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Ink Master

"Which generation will conquer the competition?"

7.8
17 seasons
223 episodes
Returning Series
Reality

Plot Summary

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.

First Aired:January 17, 2012
Last Aired:November 19, 2025
Episode Runtime:42m
Networks:
Spike, Paramount Network, Paramount+

Where to watch free (US)

Pluto TV

Seasons (18)

Season 1
6.2

Season 1

8 episodes

Aired: 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.

Season 2
5.0

Season 2

13 episodes

Aired: 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.

Season 3
5.1

Season 3

13 episodes

Aired: 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.

Season 4
5.1

Season 4

13 episodes

Aired: 2014

Rivals
5.3

Rivals

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Master Vs. Apprentice
5.2

Master Vs. Apprentice

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Revenge
5.0

Revenge

13 episodes

Aired: 2016

Peck Vs. Nuñez
4.9

Peck Vs. Nuñez

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Shop Wars

Shop Wars

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Return of the Masters

Return of the Masters

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Grudge Match

Grudge Match

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Battle of the Sexes

Battle of the Sexes

16 episodes

Aired: 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.

Turf War

Turf War

15 episodes

Aired: 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.

Season 14

Season 14

10 episodes

Aired: 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.

Season 15

Season 15

10 episodes

Aired: 2023

Season 16: OGs vs Young Guns
10.0

Season 16: OGs vs Young Guns

10 episodes

Aired: 2024

Hometown Heroes
8.0

Hometown Heroes

10 episodes

Aired: 2025

15 new artists compete as “hometown heroes,” vying for a $250,000 prize in the ultimate tattoo competition, and for the opportunity to put their hometowns on the map.

Production

Original Media

MTV Entertainment Studios

Truly Original