The BEST episodes of Best Ink season 1

Every episode of Best Ink season 1, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Best Ink season 1!

Best Ink follows a group of 10 tattoo artists from various cities in the United States. The winner of the competition wins a $100,000 cash prize and a cover article of a well-known tattoo-related magazine.

Last Updated: 10/10/2025Network: OxygenStatus: Ended

7.85

46 votes

#1 - The King of Ink

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 5/8/2012

The stakes are raised when the final four contestants are asked to create tribute tattoos to Michael Jackson, judged by his brother, Jermaine Jackson.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.81

16 votes

#2 - For the Love of Ink

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/15/2012

The final three contestants tattoo three returning clients with three different symbols of love. Margaret Cho helps decide who has the Best Ink and wins the $100,000 prize.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.67

60 votes

#3 - Something to Hide

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 3/27/2012

Ten tattoo artists square off in skin-art battles in the premiere of this reality-competition series. Prizes include $100,000 and a magazine cover story.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

7.52

56 votes

#4 - Pinup Showdown

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/3/2012

Using live models as inspiration, the artists create classic pin-up girl tattoos, but tensions rise as the contenders are forced to swap designs. Hannah Aitchison guest judges.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

7.35

52 votes

#5 - Emotional Skin-Pact

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/10/2012

The artists are asked to create a tattoo that commemorates a life-changing event in their client’s life. Singer Aaron Carter guest judges.

Watch Now:Amazon

7.29

17 votes

#6 - Purrfect Ink

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/2/2012

The artists try to satisfy their clients’ animal love with pet-themed tattoos, but one eccentric lady’s demands seem almost impossible to achieve. Kim Saigh guest judges.

Watch Now:Amazon Apple TV

7.19

47 votes

#7 - Face Off

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 4/25/2012

The contestants must ink portraits of their client's loved ones, causing one of the artists to break down about the permanent effect of their work. Franco Vescovi guest judges.

7.08

48 votes

#8 - Tattoo Virgins

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 4/17/2012

The tattoo mavens create skin art for entertainment duo Dean McDermott and Tori Spelling. They also must design matching ink for best friends who've never had tattoos. Guest judge: Taryn Manning.

Watch Now:Apple TV