By now, you are fully aware that some reality shows promote competition. For instance, there’s “Big Brother” on CBS where the final houseguest takes home the grand prize. Meanwhile, there is also “The Bachelor” on NBC where finding love is the ultimate prize. And when it comes to cooking reality shows, some feature home cooks like “MasterChef” on Fox while others pit ambitious chefs against one another. This happens to be the case for “Hell’s Kitchen.”
“Hell’s Kitchen” is a show that is headlined by Michelin starred chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay. Unlike his other shows, “Hell’s Kitchen” is much more grueling and intense as chef contestants compete to win the grand prize.
So far, the show has gone on to run for 18 seasons. And as we wait for its newest episodes, we thought we’d share some behind-the-scenes details about the show:
15 During Auditions, You’re Asked Situational Questions So Producers Can Get A Better Read On Your Personality
“Their questions helped determine whether you're a fast learner, how well you adjust to changes in life, how you respond to difficult situations,” former contestant Ariel Malone told Delish. “During the on-camera interview, the questions were more situational, like, 'if you're in the kitchen and somebody burns you, how do you respond?'”
14 Contestants Need To Go Through A Cooking Test Prior To Getting On The Show
“We do put [the final casting group] through a cooking test with our sous chef to get an idea of their basic skills,” executive producer Kent Weed told Delish. Interestingly, he also noted, “One of the things we know from working with Gordon is it isn't always the most experienced who are the best.”
13 Recent Contestants Of Other Reality Shows May Not Participate In Hell’s Kitchen Right Away
The eligibility requirements says you cannot be a “participant on more than two (2) other television games or contest shows within the last five (5) years from the tape date of the episode(s) in which I may have appeared.” Similarly, you can’t be “a participant on more than one (1) television game or contest show” in the last 12 months.
12 When No One Is Cooking, Gordon Ramsay Is Nice, Even Approachable
Former contestant Dana Cohen told northjersey.com, “Outside of the kitchen, he doesn't care what happened in the kitchen. He's the nicest guy. I think I even cursed. … He was like, ‘Oh, the mouth on you.’ I was like, what, an hour ago I'm pretty sure you told me to shut the [expletive] up!”
11 While Filming, Contestants Are Not Allowed To Stay In Touch With Family And Friends
“The producers will call our parents to update them on what's going on and let them know that everything's okay,” Malone told Delish. “If you have a rough day, you can't just call up your best friend and talk s***, or go out for a jog to clear your head.”
10 There Is A Backup Cooking And Dishwashing Crew During Filming
“There is a back up cooking crew that cooks. Have you ever seen when he made us all leave and there were dishwashers in the back cleaning everything? Yea. There is always a back up crew,” former contestant Kevin Cottle wrote on Reddit. This “back up cooking crew” is said to be highly experienced.
9 If Things Get Too Tough For A Contestant, Gordon Ramsay May Offer Them An Out
“People reach a breaking point and want to leave,” Weed explained while speaking with Delish. “Gordon always offers them that out.” Being in the competition can get pretty stressful. Former contestant Jen Yemola told the New York Post, “I didn’t get my period for six weeks after I left. My doctor said it was stress.”
8 Contestants Are Asked To Wear A Microphone 24/7
While speaking with northjersey.com, Cohen revealed, “You never have your phone. You're wearing a microphone 24 hours a day. You fall asleep and then someone goes up your shirt to change your batteries.” There are also microphones throughout the kitchen to capture every single conversation or remark during the cooking action.
7 To Get The Cameras To Stop Filming, Contestant Will Break Into Song
Cohen told northjersey.com, “If you know you're going to have a mental breakdown and start crying … what you can do, though, you have to sing. If you sing a song while you're crying, they can't put that on TV … a copyrighted song.” Former contestant Justin Antiorio added, “We would make up songs about everything…”
6 During The Competition, The Show’s Crew Can Mess Things Up In The Kitchen To Throw Contestants Off Their Game
During an interview with the New York Post, former contestant Tek Moore claimed, “Production would come in and mess with ingredients, swap out your salt and sugar — so people would look like complete f****** a*******.” Meanwhile, Yemola said she was forced to cook pasta that was already tossed in the garbage.
