Below Deck‘s Fraser Olender had his fair share of controversy on Below Deck season 11, but was he fired? The Chief Stew has been running the interior since season 10, but there are reasons why Fraser should be fired from Below Deck. His leadership abilities have been subpar, with rampant micromanagement and favoritism among his crew, specifically with Xandi Olivier. Fraser’s tendency to complain excessively and his inability to see the positive has also caused problems, reducing morale in the crew.
However, there are arguments for giving Fraser more time as Chief Stew. Captain Kerry Titheradge has given Fraser the chance to learn and grow from his mistakes. While his behavior has been problematic, it’s possible that, with guidance and feedback, Fraser could develop into a more effective leader and team player. Despite his interpersonal challenges, Fraser has demonstrated competence in performing his job duties. His ability to fulfill his role as Chief Stew suggests he possesses the necessary skills and knowledge for the position, even if his leadership style is flawed.
There were ample questions about whether Fraser would break a cardinal charter rule and sleep with a guest, but he kept it mostly professional. After flirting with the primary’s friend, Steven, the other guests teased Steven and Fraser to share a midnight kiss at their fake New Year’s Eve party. Knowing that fraternizing with guests is a fireable offense, Fraser goes to Captain Kerry and explains the situation. Captain Kerry says that a crew member should not feel pressured to kiss a guest, but Fraser timidly admits he wants the interaction to happen.
As long as the kiss was just a peck, Captain Kerry was fine with it. At midnight, Fraser and Steven kissed and Steven later messaged the Chief Stew on Instagram, inviting him to bed. Fraser refuses, relaying that it’s a fireable offense, but continues to flirt. His behavior towards the guest wasn’t inappropriate, but Fraser was not fired from Below Deck.
Captain Kerry has no problem firing crew members who aren’t up to standard. Bosun Jared Woodin was fired early in the charter season, with Chef Anthony Iracane being the latest crew member fired by the captain. While there are ample reasons to say goodbye to Fraser, Captain Kerry must see something in him that is worth keeping around.
Fraser’s treatment of fellow crew members, particularly towards Barbie Pascual and Chef Anthony, has bordered on disrespectful. He also brought personal issues and preferences into his professional interactions, undermining team cohesion and morale. Despite being a recurring character in the Below Deck series, having appeared in seasons 9, 10, and 11, Fraser has not shown significant improvements in his behavior. Not sleeping with a charter guest was a rare show of restraint and professionalism.
Fraser’s first appearance on Below Deck season 9, but didn’t serve as Chief Stew until season 10. He struggled with managing his stew team, particularly during conflicts between Camille Lamb and Alissa Humber. Captain Sandy Yawn intervened when Fraser’s approach to resolving the issues got messy. However, he was still invited back for Below Deck season 11.
At the beginning of Below Deck season 11, three new stews, including Barbie, Xandi, and Cat Baugh, joined the crew. Fraser formed a close bond with Cat and Xandi, leading to tension between him and Barbie. Fraser’s personal feelings towards Barbie affected his professional behavior. He favored other stews over Barbie and excluded her from group activities, leading to feelings of isolation and resentment from the stew.
While Captain Kerry addressed Fraser’s unprofessional behavior, particularly his request to have Barbie fired for perceived insubordination, he remained onboard. The captain advised Fraser to separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities and focus on the quality of Barbie’s work, which he seems to have done in recent episodes.
Fraser remained professional with Steven during the charter but met up with him after the yacht docked, passionately making out in a club. He and Barbie also appear to have made up, getting along better than ever. Hopefully, these are signs of growth in Fraser, but it’s too soon to tell.
Fraser was spotted filming alongside Captain Kerry for Below Deck season 12, confirming his presence in the upcoming season. While he’s been given more chances than other previously fired crew members, Fraser will appear for his third season. Captain Kerry runs a tight ship and won’t put up with Fraser’s behavior much longer. However, given the most recent episodes, it does seem Fraser is becoming more thoughtful and professional. For now, Fraser remains part of the Below Deck franchise.
