The 10th season of "Hell's Kitchen" will debut on May 29th on Fox, and that won't be the last of it. Fox has ordered an additional two seasons of the Gordon Ramsay reality competition beyond the upcoming one. While fans are no doubt excited about the return of the popular series that pits chefs against each other for the right to run a restaurant, some might be worried that things could get a little stale. Ramsay has three other shows on the Fox network, and that could make it difficult for him to find ways to keep "Hell's Kitchen" fresh. Hopefully, the producers behind the show will come up with some new ideas for the coming seasons. Here are a few that might pump some energy into "Hell's Kitchen."
Mix up the teams
"Hell's Kitchen" always starts with boys against girls. Gordon will usually make a few changes as the season moves along, but this has always been the format. It would be exciting to see that change for the new season. Since each season always starts off with the chefs making their signature dishes, it would be a good idea for Gordon to pick the two best for the right to be team captains. Those two would then choose their own teams. Not only will this establish some early leaders for the competition, but it will also make the teams a little different.
Some unique challenges
The challenges have always had some nice variety, but they are rarely something you wouldn't expect. The new seasons should inject some life into the challenges so that viewers are left guessing as to what might happen next. The best way to do this might involve the chefs cooking in different venues. Gordon has done this in the past toward the end of the season, but it might be interesting to see how full teams complete in different locations.
New elimination format
Sure, there is always a lot of drama when it comes time to eliminate a chef. However, this element of the show could use a little spice. Every time a chef appears on the chopping block, they are asked why they should remain in the competition. The answers are always the same, and that needs to change. Instead of having the two elimination nominees do that, it would be fun if Gordon staged a mini-challenge. Maybe the two could compete in a cooking knowledge test or prepare a quick dish at the chef's request. After nine years, the elimination format could use a little spark.
