The long-anticipated Season 24 of Hell’s Kitchen kicked off with a bang — and a cliffhanger. While some fans were thrilled by the bold personalities and intense culinary competition, others expressed disappointment over early eliminations, controversial scores, and an abrupt “To Be Continued” ending.
With Chef Gordon Ramsay returning to the iconic kitchen, expectations were high — and opinions, divided.
Signature Dish Challenge: Who Impressed, Who Missed the Mark
One of the hottest debates centered around the Signature Dish Challenge, a traditional first-episode staple that lets contestants introduce themselves through a single plate. Many viewers felt the men’s team was unfairly judged.
“The men should’ve won that challenge. Ramsay fell for the girls,” one fan wrote, echoing several similar comments online.
The biggest eyebrow-raiser? A contestant served fried watermelon — a move many viewers found questionable at best.
“The one who served fried watermelon as her signature dish needs to go,” a viewer commented bluntly.
Meanwhile, California-based contestants gained early fan support, with one viewer proudly noting:
“California made the cut and she received 5 points for her dish. So I liked it just fine.”
Jada Emerges as an Early Fan Favorite
Among the new contestants, Jada is already being talked about as a potential finalist.
“Jada gonna dominate it… she’ll be top three for sure!”
While it’s too early to tell how the competition will unfold, her confidence and performance caught viewers’ attention right away.
Fan Frustrations: Cliffhangers, Casting, and Drama
Some fans were disappointed by the cliffhanger ending, feeling it was too early in the season to deploy such a tactic.
“I don’t like the first episode to have a ‘to be continued’. It’s too soon.”
Others lamented the casting choices, noting the lack of representation from certain regions:
“I was sad that no one from Washington state got picked.”
Concerns also surfaced about the level of drama that seems to be brewing — particularly among the younger female contestants.
“It looks like there’s going to be a lot of fighting… they all look very young and I think immaturity will play a part.”
International Viewers Left Out — For Now
Fans outside the U.S. expressed frustration over geolocation restrictions. In countries like New Zealand, viewers will have to wait several months to watch the season legally.
“I’m so jealous… we can’t get Hulu in New Zealand and FOX has it geolocked. We’ll have to wait till January.”
Final Thoughts: Promising Start or Premature Drama?
While Hell’s Kitchen Season 24 has only just begun, it’s already fueling heated discussions among fans. From scoring controversies to strong personalities, the premiere set the tone for a season that promises intensity — both in and out of the kitchen.
Whether you’re rooting for Jada, upset about the judging, or just craving more drama, one thing’s certain: Hell’s Kitchen is back, and it’s as fiery as ever.
