I have to admit that I've watch all episodes...a lot! I watch the show when I'm designing because I know them all so well but I find the creation inspiring. There are some chefs that do annoy me but as time has moved on I kind of found my choices changed. For example Tiffani Faison, whom I loathed in the beginning. Upon rewatching, yes some of her actions were a bit underhanded, but she was a woman in a predominately male position. She had to be hard, and when she came back to the show in All-Stars, she won me over. I follow her on IG and have gone to her restaurant with my coworkers.
Another person who changed was Dale from Chicago and then All-Stars. His first season, he was a bottle of soda waiting for someone to open and spray! I did love how he worked with Richard Blaise but the attitude he had during both the wedding wars and restaurant war was unnecessary. That said, he came back with a much more calm attitude in All-stars - and he didn't throw Marcel off that building, so good points there.
There are others I just cannot stand. Eli from season 6 who is a total prat, Betty from season 2 who I feel initiated most of the fights or rude comments, of course the 3 mean girls in Texas, Josh in Seattle who seemed to blame his bad cooking on John, Mike Isabella (enough said of why he is on my list), and Claudette. Oh man do I absolutely dislike Claudette!! She insulted my faith, insulted every other chef there, took absolutely no responsibility for her actions or decisions, and was just...a horrible person. They have her in other shows and I avoid them because I have absolutely no respect for that individual.
Okay, those are my picks.
(OTOH: Favorite chefs Carla Hall who I saw in person and she is as spirited and bubbly in person. Issacs Toupes whom I'm going to hopefully meet this year in NOLA. Fabio!! Single-handedly the best front of house in the business. Kristen Kish and Brooke Williamson for their poise and talent.)
