Chief Fraser Olender has officially arrived at the Comments by Celebs studio, and let’s just say—he came ready to serve. If you’ve been dying to know what went down behind the marbled bulkheads of Below Deck’s latest season, you’re in luck. Everyone’s favorite chief stew is dishing on captains, crew chaos, pop culture surprises, and his unexpected bestie—Charli XCX.
Lessons Learned and the “Best Season Yet”
Fraser doesn’t hesitate when asked why he’s steering this season’s service team with more confidence than ever:
“I’ve been through it over the past three years, four years. I’ve worked with so many captains. I’ve worked with so many crews. I’ve started at the bottom, and now we’re here.”
This time around, his motto is simple but powerful:
“My one thing this year was ‘don’t be reactive,’ and don’t let things get to you in terms of making decisions in the job. And I feel like I nailed it.”
That mindset comes in handy when a record-breaking five-day charter of adult entertainment stars boards the yacht.
“They’re on for five days. Five days? It’s the longest charter in the history of Below Deck.”
Captain, Therapist, and Towel Police
Being chief stew means wearing multiple hats. Fraser explains the balancing act:
“I wanted to be a friend and I wanted to be a boss because I can very clearly see it as black and white when we’re working and we’re not.”
The job? Handling guest complaints with grace, reporting to the galley with precision, and still making room for joy:
“I’m not gonna forget having fun and enjoying myself. And if I can do the job how I do the job, then let me enjoy myself too.”
Fraser also notes why the show’s raw moments resonate so strongly:
“Below Deck, you are forced to be as raw and real and in literally probably the most, like, sweaty, ugly breakdown situations.”
When Charli XCX Slid into His DMs
Yes, that Charli XCX.
“She reached out a long time ago, and then she started talking about it on other podcasts as well. And I’m just grateful that that girl’s got taste.”
Fraser recalls how the pop star’s fandom lifted his spirits:
“If Charli fangirls me as the biggest person on TV that she loves, then who are you again?”
The Chief Stew Everyone’s Partner Is Obsessed With
Is Below Deck only for Bravo stans? Absolutely not, says Fraser.
“What’s fantastic is watching men come up to me very excitedly, straight men, and be like, ‘Can I get a picture for my girlfriend?’ And at the end, they were like, ‘Seriously, it’s my favorite show in the world.’”
The show’s appeal cuts across all lines:
“It has so many that get involved. I think it’s a brilliant, brilliant group of people who love it.”
Whether it’s the docking drama, stunning décor, or hot deckhands, Below Deck has something for everyone.
Tidal Waves Ahead
With a record-long charter, galley meltdowns, and that Charli XCX-approved confidence, Fraser’s next lap promises anything but calm seas.
His mantra?
Yachting—like life—is too short not to enjoy the ride.
