Barbecue Showdown

Eight of the country's best backyard smokers and pitmasters vie for the title of American Barbecue Champion in a fierce but friendly faceoff.

Barbecue Showdown (2020-present) is a United States reality cooking competition series created by Daniel Calin and streamed on Netflix. Eight of the country's finest backyard smokers and pitmasters face off in a fierce but friendly contest for the title of American Barbecue Champion. Each episode follows the cooks as they tackle smoked meats, sauces, and sides under the watchful eyes of judges Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston, with Michelle Buteau hosting the proceedings. The engine of the show is simple: a home cook's pride in a family recipe, the clock ticking on a cook, and the pressure of a panel that knows its brisket. Its episodes move briskly, with the rivalry playful rather than cruel, and the camaraderie among competitors giving the cheerful, warm tone a comforting edge. Viewers who enjoy Chopped, The Great British Bake Off, and Top Chef will find the same blend of skill, suspense, and good-natured competition. Across its returning seasons, the series offers a light, appetizing watch that celebrates regional barbecue tradition and the craft of low and slow cooking.

Reviewers generally find it a pleasant, good-natured cooking competition, though its format is familiar.

• Choppedcompetitive cooking format, upbeat tone, judges critiquing contestants' dishes
• The Great British Bake Offfood competition with friendly rivalry and high-stakes cooking challenges
• Top Chefreality competition, regional cooking craft, friendly but fierce contestants

Created by

Daniel Calin

Release Date

2020-09-18

Episode runtime

43 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (30)

What is Barbecue Showdown about?

Eight of the country's top backyard pitmasters compete in a friendly but fierce bid for the title of American Barbecue Champion.

What is Barbecue Showdown like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Barbecue Showdown as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Barbecue Showdown violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Barbecue Showdown.

What did critics think of Barbecue Showdown?

Reviewers generally find it a pleasant, good-natured cooking competition, though its format is familiar.

Which shows are like Barbecue Showdown?

Shows with a similar feel include Chopped, The Great British Bake Off, and Top Chef.

How long is Barbecue Showdown?

Barbecue Showdown: 3 seasons, 24 episodes.

Is Barbecue Showdown still running?

Yes, Barbecue Showdown is still running.

Where can I watch Barbecue Showdown?

In United States, Barbecue Showdown streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.