By Kaj Friis-Hecht
Photo by Elodie Provosty
An enticing reality TV show should include many draws, some being entertainment, creativity, and realism, depending on the genre. But the most important thing may be a towering personality as the focus of the show. Hell’s Kitchen, led by chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay, includes all of this, making it the iconic and award-winning show it is today. With over 21 seasons and more than 10 episodes per season, this competitive cooking competition has proven to be one of the biggest productions to achieve this level of success among viewers.
Hell’s Kitchen launched in 2005 as a startup to feature the upcoming celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, in a show that was intended to depict the real life of a true dinner service. His over-the-top temper combined with his precise expertise in his craft is what propelled Ramsay to the top of the TV chef game.
From the first episode being released in 2005 to the latest one, we see an astronomical amount of growth in terms of the quality of production within those 18 years. Despite the actual quality of the show increasing due to technological advancements, along with overall experiences gained over the years of filming, the basic format has always remained exactly the same, which is something that viewers all over the country greatly appreciate.
Willow junior Maya Galloway agrees, saying, “The show brings me into a different world when I watch it. It makes me salivate through the screen.”
Not only does Hell’s Kitchen provide an entertaining televised experience, but it also has real benefits for contestants alike. Along with winning the world-renowned title of “winner of Hell’s Kitchen,” competitors also compete for the position of executive chef at a variety of extravagant restaurants with a hefty salary of $250,000. This adds to the realism aspect of the show, as the competitors are given life-changing incentives, which make the show seem naturally flowing and not overly staged like other reality television shows can be. This brings something to the table that we as viewers don’t really get to experience too much anymore, and I believe that this is the reason why Hell’s Kitchen has been running for over 20 seasons with the exact same format in season 1 all the way to season 21.
If you were to ask me what show you should watch right now, Hell’s Kitchen would definitely be my number 1 choice for you. What’s not to love? Drama, skill, intensity, effort, desperation, and celebration–all in a pressure cooker that turns out Instagrammable food. That’s why Hell’s Kitchen earns the number one spot in my book.
This opinion seems to be shared by the vast majority of the population that is familiar with the restaurant industry, or just modern television in general. When you think of chefs, who’s the first person that comes to mind? Chances are, it’s going to be Gordon Ramsay, and that’s for a good and rightful reason. Although many people are definitely “haters,” there’s no denying professionalism and skill when you see it.
