The WORST seasons of Ink Master
Every season of Ink Master ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst seasons of Ink Master!
An estimated 40 million Americans have at least one tattoo. So who is the country's preeminent tattoo artist? Ink Master is the first-ever tattoo competition series featuring some of the nation's top tattoo artists on a quest to determine who is the best at their craft and win a huge cash prize. The stakes are high as the artists showcase their irrevocable artwork on real people's bodies. The dramatic tension is ever-present as the artists will ultimately face the opinion of the living canvas who now bears a permanent souvenir of the Ink Master etched into his or her skin.
#1 - Season 15
First Aired 11/1/2023
#2 - Return of the Masters
First Aired 1/9/2018
Three of the most skilled Ink Master winners return for season 10. But this time, they won’t battle alone. Instead, they’ll be coaching teams selected from some of the top tattoo artists in the country. The artists will be put through extreme challenges proving their skill and grit in an epic battle for $100,000 and the title of Ink Master.
#3 - Rivals
First Aired 9/2/2014
16 top tattoo artists from across the country will compete in extreme challenges proving their skill and grit in an epic battle for $100,000 and the title of Ink Master.
#4 - Battle of the Sexes
First Aired 6/11/2019
Teams of male and female tattoo artists face off, but only one will win $100,000, an editorial feature in Inked and the coveted Ink Master title. This season, past contestants and fan favorites return to coach the contestants.
#5 - Master Vs. Apprentice
First Aired 6/23/2015
In season 6 it's not just about the rivalries the artists create during the competition, each contestant comes with their own personal tattoo rival – their master or apprentice.
#6 - Season 1
First Aired 1/17/2012
The first season of the tattoo reality competition Ink Master debuted on Spike on January 17 and concluded on March 6, 2012 with a total of 8 episodes. The show is hosted and judged by Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, with accomplished tattoo artists Chris Núñez and Oliver Peck serving as series regular judges. The winner received a $100,000 prize, a feature in Inked Magazine and the title of Ink Master.
#7 - Season 4
First Aired 2/25/2014
#8 - Season 3
First Aired 7/16/2013
Ink Master (season 3) is the third season of the Spike tattooing competition series, Ink Master. Its makeup and rules mimic those of season 2, with some changes to make it unique from the previous season, but not so extreme to make it stand out from the series. Season three follows sixteen tattoo artists competing against each other in an elimination-style competition that will leave the last person standing with the title of Ink Master, a $100,000 grand prize, and a feature in Inked Magazine. The show is hosted and judged by Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. Other judges include former Miami Ink cast member Chris Núñez and accomplished tattoo artist Oliver Peck. Season three is the first time in the series a contestant has been brought back for another season. Katherine "Tatu Baby" Flores was eliminated in season two, but voted to return by Ink Master's Facebook voting.
#9 - Turf War
First Aired 1/7/2020
Season 13 brings together artists from the East, South, Midwest and West regions of the United States as 20 top tattooers from around the country battle it out for the title of Ink Master, a $100,000 and of course, a feature in Inked Magazine.
#10 - Shop Wars
First Aired 6/6/2017
Season nine of Ink Master reaches new heights as tattoo shops from across the country go to war. As 19 shops enter the competition, in the end only one will be left standing, winning the title of ‘Master Shop’ and $200,000.
#11 - Peck Vs. Nuñez
First Aired 8/23/2016
In season eight, 8 returning artists and 8 top tattoo artists from around the country will compete in extreme challenges proving their skill and grit in an epic battle for 100,000 and the title of Ink Master.
#12 - Season 2
First Aired 10/9/2012
Ink Master (season 2) was the second season of the Spike tattooing competition series, Ink Master. Season two follows sixteen tattoo artists competing against each other in an elimination-style competition that will leave the last person standing with the title of Ink Master, a $100,000 grand prize, and a feature in Inked Magazine. The show is hosted and judged by Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. Other judges include former Miami Ink cast member Chris Núñez and accomplished tattoo artist Oliver Peck. The series has been renewed for a third season. For the current airing or most recent airing season, visit the Ink Master main article.
#13 - Grudge Match
First Aired 8/28/2018
Cleen Rock One faces off against Christian Buckingham to coach the nation's best tattoo artists as they compete for a $100,000 prize and the title of Ink Master.
#14 - Season 14
First Aired 9/7/2022
All-star artists return to compete in the ultimate tattoo competition. Hosted by Joel Madden, the artists will face some of the most epic challenges.
