The show puts so much emphasis on post production: they install dozens of cameras in there and jump cut just way too frequently. One scene in particular, that was only 2 minutes by the way, had like 30 something jump cuts from 7 different angles including flashback sequences ( no better way to treat the audience like idiots other than setting up flashbacks for things we've seen). The montage sequences... I hope the people who watch that crap don't suffer from epilepsy.
The thing that made the UK version so unique was that it was being narrated by Ramsay. He gives insight, his professional opinion, and the occasional humor. You could relate to the guy, after all he is the star of the show. The US version has a faceless narrator who's really good at pointing out the painfully obvious.
The score plays non stop. If it were a good score, I wouldn't mind. But its not, its mediocre and generic at best. The score shifts depending on the mood, or the atmosphere inside the restaurant, like if the owner is sad or depressed the score will shift to depressing piano and violin; its almost as if the show is saying "Hey, something sad is going on. I'm showing you that its sad. I'm telling you its sad by putting sad music. You should feel sad!" Such an aggressive score. At least the UK version could afford some good licensed songs.
And the final gripe is the chefs. Almost all of the US chefs believe that their food is Michelin star material. When proven wrong by Ramsay, they and the owners immediately become defensive. You are arguing with Gordon Ramsay. The guy currently has 6 Michelin stars worldwide. He can tell if the food is good or not.
And the owners are clueless as to why the restaurant is failing to which I'm like.;"Your restaurant is failing because of the food. People can forgive you for being far away; Its a long drive but at least the food is good. People forgive crap service; the waiter is a douche but hey at least the food is good. People can forgive bad décor; man this place might breakdown any second but at least the food is good. People go in there to EAT. If the food isn't good, THEY WILL NOT EAT THERE, YOU MUPPET."
Yup that's my rant about kitchen nightmares US. A nightmare for the viewer.