Fans Think They Know Why Kate Chastain Left Bravo's Chat Room

Below Deck alumni Kate Chastain recently returned to the silver screen as a commentator on Bravo's Chat Room series. Originally created as a two-week program, the show has gone on to air 42 episodes since its debut last year, Entertainment Tonight notes. The show features various characters from Bravo's network of stars including Real Housewives of Potomac's Gizelle Bryant, Real Housewives of Atlanta's Porsha Williams, and Summer House's Hannah Berner alongside Chastain, the outlet reports. However, it appears that the show will continue without the Below Deck and Below Deck: Gallery Talk headliner.

Chastain was notably absent from various episodes over the last few weeks, sparking rumors of her departure. But, when her costar Porsha Williams shared an Instagram post celebrating Chat Room's approval for 13 new episodes, she failed to mention her fourth co-host, effectively confirming the news, according to ET. 

In an interview with UsWeekly, Chastain teased the new series while the show was airing, saying, "It just feels like I'm FaceTiming with three of my girlfriends." After leaving Below Deck in February of 2020, the 39-year old said, "Yachting was a big part of my life for a long time and I enjoyed everything that came with it. But I definitely am enjoying land life."

While her exit was quiet, Chastain will likely stick around the Bravo empire. According to Entertainment Tonight, the network would still like to work with her on upcoming shows. As she worked as an executive producer of Chat Room, it appears that Chastain has been behind-the-scenes on previous projects as well. In response to her exit, fans have started speculating that the former chief stew is returning to her roots on Below Deck.

According to Monsters and Critics, Chastain stood out as the breakout star during the first six seasons of the show and Bravo quickly pinpointed her as a fan favorite. In fact, she's given her name to the network's various spin offs including Watch with Kate, Ghosted and Below Deck: Gallery Talk. Since the next season of the yachting show is set to start filming soon, many have speculated that her timely exit has to do with reclaiming her spot on the show. 

While only time will tell if fans' assumptions are correct, many are looking out for a new announcement from the reality star. In the meantime, while the Below Deck star will be missed, Chat Room will continue on with the other mavens who got it off the ground.