Ink Master (2012)
The ultimate tattoo competition where America's most skilled ink artists battle for $100,000 and the coveted title of Ink Master.
Ink Master - Series Information
- Original Title: Ink Master
- First Air Year: 2012
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 42 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 17
- Number of Episodes: 227
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 17, 2012 (United States - TV-14), January 17, 2012 (Canada - G), January 17, 2012 (Germany - 12), January 17, 2012 (France - 10), January 17, 2012 (India - U), January 17, 2012 (Australia - M), January 17, 2012 (Brazil - 10), January 17, 2012 (Mexico - B-15), January 17, 2012 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: Spike, Paramount Network, Paramount+
- Production Companies: Original Media, MTV Entertainment Studios, Truly Original
- Production Countries: United States of America
Ink Master - Plot
A group of the country's most creative and skilled tattoo artists compete for a hundred thousand dollars and the title of Ink Master. The stakes couldn't be higher with "living canvasses" donating their skin to be permanently marked in this adrenalized competition elimination.
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Ink Master - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Dave Navarro
- Chris Núñez
- Oliver Peck
- Joel Madden
- Ryan Ashley Malarkey
- Nikko Hurtado
- Ami James
- DJ Tambe
- Hugh Jackman
- Ton Jones
Ink Master - FAQs
What is Ink Master about?
Ink Master is a competitive reality series in which the United States' most skilled tattoo artists face off in a series of elimination challenges. Contestants tattoo real human "canvasses" under pressure, with judges evaluating technical precision, creativity, and artistry until one champion claims $100,000 and the Ink Master title.
Who are the main judges and hosts of Ink Master?
Rock musician Dave Navarro has served as the longtime host, while renowned tattoo artists Chris Núñez and Oliver Peck were the original judges. Later seasons introduced rotating judges including Ryan Ashley Malarkey, Nikko Hurtado, Ami James, and DJ Tambe, with Joel Madden also stepping in as host.
How many seasons does Ink Master have?
Ink Master has 17 seasons, spanning 227 episodes. Seasons have carried distinct themes, including Rivals, Master Vs. Apprentice, Revenge, Shop Wars, Battle of the Sexes, Turf War, OGs vs Young Guns, and the most recent Hometown Heroes installment.
Is Ink Master cancelled or renewed?
Ink Master is currently a returning series and remains in production. Season 17, subtitled Hometown Heroes, is the latest installment, confirming the show's ongoing status. Fans can follow new episodes on Paramount+ and the Paramount Network.
Where can you watch Ink Master online?
Ink Master is available to stream on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, and via the Paramount+ channel on Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home, or watched free with ads on Pluto TV.
When did Ink Master first air?
Ink Master premiered on January 17, 2012, in the United States on Spike. The show later moved to the Paramount Network and eventually expanded to Paramount+, where it continues to reach audiences across multiple platforms.
Is Ink Master worth watching for tattoo fans?
Ink Master is widely regarded as one of the best tattoo-focused reality competitions on television. Critics and audiences praise its genuine showcasing of tattoo artistry, high-pressure challenges, and colorful personalities. With 17 seasons, it has built a loyal fanbase among both tattoo enthusiasts and reality TV viewers.
What are shows similar to Ink Master?
Viewers who enjoy Ink Master often gravitate toward Ink Master: Redemption, Miami Ink, Tattoo Nightmares, Bad Ink, Black Ink Crew Chicago, Tattoo Highway, Just Tattoo of Us, and Tattoo Fixers Extreme. These series share a focus on tattoo artistry, shop culture, and the personalities behind the needle.
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