Looking back at Hell's Kitchen season 22 finale: What happened and who won?

Currently, in season 23, it’s almost been a year since Hell's Kitchen aired its season 22 finale on January 25, 2024. The season 22 finale, broadcast on FOX, combined two episodes, titled And Then There Were Two and One Hell of An American Dream.

Starting with 18 contestants, the competition ended with Ryan O'Sullivan, a chef from Cork City, Ireland, winning the head chef position at Hell's Kitchen Las Vegas and $250,000. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay hosted the finale, which included guest judges Brian Malarkey, Curtis Stone, Giada De Laurentiis, Michael Cimarusti, and Nyesha Arrington evaluating the contestants through multiple challenges.

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Ryan O'Sullivan won Hell's Kitchen season 22 with perfect final scores

Last challenge before finals

The three finalists of Hell's Kitchen season 22 prepared for their ultimate test with a helicopter tour of Los Angeles, followed by dinner at the exclusive 71Above restaurant. They met with Olympic champion Carl Lewis at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum before heading to their final challenge.

In the cold appetizer round, Johnathan presented Hawaiian-style Tuna Poke with Avocado Mousse and Crispy Wonton Chips. Giada De Laurentiis praised the various flavor elements and awarded him 10 points. Sammi created Hamachi Crudo with Watermelon, Blood Orange, and Jalapeno Relish, which earned him 9 points. Ryan served Grilled Baby Yellow Beets with Honey and Rosemary Juice, garnering 9 points.

The hot appetizer segment of Hell's Kitchen season 22 finale saw all three chefs receive perfect scores from Brian Malarkey. Sammi's Pork Cabbage Dumplings, Ryan's Wild Mushroom Vol Au Vent, and Johnathan's Ravioli with Glazed Carrots all demonstrated exceptional technique.

For the fish course, Nyesha Arrington evaluated Ryan's Lobster Ravioli, giving it 9 points for visual appeal and flavor depth. Johnathan's Crispy Branzino and Sammi's Chilean Sea Bass each received 8 points.

Michael Cimarusti judged the chicken course, where Ryan's Crispy Chicken Breast with Prosciutto and Asparagus earned a perfect 10. Both Johnathan and Sammi scored 9 points for their chicken preparations. In the final beef round, Curtis Stone awarded Ryan another perfect score for his Wagyu Filet. Johnathan and Sammi each received 9 points for their New York Strip presentations.

The total scores determined the finalists, with Ryan accumulating 38 points, Johnathan following at 37 points, and Sammi finishing with 36 points. In an exit interview with Gold Derby on January 25, 2024, Sammi stated:

"I love Johnathan and Ryan and I think all of us are talented. We all deserve to be one of his head chefs...The pressure was finally off of me and I was like, 'Now I can just cook. I don't have to fight for my life anymore.'"

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Team selection and final dinner service

Hell's Kitchen contestant Ryan with Gordon Ramsay and Jonathan (Image via Instagram/chef_sull)

Following the challenge, both finalists chose their brigade members from eliminated contestants of Hell's Kitchen season 22. Ryan selected Sammi as his first pick, followed by Jason, Carmen, and Sandra. Johnathan assembled his team with Dahmere, Donya, Leigh, and Atoye.

Before service, Gordon Ramsay surprised each finalist by bringing their families to his office, adding emotional motivation to their final challenge. The dinner service began with both kitchens receiving their first tickets. Johnathan's team faced early problems when Dahmere served raw lamb chops.

After multiple attempts, Dahmere continued struggling at the meat station, forcing Johnathan to switch him to garnish and move Donya to handle the meat. The change proved successful, with one diner commenting they had never eaten a better steak.

Ryan's kitchen encountered issues when Sandra presented unevenly seared scallops. Ryan directed her to give the scallops a quick additional sear before sending them to his father's table. The corrected dish received high praise from his father.

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Final decision

Both kitchens completed their final tables successfully. Ramsay acknowledged the strength of both finalists, noting they ranked among the strongest in Hell's Kitchen history. The finalists stood behind their respective doors, waiting for one to open and reveal the winner.

Ryan's door opened, making him the champion of Hell's Kitchen season 22. Ramsay praised Ryan's passion, creativity, and leadership abilities. He highlighted Ryan's path from Cork, Ireland to winning the competition as an example of achieving success through determination.

Ryan celebrated his victory with his wife, expressing emotional gratitude for achieving his goal.

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Hell’s Kitchen season 23 is airing on FOX and HULU.