It’s no secret thatInk Masterended unceremoniously in 2020. Controversy surrounding Oliver Peck would see his departure from the show, but theCOVID-19 pandemicalso saw its final season end short, with no one gaining the coveted title and the final three participants being reportedly paid a smaller sum for their time and effort but not the cash prize typically associated with the show. Then, it seemsInk Masterwas officially canceled by Paramount Plus.
Many hoped for its return, though, andParamount Plushas seen fit to do just that, with the company recently announcing the premiere date for Ink Master season 14 after teasing its return this year. It will return on the service come September 7 and will run for 10 episodes, meaning fans only have about a month to wait before the competition for the title of Ink Master and $250,000 begins anew.
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However, beginning anew is exactly what is happening here, with a brand new slate of judges taking center stage for the new season. FormerInk Masterwinner Ryan Ashley, who is known for her highly intricate black-and-gray beadwork, lace, and ornamental jewels designs, is judging this season. She is joined by Nikko Hurtado, who specializes in colored portraits, and Ami James, fromMiami Ink(where is he co-owner of Love Hate Tattoos with formerInk Masterhost Chris Nunez). Lead vocalist of pop/punk bandGood CharlotteJoel Madden will also emcee thisInk Masterseason.
Although it is unknown if Chris Nunez will return in any capacity, if even limited, Dave Navarro is returning for the new season, but not as a host. He will be the “Master of Chaos,” who is said to introduce “crazy twists and game-changing bombs to the competition.” It’s a shake-up, that’s for sure, but it’ll be interesting to see how it shakes out. Navarro, after all, is near synonymous withInk Master, much like his former co-hosts.
It’s currently unknown if the new season will feature new gimmicks like past ones, or if this is a more-to-its-roots approach with a few new faces. After all, thistattoocompetition puts $250,000 and the title on the line, but it is only 10 episodes. For comparison, the last full season ofInk Master(season 12) ran for a full 16 episodes.
Ink Masterseason 14 airs September 7 on Paramount Plus.
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