5 Reasons Why Kitchen Nightmares Is Iconic — And 5 Reasons It’s Not

Gordon Ramsay’s name’s synonymous with cooking and critiquing, and one of his signature series, Kitchen Nightmares, has its pros and cons. Over the course of seven seasons, he’s used his knowledge and experience as a world-renowned chef to help put struggling restaurants back on track. Kitchen Nightmares ended in 2014, and now, the celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is back to lend a hand to eatery owners.

Kitchen Nightmares will be returning after being off the air for nearly a decade. Viewers became enamored with the “hard as nails” chef when he entered the kitchens of failing restaurants, unafraid to speak his mind. He told the owners and staff things that they needed to hear. If they didn’t listen, their businesses might not survive. Since the show made its exit, Chef Ramsay has been involved in a number of other projects with a competitive format. Therefore, going back to his roots with Kitchen Nightmares (also known as Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares in the UK) must be fulfilling.

10Kitchen Nightmares Is Truly Hilarious (Iconic)

Kitchen Nightmares was undoubtedly intense, as pressure built up in some serious situations, but it struck a perfect balance, thanks to more than a few witty and humorous moments. Gordon Ramsay may be a tough critic, but some of the funniest moments on the show featured the brutally frank chef. Surprisingly, in some instances, the meme-worthy Chef Ramsay took a comedic approach to dealing with disappointing food, disrespectful restaurat owners, and downright dirty kitchens. His humor made the show truly iconic.

9Some Cast Members Aren’t Likable (Not Iconic)

Chef Ramsay has gone into restaurants all over the world on Kitchen Nightmares, with the intention of bringing mediocre restaurants up to par, and making them even more successful. In order for a restaurant to thrive under his tutelage, the restaurant owner has to be open to constructive criticism. They must understand that the advice Chef Ramsay is giving will help their dining establishments. No matter how clear he tries to make this, some cast members on the show are dismissive and disrespectful to the award-winning chef. They don’t see a problem with their food, their methods, or their restaurants, making them completely unlikeable overall.

8Gordon Ramsay Sometimes Shows A Softer Side (Iconic)

Although Gordon Ramsay is known for his tough and rugged exterior, it doesn’t mean that he isn’t compassionate when the situation warrants it. While his frustration often reaches a boiling point, he knows how to have fun, and gives restaurant owners credit when they deserve that. On Kitchen Nightmares, it’s rare for the celebrity chef to give compliments and praise. It takes a lot for him to be blown away, but when it does happen, it makes it all the more iconic.

7Gordon Ramsay Can Be A Bully On The Series (Not Iconic)

Chef Ramsay’s reputation precedes him, as he’s so intense. In certain instances, he’s difficult to deal with. Having a thick skin is necessary to become successful in his line of work. However, sometimes, he takes things too far on Kitchen Nightmares. His overzealous opinions (and need to prove himself right) can come across as bullying. This has led to backlash.

6Some Kitchen Nightmares Cast Members Are Still Remembered (Iconic)

Some Kitchen Nightmares cast members will never be forgotten, for good or bad reasons. Either way, they were all entertaining. Whether a restaurant owner was on a power trip, a staff member couldn’t step away from their ego, or a restaurant’s vision for their business was completely delusional, they certainly left an impression on viewers. Although Chef Ramsay may have been the star of the show, certain cast mates stole the spotlight in some instances, making the show that much more enjoyable.

5Other Kitchen Nightmares Cast Members Are More Forgettable (Not Iconic)

Some cast members on Kitchen Nightmare are as bland as the food they serve, making them easily forgettable. The restaurant owners and staff are a reflection of their restaurant, and when they are running it into the ground, they don’t have much to show for it. Chef Ramsay has had success bringing failed restaurants out of the pit of despair. He’s turned them into respected eateries. He’s also dealt with restaurants that he had to shut down due to poor hygiene practices, health violations, and overall negligence.

4It’s Fun To Get Updates From Past Seasons (Iconic)

Success on Kitchen Nightmares can put restaurants on the map, and become a make-it-or-break-it moment. The exposure of having a restaurant featured on reality television can completely turn a business around. Since the show hasn’t aired for nearly a decade, viewers are still curious about how some of the notorious restaurants are doing today. While Gordon Ramsay does all that he can to help a restaurant prosper, it is ultimately up to the owners and staff to take what they have learned, and use it to achieve success.

Unfortunately, many of the restaurants have since closed, but one of the most memorable eateries took Chef Ramsay’s advice to heart. It’s still going strong today. Pantaleone’s in Denver, Colorado, remains open in 2023, and serves delicious pizza. Although Chef Ramsay had to step in and make the restaurant owner Pete see that his way of doing things wasn’t working, things went well in the end.

3Kitchen Nightmares May Not Hit The Target Again (Not Iconic)

Kitchen Nightmares was a success when it aired in 2007, and it was still popular when it ended in 2014. Now that the reality restaurant makeover show is returning, it may not find its footing in the oversaturated entertainment industry. Chef Ramsay already has a multitude of other cooking shows airing, and they’re expected to be renewed. Any renewals might affect the comeback of Kitchen Nightmares. His hit shows that continue to captivate audiences include Next Level Chef, Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and MasterChef Junior. These popular shows will be competing with Kitchen Nightmares once it does air, which could ultimately affect ratings negatively.

2The Show Might Be Gordon Ramsay’s Best (Iconic)

While Chef Ramsay does have other popular shows on his resume, the format of Kitchen Nightmares is different, and that is the reason it stands out from the rest. Instead of being in the heat of competition and judging dishes, Kitchen Nightmares brings a fresh element of heart and purpose to the lives of the people involved. He’s making it his mission to use his talent, skills and knowledge to help other businesses grow and succeed. That’s an aspect of his expertise that isn’t seen anywhere else.

1It May Not Live Up To Chef Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen Legacy (Not Iconic)

Chef Ramsay has built up quite a reputation on Hell’s Kitchen, where only one chef can become the winner. The intense competition has cast members competing, by using their culinary expertise to win. However, victory doesn’t come easy with Gordon Ramsay at the helm. The chefs are put to the test, and pushed to their breaking points. They face an insurmountable level of pressure from the celebrity chef. The pressure that creates drama may not be as prevalent on the new Kitchen Nightmares.