Plot Synopsis

The series kicked off with a four-episode first season -- titled BBQ BRAWL: FLAY V. SYMON -- that features Iron Chefs Bobby Flay and Michael Symon competing against each other, as they mentor eight of the country's most respected BBQ challengers at the famed Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, with barbecue battles to determine which challenger reigns supreme. While Michael and Bobby compete to inspire and coach their teams, a panel of judges, consisting of grilling experts Moe Cason, Chris Lilly and Amy Mills, decide which chefs flame out. In the end, one competitor earns the title of "Master of Cue" and stars in their own digital series on FoodNetwork.com. Challenges during the season include a regional BBQ challenge, testing the pitmasters' ability to cook any style; and Bobby and Michael battling in a high "steaks" challenge utilizing Tomahawk Ribeye. The final two pitmasters meet in a BBQ battle for the ages, but when the sun sets, only one competitor walks away with claim to the title and their own digital series.

A second helping of BBQ BRAWL premiered on Monday, June 14, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. Bobby Flay and Michael Symon return for a rematch, but they are joined by a third coach who knows a thing or two about grilling: Eddie Jackson. Through 10 episodes, Bobby, Michael and Eddie mentor and coach 12 barbecue stars from around the country for ultimate bragging rights. Set at the famed Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, the competitors are broken into three teams as they are challenged in each episode with two rounds of barbecue battles that test their individual skills along with how well they work together as a team. With the captains inspiring their teams every step of the way, a panel of judges featuring barbecue legend Rodney Scott, famed chef Brooke Williamson, and lifestyle personality Carson Kressley, decide which team was least successful each episode, with the competitor deemed the weakest link eliminated. The captains must do everything in their power to keep their team members in the game -- including diving into the action themselves -- but in the end, only one chef will win the coveted title of "Master of Cue" and appear across Food Network's digital platforms to become its official BBQ expert for the year, giving tips and tricks to work a grill no matter your skill level.

Season 3 of BBQ BRAWL premiered on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 9-10:30pm ET/PT on Food Network. In the new season, chefs Anne Burrell and Jet Tila challenge the undefeated champion, Bobby Flay. Through eight episodes, Bobby, Anne, and Jet mentor and coach nine upcoming stars in the barbecue world with culinary battles that test their skills and their ability to work together as a team. With the captains guiding their teams every step of the way, a panel of judges featuring barbecue legend Rodney Scott, famed chef Brooke Williamson, and lifestyle personality Carson Kressley decide which competitor is worthy of being crowned 'Master of 'Cue' and appear across Food Network's digital platforms to become its official BBQ expert for the year. Set at Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas, the competitors are divided into three teams under the tutelage of Bobby, Anne, and Jet. In each episode the captains must do everything in their power to keep their team members in the game - including diving into the action themselves - guiding the hopefuls in two rounds of grilling and smoking challenges. The team that is determined by the judges to be least successful in the challenges will have one of their contenders eliminated. Bobby, Jet and Anne will give it their all to stay in contention, but in the end, only one competitor and captain will reign supreme. The new batch of contenders arrive at the ranch in the premiere and must introduce themselves to the captains by making a signature skewer that packs big flavor in a little bite in hopes of being picked by Bobby, Anne, and Jet for their team. Then, the competitors face off in the first team brawl full of high stakes and featuring a major competition-changing twist. In another episode, the BBQ hopefuls showcase their talent by creating a dinner party in two hours using only the ingredients provided to them in coolers stocked with everything you would find in the kitchens of different households. And see what happens when the competitors are challenged to communicate with BBQ lovers across social media to prove they can cook and connect with fans wherever they may be. The competitors that make it to the finale have one more chance to prove themselves worthy of the 'Master of 'Cue' title and walk away with ultimate bragging rights. The remaining competitors must go all out to impress the judges as they cook a full BBQ dinner feast in only six hours using a whole suckling pig. But it won't be easy, as the judges throw twists and turns at the competitors throughout the challenge.

BBQ BRAWL returned for its 10-episode fourth season on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. Superstar chefs Bobby Flay, Anne Burrell and series newcomer Sunny Anderson coach twelve of the best pitmasters from across the country in high-stakes challenges to determine who will be named "Master of 'Cue." For the first time the competition takes place on-location in California, with the home of Santa Maria-style BBQ and bountiful fresh ingredients as the background for battles testing the competitors' culinary skills and ability to work together as teams. In the supersized 90-minute BBQ Brawl premiere, "Welcome to California," team captains Bobby, Anne and Sunny shake things up and set up camp in California for twelve top-notch BBQ competitors. In an ode to the Golden State, they are serving up tacos in hopes of impressing the captains before they select their teams. Then, they must impress with California-inspired smoky feasts. From epic live fire cooking and rib fests to whole suckling pigs, the competition is more cutthroat than ever this season -- and the smack talking hits new heights. Each week, returning judges Carson Kressley, Rodney Scott and Brooke Williamson determine who moves closer to being named "Master of 'Cue" in the finale on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Season 5 of BBQ BRAWL debuted on Monday, July 8, 2024at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network. The competition returns to Texas, where Bobby is joined by Sunny Anderson and, for the first time, Michael Voltaggio to coach a roster of the best pitmasters from across the country in high-stakes challenges to determine who will be named "Master of 'Cue." Each superstar chef leads their own team of competitors through ten episodes of intense BBQ challenges where judges Carson Kressley, Rodney Scott and Brooke Williamson determine the most and least successful dishes. At the end of the 10-episode season, only one pitmaster is victorious and wins the "Master of 'Cue" title and bragging rights for their coach. In the 90-minute season opener, "Howdy Again, Texas!," BBQ BRAWL is back in the Lonestar State, and 12 new contenders are ready to show off their 'cue to returning captains Bobby Flay and Sunny Anderson, as well as newcomer Michael Voltaggio. They serve up sliders packed with their signature flavors in hopes of catching the captains' attention during the team pick and cook up surf and turf to impress judges Carson Kressley, Brooke Williamson and Rodney Scott.
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On Monday, September 2, 2024 from 9-11pm ET/PT, Food Network premiered back-to-back new episodes to close out the fifth season of BBQ BRAWL:

"I Do 'Cue" (9pm): Team captains Bobby Flay, Sunny Anderson and Michael Voltaggio bring in a soon-to-be bride and groom to serve as clients for the semi-finalists. If the Brawlers manage to impress them with a cocktail hour appetizer and reception dinner, they'll earn a ticket to the finale.

"Mission 'Cue" (10pm): Team captains Bobby Flay, Sunny Anderson and Michael Voltaggio prepare for the showdown of the season, and the Brawlers are on a mission to showcase their best flavors as well as their range. As if that's not enough pressure, precious time is on the line in the advantage challenge.