Barbecue Showdown

1. S01E01Season's bestBarbecue in the BloodSeptember 18, 2020 7.5The competition kicks off with a smokin' staple: the barbecue combo plate. That's two mouthwatering meats and two succulent sides.
2. S01E02Red, White and BarbecueSeptember 18, 2020 6.0The competitors make a feast for 50 first responders in a Fourth of July throwdown. Tri-tip, pork chops, cheeseburgers and more are on the m
3. S01E03Don’t Need Teeth to Eat This BeefSeptember 18, 2020 6.0Time to celebrate the greatest invention in the history of food: ribs! The cooks tackle pork and beef ribs — one with a dry rub, one with a
4. S01E04Tournament of SandwichesSeptember 18, 2020—The smokers serve up a trio of sandwiches: savory chicken with crunchy slaw, tender and tangy pork, and five-layer stacks of beef and sausag
5. S01E05Raccoon, Iguana and Hare — Oh My!September 18, 2020—The pitmasters sink their teeth into some wild meats, delivering dishes like lizard stew, beaver tail crackling and pulled alligator.
6. S01E06Cooking It Old SchoolSeptember 18, 2020—Working in pairs, the barbecuers prepare popular proteins from the past, cooking mutton, goat and whole salmon on wooden platforms and over
7. S01E07Barbecue Around the WorldSeptember 18, 2020—Ingredients and equipment from Morocco, Argentina and Japan spice things up and force the contestants to cook outside their comfort zones.
8. S01E08The. Whole. Hog.September 18, 2020—The final two tackle their biggest challenge yet: building their own pits and cooking a whole hog and brisket. It's gonna be a long night!

Season 1 ranked & reviewed

1. S02E01Season's bestThe Fire WithinMay 26, 2023 7.0The contestants craft signature barbecue plates to show what they can make over an open flame, including one dish cooked al fresco in the al
2. S02E02Saucy and SpicyMay 26, 2023 6.0Things get spicy when the judges ask the cooks to take their pick from a pantry packed with peppers that range from friendly to face-melting
3. S02E03Land, Sea & FireMay 26, 2023 7.0The pitmasters dig deep in the Trench to make a mouthwatering surf and turf menu, cooking their proteins both above and below ground.
4. S02E04Breakfast ShowdownMay 26, 2023 7.0After a dramatic campfire breakfast cook-off, the competitors roll through a new challenge: barbecuing a stuffed roast with a delicious surp
5. S02E05BBQ Trash or Treasure?May 26, 2023 7.0The four fire tamers still in the game get creative to cook perfectly pulled meat and sides using an array of rickety, makeshift smoker rigs
6. S02E06A Festive FeastMay 26, 2023 7.0The competition gets personal as the barbecuers race to make family-style holiday feasts inspired by their own most delicious traditions.
7. S02E07Don't Bring a Skewer, To A SwordfightMay 26, 2023 7.0Semifinalists tackle a new test in close quarters, sharing one dome to suspend their dishes over open fire as they attempt Brazilian-style c
8. S02E08The Piggy BankMay 26, 2023 7.0The last two pitmasters standing go whole hog in this fiery finale, serving snout-to-tail spreads to determine who will go home a barbecue c

Season 2 ranked & reviewed

1. S03E01Bad to the BoneJuly 4, 2024—The contestants kick off the competition by cooking a bone-in protein and two side dishes that reflect their unique styles and personal stor
2. S03E02Brew and ‘CueJuly 4, 2024—Legendary pitmaster Tuffy Stone joins the judging panel as the cooks prepare beer-infused dishes that hop with flavor.
3. S03E03The Trench Is BackJuly 4, 2024—The competition heats up as the Trench returns for a twist-filled challenge celebrating flavors from around the world.
4. S03E04Friday Night BitesJuly 4, 2024—Facing elimination, two pitmasters duel it out in a fiery fish cook-off. Afterward, the remaining contestants gear up to satisfy hungry tail
5. S03E05Slow Fast FoodJuly 4, 2024—Chef Matty Matheson ("The Bear") encourages the pitmasters to turn down the heat and whip up an original fast-food recipe using slow-cooking
6. S03E06Brisket BattleJuly 4, 2024—In their toughest challenge to date, the final four attempt to out-smoke their fellow competitors in an epic beef brisket showdown.
7. S03E07Go Pig or Go HomeJuly 4, 2024—Chef and acclaimed author Kwame Onwuachi joins the judges for a Sunday supper that showcases each pitmaster's family traditions.
8. S03E08The Final StandJuly 4, 2024—The finalists craft dream menus for their very own barbecue joints in a head-to-head battle to claim the coveted grand prize and title.

Season 3 ranked & reviewed