‘Below Deck’: Why Captain Lee Wanted Eddie Lucas Back

Below Deck favorites, Captain Lee Rosbach, Eddie Lucas, and Chef Rachel Hargrove are back again. It’s always good for viewers to see familiar faces on the show. Yet, it’s good to switch it up as well. There’s an all-new crew this season.

That means more people for fans to get to know. In a new interview, Eddie explained why Captain Lee asked him to join him on the show. Apparently, the longtime captain wanted a familiar face on the My Seanna as well. Eddie first appeared in the earlier seasons and returned in Season 8 after his infamous time on Season 3.

Kate Chastain left the show after six seasons

The first chief stew to star on Below Deck was Adrienne Gang in Season 1. But she was quickly replaced by Kate Chastain, who quickly became a fan favorite. Sadly, she announced her departure from the show after six seasons. In February 2020, Kate said that she wanted to move on from the show and the yachting industry.

“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,” Kate Chastain wrote on Instagram at the time. “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 sad to see Kate go. They wondered who would be able to take her place. In Season 8, they were introduced to Francesca Rubi. However, she left the yachting industry to study to become a Pilates instructor. Heather Chase made her debut on Below Deck Season 9.

While it’s still early, fans haven’t warmed up to the chief stew. They do not agree with her work ethic. Meanwhile, others can’t help but notice how much she looks like Sarah Paulson. With Kate gone, Captain Lee wanted Eddie to return.

Captain Lee wanted Eddie Lucas on Below Deck

On a recent episode of the Side Piece with Melissa Pfeister podcast, Eddie Lucas admitted that Captain Lee Rosbach asked him to return on Below Deck after Kate Chastain retired. Kate was always by Lee’s side. Plus, he considers the first officer like a son, so he was the next best choice. Eddie was conflicted at first, but he wanted to redeem himself after Below Deck Season 3.

“No, I don’t think I would have [returned],” Eddie Lucas said. “Part of the reason why I came back is Captain Lee, he was like hey, I need you here. Kate’s gone and I need someone in my corner. I need support, I could really use your help. You should really consider coming back this season.”

Eddie used this opportunity to redeem himself. In this new season, he also had to learn how to work with an entirely new captain. Captain Sean Meagher replaced Lee for one episode while he had to deal with a medical condition. Lee returned in the second episode, and now there are three old faces on board.

Below Deck airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.