure within the fanbase.
The Captain’s witty, vulgar, and hilarious one-liners are also quite iconic within the fanbase. If producers ever felt like recasting the reunion host role, Captain Lee will fit into the character perfectly. While responding to a Reddit thread that asked viewers to vote on who should take on the hosting role, a fan u/excoriator wrote,
“After the current season ends, Lee could do it. He has opinions and has no fear of sharing them.”
According to recent reports, Captain Lee’s journey with the Below Deck franchise will end after the current season, to the disappointment of many fans. The Captain had to temporarily leave the crew just weeks after season 10 premiered after suffering nerve damage that was decreasing his mobility onboard. Although he has since returned to complete the season, the Captain won’t reprise his role for Below Deck season 11.
Kate Chastain
Kate Chastain made a big impression on the Below Deck fanbase when she debuted on season 7 of the popular Bravo series as Captain Lee Rosbach’s right-hand woman. As the chief stew, she won many admirers due to her big personality, good work ethic, and penchant for the occasional drama. Although she left the show in 2020, fans have consistently called for her to appear on the Below Deck franchise once again. In December 2022, Kate announced her pregnancy in an exclusive interview with People as countless Below Deck fans wished the famous alum the best.
The pregnancy also hasn’t stopped her from appearing on TV due to her standout performance on “The Traitor.” Although it has been three years since she left Below Deck, fans have continued to call for Kate’s return in any capacity. On Reddit, one user, u/bravobysunny, launched a voting poll asking, “should Kate host BD reunions??” The poll has already garnered 4k votes, with more than 3k users voting in favor of Kate. While responding to the thread, one user, Truthplease-Tap9060, said,
“I think Kate would have the better perspective. Andy finds things out secondhand and has no experience with the drama or pressures. Kate would be like Cap’t Lee.”
Hannah Ferrier
Hannah Ferrier made her reality TV debut on season 1 of the spin-off series Below Deck Mediterranean as a chief stew. As part of the inaugural crew for Below Deck Med, Hannah embodied everything required of a Chief Stew with her professionalism and charismatic attitude, which made her an instant fan favorite. Hannah also had a bit of drama and always tried to stir up trouble whenever the crew headed out for a meal or had some time off. However, all these made her a beloved figure on the show until her time with Below Deck ended shockingly and disappointingly.
After debuting during Below Deck season 1, Hannah reprised her role for four more seasons until Captain Sandy Yawn sacked her for breaking maritime laws concerning contraband. Hannah’s bunkmate and bosun, Malia White, caught Chief Stew with undeclared substances and reported her to the Captain. Sadly, Captain Sandy had to fire her since her actions jeopardized everyone else’s boating license and certifications. Despite her controversial sacking, Hannah has remained close to the Bravo universe and continues to follow developments in various Bravo shows.
According to some reports, Hannah was one of the OGs Below Deck chief stew Fraser Olender turned to for advice when he embraced the demanding role. Hannah has also gained valuable reality TV experience as cruise director on The Real Love Boat Australia. Still, recent reports have tipped Hannah to make a comeback on the Below Deck franchise, and fans have welcomed the news. Although Bravo has continued to ignore calls for Andy Cohen to stop hosting the Below Deck reunions, they will have to confront the growing discontent amongst fans at some point. Thankfully, they have a rich list of alums to pick from as the next Below Deck reunion host if it comes to it.
