I'm just going to say it: I absolutely hate cliffhangers, and the way 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing finished Episodes 6 and 7 left me really frustrated. After spending two complete episodes in challenges, eliminations, and emotional stakes, I expected a conclusion rather than an abrupt "to be continued" slap in the face. To me, it felt like the show ripped the rug out from under viewers just when it counted most.
What bothers me even more is how much happened in these episodes. Kevin and Gabe faced off, and Gabe was eliminated. Then came the high-pressure fish challenge, with another shocking double elimination looming for the cooks. So I couldn't believe it when the judges announced their top five and put Kevin, Kathleen, and Kelsey at risk, only for the episode to end there. It felt unjust, not only to the cooks but also to the viewers who had stuck through the chaos.
Personally, I believe that a successful reality show does not need manufactured suspense tactics to keep its audience engaged. The talent, stakes, and storytelling were all outstanding. Ending on a cliffhanger like this made it feel incomplete and, frankly, disrespectful.
24 in 24: Last Chef Standing Season 2 Episodes 6 and 7 ended on a cliffhanger
Episodes 6 and 7 of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing Season 2 included intense culinary battles, emotional decisions, and a cliffhanger that no one anticipated. The drama began with a team challenge in which the chefs had to collaborate under the direction of guest judge Carlos Anthony. The stakes were enormous, but Bryan's team eventually won against Gabe's. Bryan, as the winning captain, decided to keep the golden knife and got the authority to nominate four chefs from the losing team for a 2v2 cook-off.
He chose Kevin and Gabe to compete against Nini and Steph in a head-to-head match. While both teams brought good food to the table, Kevin and Gabe fell short. As a result, they had to compete against each other in a sudden-death round. The stakes were higher than ever, and both chefs gave it their best. Finally, Kevin edged out Gabe, ending his run on the show.
But the tension did not end there. The following task was a time-sensitive fish challenge that required imagination, technique, and adaptability. After the cooking was completed, the judges chose their best five chefs, immediately putting the remaining three, Kevin, Kathleen, and Kelsey, in jeopardy. 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing fans expected a final verdict or elimination, but the episode finished without announcing the outcome.
This 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing cliffhanger left everything up in the air, especially since viewers had just witnessed Gabe go home and Kevin struggle for his position. The thought of Kevin going through all of that only to be eliminated again — and without any closure — was unsettling. The unresolved finale, along with the episode's emotional intensity and fast-paced eliminations, made the cliffhanger even more frustrating for those hoping for answers.
Fans are now waiting for the next episode to find out who will make it to the final stretch, and which two contestants at risk will not survive the fish debacle.
Stay tuned to watch 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing Season 2 finale on May 25 on Food Network.