‘Ink Master’ renewed for season 9, prior to season 8 even premiering

When it comes to “Ink Master,” Spike TV really has no problem getting as far ahead of itself as possible. In a statement today from the network, the network confirmed that the show has been renewed for a ninth season, even though we’re only midway through season 7 right now. This ninth season will air at some point in 2017, and will consist of fifteen one-hour episodes plus a live finale. Ultimately, it’s the same sort of order we’ve seen with this show so many times before.

In a statement, the network’s executive vice president of original series Sharon Levy had the following to say:

“The Ink Master franchise has been a major driver in Spike’s successful shift to general entertainment … The continued ratings growth is a result of the creativity and ingenuity of our partners at Original Media and our phenomenal hosting/judging trio of Dave Navarro, Oliver Peck, and Chris Nunez.”

We feel like what “Ink Master” has done so well is take an established reality competition format and adapted it to a market that was vastly under-served on television. Also, tattoo competitions are appealing even to people without tattoos. Unlike a cooking competition where matters are more subjective, it’s easy for a viewer at home to determine whether or not a tattoo looks great. We don’t have to take a judge’s word for it. Also, Spike and the producers do a good job of marketing this show as edgy and in some ways extreme, which makes it even more appealing presumably than it would be otherwise.

Congratulations to all involved in “Ink Master” on the big news! You can head over here now to preview Tuesday night’s episode, or sign up at this link to get some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: Spike TV.)