Heartwarming / Hell's Kitchen

Though Chef Ramsay can be quite nasty, when somebody with real skill comes to Hell's Kitchen, he doesn't hesitate to recognize it.

Multiple Seasons

• Ramsay often lets the third-place finisher keep their jacket as a sign of respect and as encouragement for them to keep their dreams of being an executive chef alive. This has changed with the seasons, as sometimes he allows a chef with enough heart and passion to keep their jackets even if they don't get in third place.
• After what the chefs go through throughout the show, the family visits can be heartwarming.
  • Special mention goes to when Declan has his family visit, especially considering that he hasn't seen them in two years. It's enough for him to burst into Manly Tears.
• The finale when the winner is revealed is incredibly heartwarming.
• This somewhat also doubles as a tearjerker as the contestants are no longer in the competition, but the retrospective montages often used to highlight the growth of certain contestants within the competition who don't make it to the final two.
  • Special mention goes to the montages for chefs that don't make it to the black jackets but have earned Ramsay's respect in some way, shape or form. Notable examples include Rachel from Season 2 (the first non-black jacket chef to get a montage), Robert when he returned in Season 6, Natalie from Season 9, Sterling from Season 13, and Nikki from Season 19.

Season 1

• Jimmy had perpetually been the Team Butt-Monkey, especially due to his size, with nearly every other thing Gordon telling him having some variant on "fat fuck." In the end though, he made it to the final five, and even went in strong by winning the challenge on his final episode. Though he was eliminated, Ramsay reminded him before taking his jacket that he should be proud to have made it so far, and that he did a damn good job. This was the first time that Ramsay has eliminated anyone with more than a "Give me your chef's jacket and get out."
• Elsie; unlike Julia from Season 3, Elsie had no cooking background and was labeled as a "Mother of Six". She somehow made it to the top 4, and after going through a lousy service (due in part by her accidentally saying on LIVE TV that she won a challenge, making her competitors team up against her), was sent up for elimination. Ramsay actually took note and gave her a second chance to call someone out. She decided to take the blow and got eliminated, but Ramsay congratulated her and kissed her.
  Ramsay: Keep smiling. You light up the place when you smile.

Season 2

• After Rachel forgets to get money when getting ice, some customers are able to pitch in and allow her to get the ice.
  • Additionally, during her elimination, Ramsay does praise her for being an incredibly hard worker and for busting her ass. This, and her friendship with Heather, resulted in her being not only chosen first for Heather's team, but also being the chef who wanted Heather to win the most.

Season 3

• Ramsay showed a lot of compassion and understanding for Aaron, who had a terrible time with nerves, breaking down before the first service. He then collapsed during the punishment in the third episode and was hospitalized. Fast forward to episode three of season four, and at the restaurant, the red team sees Aaron, happy as ever. He says a quick hello and hugs Ramsay before walking off. It was sweet to see him acting much better. It makes knowing his death a few years later even sadder though.
• Julia, despite being a "mere" Waffle House chef, made it to the final four because of her natural talent and passion (and a generous helping of common sense). When she was eliminated, Gordon paid for her to attend cooking school. Her elimination shocked the other chefs; she was a good friend to Jen and Bonnie, who tearfully hug each other as Juila leaves, and also Rock, who considered her a Worthy Opponent and inspiration. Ramsay heartbreakingly states, "I'm really sorry. It's Julia," and wishes her to come back after her stay at cooking school and "win the competition hands down."
  • At the beginning of that same episode, she is the winner of the first Black Jackets challenge. She's crying in absolute joy that she won, because she's had to deal with bullying since the first episode because of her Waffle House background, so hearing that her food was enjoyed by so many people is nothing more than a confidence booster. While it still hurts after a rewatch knowing that she'll be eliminated in that very same episode, for a moment, Julia is just so happy.

Season 4

• Anything involving Petrozza in general pretty much.
  • In episode 5, Petrozza fooled Chef Scott by slicing meat to pass it off as "steaks" and bail Louross out. In a show that often involves contestants throwing each other under the bus, Petrozza did this only with the goal of helping Louross out. To add onto this, the fact that Petrozza took the steaks up and not Louross, would've meant that if Scott realized what Petrozza did, then Petrozza would've gotten the brunt of his criticism and not Louross.
  • In episode 7, after a particularly bad service, the men came up with a plan to cause a deadlock by nominating each other. Petrozza, however, refused to go along with the plan and nominated himself, saying his teammates were hard workers and good guys. Ramsay responded by calling Petrozza "the most gracious man on that team" and "a true gentleman", with Petrozza thanking him by saying, "Coming from you, Chef, that means a lot." Christina then held his hand as they walked out of the kitchen.
  • In Episode 12, the chefs are resentful toward Christina for winning a challenge and getting a shopping spree, and begin to freeze her out during prep for service, ignoring her when she asks for ways to help out. It's shown that Petrozza is the one to break the frost and interact with Christina like a team member first, bringing the group back into operation.
  • In Episode 14, when past the past competitors come back for the final challenge, the men are clearly excited and happy to see Petrozza in the finals. Even Ben was excited.
  • On that note, Ben calling out Jen for her poor attitude during the finale. It shows that he genuinely was willing to go to bat for Petrozza.
  • This story shared by one of Petrozza's friend after his passing.
  "I am literally in tears right now. I can not believe that you are gone!! I was just thinking about you and thinking back to how you saved the day at my daughters wedding, you swooped in and prepared her entire wedding dinner, at the last moment when the caterer didn’t show up, and I was trying to contact you to let you know the last daughter of the bunch is getting married and I can not believe what I read! You were one of the best!! A kind guy with a good spirit and a good friend!! Man this hit me like a ton of bricks!!! I can still hear your voice in my head!! My sincere condolences to your family! Man you sure are going to be missed! I’m sorry my friend that I didn’t reach out sooner I just knew you were still living it up on the beach somewhere cooking your heart out and being the cool dude that you were. Rest In Peace my brother!"
• In episode 2, Petrozza was thrown out for forgetting the menu and almost quit the show. Bobby, after a terrible first service, helped Petrozza get back on his feet, making sure he was alright before helping him remember the menu. Petrozza never once appeared to show any disrespect or anger towards Bobby, picking Bobby first for his team when he made it to the final. To many, this was when Bobby became an instant favorite in their eyes.
• In episode 12, each of the chefs had to write down two names to nominate for elimination that weren't their own and not the same name twice. Jen tried to sabotage voting by voting twice for Christina, so Christina, Corey, and Petrozza came together to plot getting her eliminated. They nominated Corey to get Jen eliminated. She gets scared it will backfire, so Petrozza comforts her and offers to nominate himself.
  • This is also heartwarming as Corey, the same person who nominated Christina in episode 2 for no other reason than she hated her, immediately noticed that Christina's name was written down twice by the same person, as she didn't write down Christina's name and asked Christina if she wrote her own name down, showing how much she's matured and how much she respects Christina enough to prevent Jen from cheating.

Season 5

• Ji, a strong competitor and early frontrunner, withdrew in the second episode after twisting her ankle and being confined to a wheelchair, sparing Colleen and Lacey from elimination. Ramsay praised her courage and skill, and she became the first chef to be allowed to keep her jacket as a sign of her bravery. As Andrea helped her leave, the men gave her a standing ovation.
  Ji: Do well, okay? Win, okay?
• Lacey, in all her whiney, moany, give-up-before-you-even-start glory is less than welcome in the men's team. However, during a punishment the team faced, folding origami pieces, Lacey happens to know what to do and happily teaches the rest of the team. It wasn't enough to completely redeem her for her past attitudes, but it offered a small moment the team were on good terms with her.
• During the service where Lacey finally was eliminated, Ben quickly took control and attempted to calm down Lacey whilst she was getting hysterical. He even admitted that while he didn't like her and would rather see her go down, he wasn't going to let anyone struggle.
• JP gave Andrea a pep-talk and encouraged her to go back in and, "give it to Gordon."
• Robert took a turn in jackass when he started showing attitude and refusing to listen to Ramsay, earning his wrath. However, he decided to schedule a meeting with Ramsey in his office after a day's work. During this, Ramsay learns Robert's rebellion was sparked, among other things, by Ramsay constantly calling him "Bobby". Bobby was the name of his father, who he was not on good terms with, and so Ramsey's use of "Bobby" caused flashbacks. When he learns this, Ramsay immediately understands and promises Robert he will refer to him by his preferred name from now on. While he had choice words of his earlier attitude, he decided against sending him home that night. This is especially touching when you realise Ramsey was also abused by his father, so he immediately understood why Robert's performance had been suffering.
• Robert, after making it to the top five, had to withdraw due to a heart condition. When he left, Gordon told him "you have been a fantastic competitor. You had the potential to win this competition. Do not ever, ever forget that." And when he was brought back and subsequently eliminated in Season 6, he had a miniature CMoH.
  Robert: You'll see me again as a chef.
  Ramsay: I can't wait to see you again.
• During the final four's service, one customer asks Ramsay and Jean-Philippe to help him propose to his girlfriend. They agree, and Ramsay writes the proposal in icing on her plate before placing the ring in her dessert. The girlfriend loves and accepts the proposal.
  Ben: It's like being stuck in prison and then being able to look out and see a rainbow. What a special moment to be in Hell's Kitchen, you know?
• In the finale, Danny's team consisted of Giovanni (who didn't want to be there at all), Carol (who wanted Paula to win), and Ben (who had gotten into several arguments with Danny over the season). Out of all of them, Ben was the only one who wanted Danny to win, and even put in a solid performance that night for him.

Season 6

• After Joseph angrily withdrew in episode 2, calling Ramsay "nothing but a bitch", Ramsay chided him for his lack of respect and kicked him out. The following dinner service, Ramsay spares the chefs after a good dinner service and previously eliminating Tony alongside Joseph. Instead, he states, "I'm nobody's bitch", and teases Amanda over being unable to do simple maths.
• Staff Sergeant Otis James returning from duty to dine at Hell's Kitchen. The dining room consisted of his family and friends he had missed for years while on duty, and he got to meet a VIP guest... his mother.
• Tennille was eliminated in the final four after being the only one to have a bad service. Ramsay offered words of encouragement, highlighting that Tennille had "the greatest comeback" he had seen on the show, the four chefs have a group hug, and Tennille is told to leave with her head held high.

Season 7

• Scott, despite his flaws, made sure to stay up from bed and help Salvatore for service. Thanks to Scott, Salvatore was named the best on his team that night.
• Salvatore almost walked out after being angrily chastised by Ramsay for his poor handwriting. When the issue came up again two episodes later, he explained that he never went to school because he was always working to try and support his family. Ramsay immediately stops criticizing him and tells him to take his time.
• At the end of episode 4, due to both teams pulling a great service so early in the competition, named both teams joint winners, and rather than eliminate the nominees, Scott and Autumn, instead switched both of them to the opposite teams and gave them another chance.
• Nilka completely broke down during a dinner service with black jackets on the line, and Ramsay finally eliminated her on the spot for consistently serving raw food. Nilka, begging for another chance, tried to come back to the kitchen and continue cooking, only to be shunned by everyone. Finally, she packed her bags and left, only to find Ramsay waiting for her near the taxi, much calmer and consoling. He told her to leave with her head held high, and that she really was a good cook who put together some phenomenal things. They parted amicably, and he wished her the best. Afterward, due to the other six handing down a great service after Nilka left, Ramsay gave them all black jackets.
• After the final four chefs had a great dinner service, Ramsay REFUSED to send anyone home and surprised the chefs with visits from their friends and family. This marked the second time Ramsay refused to eliminate anyone due to good service, the first time mentioned above.
• Holli's son running up to her with a hug in the finale and then calling her the best chef ever after she won the competition.

Season 8

• Ramsay asked Rob to give him his jacket, only to surprise him with a clean one. After six awful dinner services, Ramsay, delighted with the improved performance, refused to eliminate anyone.
• Boris's elimination. Ramsay tells him that he has a big heart, and even says "Thanks for trying." Boris then turns around and wishes everyone good luck, netting friendly waves from the red team, respectful goodbyes from his own team (even Russell), and a "Bye, Boris! I love you!" from Sabrina.
• Russell won the first individual challenge and was allowed to select one of his five competitors to accompany him on his reward, a tour of the prize restaurant: L.A. Market. Russell chose Gail, who came in second and seemed certain to win until Russell won with a perfect score of 100/100. Ramsay complimented him on the choice, calling it "honorable."

Season 9

• Will, Paul, and Tommy would usually clap or say their goodbyes to anyone (including members of the red team) that were eliminated, starting with Monterray. The trio also had heartwarming moments, comforting Natalie after her final service and hugging Jennifer when she received her black jacket, telling her she deserved it.
  • Ironically the person who went to the top four alongside them was Elise.
• Just the entire friendship with Paul, Will, Tommy, and eventually Natalie. It genuinely seemed like the four were close knit friends.
• In episode 10, after Tommy barely survived elimination over Carrie, the quick shot of Tommy's teammates hugging him is a very heartwarming moment.
• The marriage proposal during the "romance dinner". While wedding proposals have happened before on Hell's Kitchen, the editing always showed the set up for the wedding proposal. This time, the payoff was the only sign it was going to happen. Seeing the stunned look on the woman's face when the lid came off the dessert, with "Will you marry me?" written underneath it in chocolate sauce...a Tear Jerker of the good sort.
• In episode 14, Ramsay angrily kicked all of the chefs out when Elise consistently failed to cook fish. Will and Paul, who had done nothing wrong that service, are infuriated they got kicked out, but sous chef Andi then walks in and asks for Will and Paul. It turns out that Ramsay personally requested to have them return to the kitchen to help him complete service.
• The finale, with Paul's speech for his mother as he was announced the winner.

Season 10

• In the fifth service, Patrick was kicked out for a poor performance on meat, and was seen crying in the Confession Cam afterward. However, he was not crying because he was kicked out, but because sick kids from the Make A Wish Foundation were in the restaurant that night, and weren't going to be served. Aww...
• Two moments for Clemenza after surviving elimination. After surviving his first nomination, the opposing Red Team applauded him for his passion. It seemed like he would be eliminated on his third nomination... but Ramsay instead gave him a clean jacket, and he got hugs from Robyn and Brian.
• Following the Final 5 dinner service, where Christina is beating herself up for a mistake on garnish, Dana assures her that it wasn't really that big of a mistake and that she'd been fantastic all season, so it was nothing to worry about.

Season 11

• Nedra sticking up for Mary when she was getting made fun of by the blue team in episode 6. Even though she may be considered a scrappy of the season, she does show that she does care for her team in more ways than one.
• Ray's elimination. Ramsay tells him that he respects him for coming into the show at age 51 (becoming the show's oldest contestant ever), and the other chefs warmly bid him goodbye as he leaves.
• While Jon is eliminated right before the finale, Ramsay called him the best chef that the blue kitchen this season had. Not only is he allowed to keep his jacket, but Ramsay told him to stay in touch in case of a job opportunity.
  • He's currently working at "Gordon Ramsay Steak" as a Sous Chef under Christina Wilson.
• In the finale, Dan, acting like the jerk he was throughout the whole season, was kicked out by Mary for a poor performance on meat. After Ja'Nel won the competition over Mary, Dan gave a passionate Pet the Dog moment to Mary, hugging her and apologizing for his behavior, promising to make it up to her someday.
  • Furthermore, after the season aired Dan has been one of the most active participants of former contestants in social media and online forums, where he has been extremely friendly and cordial. He also regularly pokes fun at and expresses regret regarding his behavior on the show, especially his performance in the finale.
• After Ja'Nel failed a drug test and was denied the head's chef job at Caesar's Palace, Ramsay stated that she was still an amazing chef, and that he would help her find a job once she "sorts out her personal issues".
• Barret got one outside the show, agreeing to take over the popular Facebook group Hells Kitchen Underground and give the group founder time to grieve after her mother passed away.
• When their families came to visit, Jon spoke of his best friend who passed away years ago, and how he adopted said friend's one-year old son, Hayden. His biggest regret regarding being on the show was missing Hayden's first day of school, but that also served as a motivator for him to win to make it all worth it.

Season 12

• In episode 7, the teams were challenged to make gourmet pizzas, and Anton felt a duty to do well, because when his family came to America, they worked their way to success with their pizza shop. The blue team won the challenge, with the pizza created by him and Richard being called the best of the day. As the men went off to get ready for their reward, Anton stepped away and started crying, feeling that he did his parents proud.
  • In an amusing example, their reward was also heartwarming. It was only the blue team's second reward in seven episodes, and they won a yoga session. The men proceeded to fall in love with the female yoga instructor. Chris in particular had his heart won by the instructor, and Gabriel screamed "I love you, Chef Ramsay!"
• Episode 14 in general for the blue team (Gabriel, Jason, Melanie and Rochelle).
  • Ramsay decided to give Gabriel a pep talk before service. Worried over his inability to fight back after making a mistake, Ramsay proclaimed that nothing would make him happier than Gabriel having a great service that night. Gabriel went onto have his best service yet.
  • Ramsay personally goes over to the meat station, worked by Rochelle, to slice a wellington, finding it cooked to perfection. He confirms that Rochelle (considered the least experienced chef in the competition, only being a catering chef) has never worked in a professional kitchen before, and then compliments her perfectly cooked food, telling her she cooks as though she had been working in a professional restaurant for five years. Considering everything that happened in prior episodes, being chosen for elimination by the red team all because she wanted to start a family at episode 11, struggling when having the deciding vote for who would be eliminated in the blue team in episode 12, and her breakdown during Episode 13, Rochelle was nothing less than happy that Ramsay considered her a potential head chef.
  • And then, to top service off, Ramsay called four forward after service and maintained his proudness of them for a superb service.
• Scott had a couple in episode 15, comforting Joy after she had her meltdown, and buying his wife clothing during the red team's reward to thank her for looking after the kids, also buying Kashia and Joy things as well.
• Episode 16 had a few. Gabriel received a warmer farewell from JP than just about any other contestant, Ramsay took the time after service to check on Melanie and give her some advice and Scott asks Andi for advice, which she readily gives him.
• The way Ramsay brought the final four contestants' loved ones to the restaurant resulted in one of the most heartwarming family reunion moments ever on the show (Scott seeing his wife and kids again was particularly happy-tear jerking).
• Rochelle, the first one to be eliminated in "Four Chefs Compete" was praised by Ramsay for being the most energetic chef he'd seen and that she would have a bright future wherever she went. Rochelle gets an applause from Scott and Jason, thanks Ramsay from the bottom of her heart and states that one day she will apply to work for Ramsay again, making sure to laugh less.
• The finale. The finalists, Jason and Scott, are good friends, all the returning chefs have a good attitude (well, except for Sandra) and it was overall one of the best dinner services Ramsay has seen. When the winner is announced, Jason states he's happy for Scott and that he deserves it, while the first thing Scott does is run straight to his family with a big grin on his face. The shots of Chef Andi holding Scott's daughter in her arms, and an earlier shot of Scott's son asleep in his wife's arms are particularly heartwarming.

Season 13

• Episode 2 had resident goofball Sterling apologizing to resident hot head Bryant for annoying him with his antics. Bryant instantly forgave him and the two guys make up. Sterling may be a goofball but his hearts in the right place.
• Episode 8 marked the first time that season that both teams completed dinner service without anyone being kicked out. As a reward, Chef Ramsay said he'd "show them a little respect" now that they'd earned it, and not send anyone home.
• Episode 9 has two:
  • Steve is forced out of the competition after straining his leg during the punishment. When Ramsay hears, he personally walks out to the patio where Steve is resting, and Ramsay tells him that his health is the most important thing and that he will be unable to handle the pressure of the competition, but he consoles Steve by telling him that he had done a good job until that point, which makes Steve slightly more at peace with the situation.
  • The blue team then went on to win the service by a landslide, as Aaron put it, "For Steve".
  • When Ramsay walks back into the kitchen to deliver the news, he actually admits that it's heartbreaking and states that he wouldn't feel comfortable with Steve taking the risk.
• In the beginning of episode 9, Frank handwrites a letter for Ramsay, thanking him for giving him (another) second chance, and he gives him the letter after his team wins the challenge, which Ramsay and the losing blue team find strange. Later, after service, Ramsay eliminates Frank in the post-mortem due to his horrific performance on fish, but as he does so, he tells Frank that he read the letter, and greatly appreciated it, seeming more disappointed than upset that Frank couldn't convey that passion into his performance.
• In episode 12, Ramsay eliminated Sterling after service, feeling he was not ready to be his head chef. However, Ramsay compliments Sterling's endless optimism and good attitude, and allows him to keep his red jacket in honor of that. Sterling hugs Ramsay and the other chefs, and instead of a walk of shame out the front doors, his closing comments play over him calmly packing up his things and leaving. It's not only probably the best a chef has ever taken their elimination, but it's one of the most heartwarming instances of such.
• Ramsay telling Sade during her elimination that she's one of the most talented chefs he's ever met, and that he's arranged for her to speak to people in London about working for him. That combined with the usually-Sore Loser taking her loss extremely well makes this undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming moments that season.

Season 14

• Randy's elimination, where Ramsay tells him that although he is sending him home, he has been one of the fastest learners in Hell's Kitchen history, and that he has done himself and Ramsay proud, as well as his family and country. (He was a military veteran before appearing on Hell's Kitchen.)
• One of the punishments was making 150lbs of mashed potatoes for a homeless shelter. Milly was crying as he was homeless when he was younger.

Season 15

• After having an awful first service, Vanessa received little sympathy from her teammates and remarked she missed her mother... until Nice Girl Manda gave her a hug and, also missing her children, remarked "I'll be your mommy, it's ok".
• Manda and Jared's eliminations, with both being graceful in exit and receiving high praise from Ramsay. Manda encouraged the final four to "be awesome and have fun" and remarked that she was heading back to her children "new and improved". Jared, meanwhile, as the last male chef standing, expressed gratitude at meeting his Star Crossed Lover Ashley and remarked that he was leaving with his head held very high.

Season 16

• After Aaron is eliminated at the end of the fifth episode due to his lack of confidence, Ramsay takes a moment to tell him that he is a good cook and should not give up on him dreams. While Ramsay offering encouragement to eliminated chefs is nothing new, it is very rare to see him to extend this courtesy to a chef taken out of the game so early.
• Devin is eliminated for his inconsistent performances throughout the season, but Ramsay praised him for his passion and big heart, urging not to stop. Devin himself thanks Ramsay for the opportunity, that it's been an honor working with everyone, and wished everyone well. Considering the last male chefs that were eliminated didn't leave with good attitudes, it was a breath of relief to see one go out with no ill regards.

Season 17 (All Stars)

• In the first episode, some of the chefs react with joy and happiness when they meet with friends from the same season, and for the most part, also respect some of the older chefs from the older seasons.
  • Ramsay himself takes time before the judging by asking how the chefs are, and even when he brings up infamous moments (say Giovanni's dickface argument, Van almost punching out Jean Philippe, and the Jared-Ashley saga) it's mostly in a joking manner.
• In the beginning of episode 5, Robyn is upset about being in the blue team now, and for Ramsay's comment that she wasn't showing the same strength in Season 10. Jared comforts her, and tells her that Ramsay only wants her to show more strength and should not take it too seriously.
• Even though Giovanni got eliminated in the Cook For Your Life Challenge, Ramsay thanked him for coming back and wished him and his family luck. Giovanni even said during his final confessional that he can't wait to see his daughters again.
• Robyn and Jennifer's goodbye as the last black jacket was awarded. They became close friends as the season went on, largely forged by uniting against Elise, the unquestioned cancer of the red team.
• Milly's elimination. Before he left, Ramsay praised his confidence and said he was happy to give him a second chance. Then, he gave Milly an offer to come to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay for a week to stage at his kitchen for a learning experience, an offer Milly took immediately.
• Nick never hesitated to stand up to Elise bullying his good friend Michelle, not even during the final service. He was beaming with pride over Michelle's victory, one episode after being declared 3rd place with Ramsay playing virtually no role in the decision.

Season 18 (Rookies vs. Veterans)

• In Episode two, Bret mentions losing both his parents fairly recently while talking with members of the blue team in the dorms. He cited their memory as his motivation, and dedicated his next service to them. He won the subsequent challenge which included both the first ever "Punishment Pass" and would have his risotto dish replace the Hell's Kitchen standard lobster risotto for the season.
• In Episode six, Chris decided that he had to leave the competition as he was on the verge of a total breakdown due to issues from his massive accident nine months before coming on the show. When both Sous Chef Christina and Ramsay learned of this, they were very sympathetic, with Ramsay proving he was a Jerk with a Heart of Gold by urging Chris to seek professional help.
  • When both teams learned that Chris was gone due to his mental health issues, Bret wanted to win the night's service for him. And the Red Team won with a near-flawless service.
  • To add onto this, when Chris's dish allowed the men to finally win their first challenge, Kanae audibly congratulates him, and Bret praises him.
  • Not only that, when Chris is struggling to say that he's not doing well to Sous Chef Christina, Christina eases him, and once she realizes Chris is in a dark place, she quickly makes sure he is fine, making sure that Jose gives him space and being completely understanding of his situation.
  • Honestly, just the fact that unlike several chefs before him, Chris wasn't demonized by the other chefs for quitting, with them all being completely understanding, and willing to bang out a perfect service for him.
• Episode 8 is the sweet 16 of Gordan's daughter, Tilly. At one point when Gordan is yelling at the chefs, Tilly notes that he's never yelled at her and isn't at all scary at home. Aww.
• In Episode 14, Motto decided he would quit the competition to focus on bringing his learned knowledge from Hell’s Kitchen to Baton Rouge. Ramsay called him a gentlemen for such a decision, and asked Motto to call him when he is done with his work there. He also got to keep his jacket.
  • Also in the following episode, Motto, despite quitting, was allowed to compete in the finals as a returning chef, unlike in previous seasons where quitters lost their chance to cook in the finale. Ramsay really must have respected his decision to make an exception.
• When Bret was eliminated, Ramsay told him that his parents would be very proud on how far he made it this time. Even if Bret is considered a Base-Breaking Character for a lot of fans, it is heartwarming to see him make it farther this season after being forced out the competition during Season 14 due to a slipped disc.
• After winning the title of Executive Chef at the Hell’s Kitchen restaurant at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Ariel offered Mia, the runner-up, a job at the restaurant should an opening arise there. This speaks volumes about the friendship between the Final Two!

Season 19 (Las Vegas)

• When Jordan mentioned being a recovering alcoholic and possibly relapsing if she loses the competiton, Kori encourages her to not give up.
• When Aaron Sanchez praises Adam's dish, Adam bursts into tears of joy. It goes to show how much it means to him.
• During one particularly good dinner service for the red team, Gordon takes Nikki aside not to scold or warn her, but instead mention how impressed he is, seeing someone from a small town with little professional experience cooking at a level greater than he ever expected.
• While out on their shopping spree reward, Kori and Cody get gifts for their other two teammates, giving Declan some cookware and Mary Lou the same blender she was devastated at missing on due to losing a challenge.
• Nikki fails the last challenge to get a black jacket, but Gordon commends her for being the most improved chef in Hell's Kitchen, offers her an internship at any of his restaurants, and lets her keep her jacket.

Season 20 (Young Guns)

• During Megan Ramsey's 21th Birthday Service, Gordon incorrectly credits Megan (the contestant) for some perfectly cooked New York Strips when Steve is actually the one who cooked them. Megan wastes no time in telling him who actually made them even when she could have just stolen the credit and praise from Gordon.
• Episode 9: The whole blue team and Josie goes to give Victoria a hug, especially Trenton given how stress inducing the previous challenge was and lift them up.
  Victoria: This is warm.
• Josie's friendship with Emily. In episode 10, she goes to Emily for comfort when she feels alienated from her team and even acknowledges her friend in her eviction speech.
• After winning the competition, Trenton proposes to his girlfriend, who says "yes".

Season 21 (Battle of the Ages)

• Episode 6: The contestants are shown a photo montage of those that have spouses, which culminated with a photo of a much younger Gordon with his wife. This was done to punctuate the next challenge, which is doing a dinner service for Trenton's wedding with his girlfriend.
• Episode 10: Shortly after the service starts, Gordon calls Alejandro to follow him into the kitchen. This wasn't to lecture Alejandro, but actually give a much-needed pep talk after he was rather underconfident throughout the past few services, as the blue team went on a losing streak. He went back to the kitchen and communicated louder with his teammates, gaining the voice he needed.
• Abe's elimination. After simultaneously improving in service and attitude, he would be eliminated after a night that wasn't that bad for him. However, Ramsay said his kids would be proud of him and praised his determination. This would result in Abe, who previously was unwilling to listen to anything negative about him, thanking Ramsay for his kind words, and going out a Graceful Loser.
• Right before the final two run down their menu, Alex's first instinct is to check on Dafne and make sure she's doing well and encourage her, even though Alex and Dafne are facing off in the finals.
  • Honestly, Alex is full of these, to the extent he could rival Petrozza as the most likable chef to enter Hell's Kitchen.

Season 22 (The American Dream)

• After Donya survived her first nomination in Episode 3, Raneisha hugged her in the dorms and told the former to let it all out. Donya did so, with Raneisha reassuring Donya that she is a good cook.
• While it is sad that Brad was forced to take himself out of the competition due to his declining health, the fact that everyone (including the red team) gave him a round of applause as he left is this.
• After Atoye nearly rage quit the competition, Dahmere came by to give her words of encouragement, giving her the words needed to calm her down and regain her confidence.
• Sammi admits that she was a former MasterChef Junior contestant and tells Gordon that one of her fondest memories was when he praised her. Gordon admits that, while he doesn't remember her due to how long ago she competed, he's going to remember her cooking now. Even more heartwarming is that Sammi goes on to be one of the strongest contestants of the season, proving to Gordon that she is worth remembering and for all the right reasons no less.
• After narrowly losing out to Leigh on the final black jacket, Ryan is obviously crushed as he wanted so badly to learn from Ramsay...that is until Ramsay decides to give Ryan a sixth black jacket, as he didn't think the dish warranted Ryan being sent home. Ryan's reaction just sells this even more, on top of Leigh's elation that he's staying too.
  • When Leigh enters the black jacket lounge, Johnathan is obviously confused and actually bummed out that Ryan didn't make it...and then once Ryan walks in, the room practically explodes, as Johnathan, Sammi, and Dahmere all congratulate him in one of the show's most heartwarming moments.
  • This becomes awesome in hindsight as Ryan would eventually go on to win the season.

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