- his exit from Below Deck.
Rumors are going around online that Captain Lee Rosbach could return to Below Deck following his exit this year. Captain Lee joined the Bravo series back in 2013 when the show aired its inaugural season. Like everyone else in the cast, Lee was new to the reality TV landscape but seemed ready to take on the challenge. Not much changed for him, as Lee did his regular job as a captain but with TV cameras following him around. The first season did very well for Bravo and continues to do well as Below Deck is currently airing its eleventh season.
The series also created a franchise with four other shows, including Below Deck Mediterranean, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under, and the one-season-wonder Below Deck Adventure. Below Deck season 11 is the first season not to include Captain Lee at the helm. As his replacement, the network recruited Captain Kerry Titheradge, who was on Below Deck Adventure season 1 as the captain. Kerry did make quite a positive impression on viewers during the season, and many hoped he would make a comeback. However, no one would've thought Kerry would make his return by replacing Captain Lee.
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Below Deck Fans Said Captain Lee Was Potentially Returning
Captain Lee Was Rumored To Be Joining Below Deck Season 12
The news that Captain Lee could potentially return to the show is a dream every Below Deck fan had. Lee has been a mainstay on the series for years, and many would like to see him at the helm again. According to The Cinemaholic, not only has the series been confirmed for a season 12, but Captain Lee is potentially returning. While there was no backup to confirm that the Stud of the Seas would make his way back to the Bravo series, fans immediately took to Reddit (via Sufficient_Visual346) to offer their thoughts and excitement about his alleged return.
One fan on Reddit thought maybe Captain Lee would be returning as a "guest," not the captain of the ship. Despite many missing Captain Lee and his presence on the show, Captain Kerry has won the hearts of several Below Deck fans. One Reddit user said, "Don't get me wrong, I love Lee, but let Kerry carry the torch," while another interjected, "Kerry is crushing it. Lee needs to enjoy his retirement ( unless he's replacing Sandy; in that case welcome back )." While Captain Lee was beloved during his time on Below Deck, he should enjoy his time away.
"As a guest ?"
Captain Lee Is Missed From Below Deck
He's The People's Captain
Even though fans are done with Captain Lee now that he's not on Below Deck anymore, his presence is still missed by many. Nonetheless, Captain Kerry has been the ideal replacement for Captain Lee; he is the perfect mix of Lee and the other Below Deck captains (Captain Glenn Shepphard and Captain Jason Chambers), which a Reddit user mentioned in the prior thread. Despite Kerry being an excellent replacement, it's difficult to duplicate what Captain Lee had given Below Deck for 10 seasons.
From Lee's witty one-liners to his inspiring pep talks to his sassy confessionals, it's hard to understand the notion that Captain Lee may never return to Below Deck. This could be where the rumors stemmed from; fans, in the beginning, were heartbroken he didn't return, especially after learning Captain Lee was fired by Bravo following Below Deck season 10. Bravo fans are loyal to their favorite cast members, and whenever one of their favorites gets the boot, they will do anything they can to see their return. However, despite the rumors, it's very unlikely Lee will return, even though he's greatly missed.
Captain Lee Has Too Many Health Problems To Return
Captain Lee Had To Leave The Show Twice
While Captain Lee has expressed interest in returning to Below Deck, his health issues may prevent him from doing the show again. Not to mention, Lee had to leave the show early during Below Deck season 10 and was replaced by Below Deck Med's Captain Sandy Yawn. He was even replaced for a short time by Captain Sean Meagher at the start of season 9. Captain Lee is getting older, and with age comes more health issues; he might be a liability to Bravo if he returns to the show.
It would be a shock if the now 74-year-old decided to return to Below Deck. His last two seasons were extremely taxing on him, so much so he couldn't make it through a whole season. Below Deck needs a captain who can stay for the whole season, which is why Captain Kerry is the ideal replacement for Lee. With all his health issues, Lee needs to be home with his wife, not on a boat filming a reality show.
Captain Lee Could Joined The Traitors Season 3
His Below Deck Costar Kate Chastain Was In The First Two Seasons Of The Traitors
The rumors about Captain Lee returning might be bogus, but he has expressed interest in returning to a different reality show: The Traitors US. Since his friend and former Below Deck costar, Kate Chastain, appeared in seasons 1 and 2, Captain Lee may be ready for his time on The Traitors US season 3. In fact, he's said he's open to the idea. In early February, a fan reached out to Captain Lee via X and asked him if he would ever appear on the Peacock series since Kate has done so well on the show.
Lee replied, "Yeah, I think I’d like that."
The door is definitely open for Lee to join The Traitors. With a friend in Kate, there is a very high chance he will be cast for next season. While the rumors of Captain Lee returning to Below Deck season 12 aren't true, fans may see him return to another popular reality series.
Below Deck airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
Sources: The Cinemaholic, Sufficient_Visual346/Reddit, Captain Lee/X
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