Plot Synopsis

Hosted by Lyric Lewis and Rutledge Wood, Season 1 of the series, titled THE AMERICAN BARBECUE SHOWDOWN, is an elimination competition series that starts with 8 of the country's best backyard smokers and pitmasters vying for the title of American Barbecue Champion, as the contestants try to impress barbecue masters (and judges) Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso. The competition kicks off with a smokin' staple: the barbecue combo plate. That's two mouthwatering meats and two succulent sides. Then, the remaining competitors make a feast for 50 first responders in a Fourth of July throwdown. Tri-tip, pork chops, cheeseburgers and more are on the menu. On Friday, September 18, 2020 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, Netflix released the entire eight-episode first season of THE AMERICAN BARBECUE SHOWDOWN.

For Season 2, now known simply as BARBECUE SHOWDOWN, barbecue experts Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso return to judge with a new host, Michelle Buteau. Eight of the best barbecuers from across the country will have to master the flame in an open fire playground, and create mouth-watering, boundary-pushing barbecue, for a $50,000 prize. All eight episodes of the new season dropped on Friday, May 26, 2023 on Netflix.
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The entire eight-episode third season of BARBECUE SHOWDOWN dropped on Thursday, July 4, 2024 on Netflix. Host Michelle Buteau and judges Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso all return for Season 3. Nine of the best barbecuers from across the country will have to master the flame in an open fire playground, and create mouth-watering, boundary-pushing barbecue, for a $50,000 prize. Season 3 competitors include: Gerald Vinnett, Jr. (Destrehan, LA); Kareem El-Ghayesh (Austin, TX); Kent Rollins (Hollis, OK); Luis Rivera (Springfield, IL); Melissa Pappas (Orlando, FL); Shaticka Robinson (Smyrna, TN); Sloan Rinaldi (Houston, TX); Staci Graves Jett (Brooksville, KY); and Tung Nguyen (New Orleans, LA).