‘Ink Master’ is Back and You Won’t Believe the New Judges

Are you ready for the new season?

“Ink Master” premiered in 2012 and ran for 13 consecutive seasons, becoming one of the biggest tattoo shows on television. It quite literally changed the industry and introduced audiences to many of our favorite artists—such as Ryan Ashley, Cleen Rock One, Kelly Doty, DJ Tambe, Anthony Michaels, etc. The series took a hiatus in 2020, after the 13th season. Fans were unsure whether the show would be making a return or if another competition series would be taking its place.

On February 24, 2021 it was announced that “Ink Master” would be brought back for Paramount+ on September 7, 2022. Little was known about who would be involved and how it would play out, until now.

On August 5, 2022 “Ink Master” officially revealed their new crop of judges—which includes both familiar and unfamiliar faces to the franchise. The first is musician Joel Madden of the pop punk band “Good Charlotte,” who will be the series’ new host.

It should come as no surprise that season 8 winner Ryan Ashley DiCristina was chosen to be a permanent judge. DiCristina became the franchise’s first female winner and went on to host a spin-off series, “Ink Master: Angels” alongside fellow season 8 competitors Kelly Doty and Nikki Simpson. DiCristina has also appeared on the cover of Inked Magazine three times and specializes in ornamental jewelry style tattooing.

The next winner is arguably one of the most renowned tattoo artists of all time, Nikko Hurtado. Hurtado made guest apperances on episodes of “LA Ink” and “Ink Master,” but he’s best known for his contributions to the style of color realism. Hurtado has also inked a number of high profile celebrities including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tess Holliday and Amber Rose. Hurtado has appeared on the cover of “Freshly Inked” and specializes in color realism.

Ami James has become a staple of tattoo television and continues his legacy as the third judge on “Ink Master.” James first gained recognition by appearing on “Miami Ink” and then starred in “NY Ink” from 2011 until 2013. James specializes in traditional Japanese tattooing.

Last but certainly not least, Dave Navarro is back. Navarro gained recognition as the lead guitarist of Jane’s Addiction. Navarro was the host and arguably, the face, of “Ink Master” for the first 13 seasons. Now, Navarro will return as the Master of Chaos—introducing exciting twists and game changes to the competition. Navarro has appeared on the cover of Inked Magazine and has been getting tattooed by renowned tattoo artists for decades.