The Best Barbecue Competitions & Shows On TV

Ranker TV
Updated October 1, 2024 18 items
Voting Rules
Vote up the best shows about finding the best barbecue masters.

Barbecue is an often debated thing, from spelling (are you a "barbeque" or a "barbecue," or do you just go by the easy "BBQ") to dangerous questions like "brisket or ribs" and "charcoal or gas," but everyone can agree on the beauty of the art of the grill or and the best barbecue shows deliver deliciously. This list of barbecue competition shows is ranked from the best to the worst, based on votes from the Ranker community. Thanks to you, we can at least settle one barbecue argument.

More so than any other kind of cooking competition, backyard barbecuers can find themselves on a more even footing with professional pitmasters - the world of barbecue was already competing to see who was the best well before it was ever televised. Shows like The Great American Barbecue Showdown take full advantage of the rich culture of home barbecuing to pit eight of America's best against each other to see who will be crowned the best. Sure, Chef's Table: BBQ isn't a competition but it is a delicious deep-dive into the world of barbecue. From kids (Kids BBQ Championship) to moonshiners (Moonshiners: Smoke Ring), and with options that span styles and states, almost every facet of barbecue is represented.

What are television's best barbecue shows? Vote up the barbecue competitions you think are the best and see where your favorite shows rank.

Latest additions: BBQ High
Over 80 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Barbecue Competitions & Shows On TV
  • BBQ Pitmasters
    1
    Myron Mixon, Art Smith, Warren Sapp
    51 votes

    BBQ Pitmasters gathers a vivacious group of barbecue enthusiasts from all walks of life, harmonizing their deep-rooted passion for authentic, Southern-style barbecue with a sprinkle of friendly competition. The meticulous judges, Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone, turn the heat up, evaluating the dishes with a keen eye and discerning palate, leaving viewers hungry for more.

    • Premiered: December 3, 2009
  • The American Barbecue Showdown boasts a talented cast of skilled grill masters, including Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston, who judge the contestants' mouthwatering creations. With a unique format where competitors showcase their best barbecue dishes, this show is perfect for folks eager to learn some smokin' hot recipes that will surely be the talk of the town.

    • Premiered: September 18, 2020
  • BBQ USA
    3
    Michael Symon
    15 votes

    BBQ USA dives into the vast culinary landscape of American barbecue, visiting hotspots around the country where phenomenal cooks create finger-lickin' goodness. Dive deep into the smoky world of grilled delights and learn about the regional specialties that have put these pitmasters on the map.

    • Premiered: July 11, 2022
  • BBQ Pit Wars
    4

    BBQ Pit Wars

    18 votes

    BBQ Pit Wars is all about high-stakes competitions between pitmasters known for their die-hard dedication to the art of barbecue. Watch as these bonafide barbecue enthusiasts face off in a gripping spectacle, pushing their skills to the limit in pursuit of that elusive smoky nirvana.

    • Premiered: May 26, 2014
  • BBQ Brawl
    5
    30 votes

    BBQ Brawl features high-octane competition between some of the finest pitmasters in the game, battling for supremacy in this engaging and crowd-pleasing series. Revel in the mad skills of renowned chefs like Bobby Flay, Michael Symon, and Eddie Jackson, while they ferociously fan the flames of their grills, creating mouthwatering feasts.

    • Premiered: August 1, 2019
  • BBQ Across America takes viewers on a delectable journey of discovery, presenting delicious dishes and flavors from coast to coast. This captivating series appeals to the hearts and stomachs of barbecue seekers everywhere, revealing the enticing culinary treasures that America has to offer.

    • Premiered: May 4, 2023
  • BBQ Pitmasters: Re-ignited
    7

    BBQ Pitmasters: Re-ignited

    8 votes

    BBQ Pitmasters: Re-ignited digs back into some of the series' classic episodes, bringing fresh insights and behind-the-scenes commentary from hosts Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone. Relive the intense, smoky duels and delve deeper into the world of pitmaster rivalry.

    • Premiered: May 29, 2013
  • BBQ High
    8
    3 votes
    Teens compete in regional BBQ competitions for a shot at the state championship.
    • Premiered: August 18, 2024
  • All Night BBQ Fight
    9

    All Night BBQ Fight

    14 votes

    All Night BBQ Fight is a captivating reality show that explores the pressures pitmasters face as they cook up tender, smoky goodness under the challenging conditions of grueling all-night sessions. Witness the dedication, passion, and grit of these barbecue aficionados as they strive to produce slow-cooked perfection.

    • Premiered: September 9, 2020
  • Chef's Table: BBQ is a sumptuous visual feast that focuses on telling the unique stories of barbecue legends from around the globe. Artfully crafted, this documentary-style series highlights iconic dishes and pays tribute to the immense skill and dedication required to achieve barbecue mastery.

    • Premiered: September 2, 2020
  • Moonshiners: Smoke Ring combines the thrill of illicit spirits with the culinary prowess of talented pitmasters, showcasing the heady combination of moonshine and barbecue in a fascinating and edgy series that is truly one-of-a-kind.

    • Premiered: March 9, 2021
  • Kids BBQ Championship
    12

    Kids BBQ Championship

    6 votes

    Kids BBQ Championship showcases the remarkable talents of pint-sized pitmasters, featuring a spirited competition where skill and bravado outweigh age. Hosts Camila Alves and Eddie Jackson guide the young culinary stars as they go grill-to-grill in a boisterous, mouthwatering showdown.

    • Premiered: May 23, 2016
  • BBQ Blitz
    13
    Eddie Jackson
    13 votes

    BBQ Blitz is a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping series that has talented grill masters racing against time to create unforgettable barbecued masterpieces. Host Eddie Jackson keeps the energy high, as contestants scramble to present their culinary prowess and secure their place among barbecue royalty.

    • Premiered: October 9, 2015
  • Underground BBQ Challenge
    14

    Underground BBQ Challenge

    5 votes

    Underground BBQ Challenge plays host to thrilling cook-offs in unexpected locations, where talented grill chefs transform mundane ingredients into barbecued masterpieces. Host G. Garvin amazes viewers as he introduces them to the underground barbecue scene, revealing the exciting and creative challenges faced by these culinary artists.

    • Premiered: July 15, 2014
  • BBQ with Bobby Flay
    15
    Bobby Flay
    6 votes

    BBQ with Bobby Flay introduces viewers to the vibrant world of barbecue, with the king of the grill himself cooking up a smoky storm. From backyard barbecues to sumptuous smoked feasts, Bobby showcases the diversity and richness of American grilled cuisine, delighting and enthralling audiences.

    • Premiered: June 2, 2004
  • World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason highlights the culinary talents of renowned pitmaster Moe Cason, as he showcases incredible barbecue dishes from around the globe. From Texas-style brisket to succulent Korean barbecue, join Moe as he navigates the world of international flavor with his trusty grill.

    • Premiered: July 26, 2022
  • Bobby Flay's BBQ Addiction
    17

    Bobby Flay's BBQ Addiction

    5 votes

    Bobby Flay's BBQ Addiction reveals the entrancing world of a chef utterly besotted with barbecue, as the award-winning, charismatic Bobby Flay shows off his grill skills while sharing his passion for smoky culinary magic, inspiring viewers to fire up their own grills.

    • Premiered: June 5, 2011
  • Eat, Sleep, BBQ
    18

    Eat, Sleep, BBQ

    3 votes

    Eat, Sleep, BBQ follows the adventures of host Rashad Jones, a self-proclaimed barbecue nerd, as he explores the incredible places and flavors of America's barbecue culture. Join Rashad as he meets the charismatic pitmasters behind the grills and learn the secrets behind their mouthwatering creations.

    • Premiered: December 12, 2017