Plot Synopsis

BBQ USA is a one-hour docuseries that follows Michael Symon as he goes behind the scenes at the biggest and toughest barbecue competitions across the United States. Through six one-hour episodes, Michael showcases the talented teams that work tirelessly at honing their craft to prove they are the best in the barbecue world, while also talking with the most diehard BBQ fans, and of course tasting all the delicious 'cue from all over America, including fall off the bone ribs and smoked brisket. Year-round, barbecue competitions are continually launching the careers of new grilling experts and pitmasters, as well as endearing a new generation of fans to the culinary art form. In Tifton, Georgia, Michael Symon visits the Rhythm & Ribs BBQ Festival where 60 teams compete for cash prizes. During the competition, longtime friends and rivals, The Rescue Smokers and Off The Chain BBQ, are battling for awards and bragging rights to see which team scores highest with the judges. Meanwhile, newcomers Pate's Pit and Atomic City Smokers are ready to take on the big boys and show that they can win it all. In another episode, Michael travels to the Lone Star state for Cedar Fest, where the teams compete in ribs, chicken, and pork but the real star is the brisket. A Missouri team, Gettin' Basted, is ready to beat the local boys at their own game, while a pair of father-son teams, Fat Boys BBQ and Smokin' Coles, are keeping the competition in the family. And in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael visits the Memphis in May International Festival to see some of the biggest names in BBQ go head-to-head in the whole hog category at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. With over 200 teams competing in the biggest BBQ competition in America, including barbecue legends Myron Mixon and Melissa Cookston defending their titles, the winner walks away with a record cash prize and ultimate bragging rights. Other episodes feature Michael visiting BBQ competitions in Alabama, Kansas and New Jersey. The six Season 1 episodes are:

"Stick to Your Ribs" (Monday, July 11, 2022): Michael Symon gets a taste of Kansas City-style 'que at the Qlathe BBQ Championship in Olathe, KS. Rain or shine, 70 teams -- including big names and solo pitmasters -- are ready to battle the elements and tough competition for the $10,000 prize purse. Debuted on Cooking Channel on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 9pm ET with a new episode title: "Red, White and Ribs."

"Shake Your Money Muscle" (Monday, July 18, 2022): Michael Symon heads to Tifton, GA, for the Rhythm and Ribs BBQ Festival, where more than 60 teams fight it out to prove their 'que is the best and claim over $5,000 in prizes. There are longtime friends and rivals as well as newcomers ready to compete.

"Risk It for the Brisket" (Monday, July 25, 2022): Michael Symon visits the Lone Star State for the Cedar Fest BBQ Cook-Off. The teams compete in ribs, chicken and pork, but the real star is brisket. Which team has what it takes to win, and which teams are all hat and no cattle? Debuted on Cooking Channel on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 9pm ET with a new episode title: "Don't Forget to Bring Your Brisket!"

"Who You Calling Chicken?" (Monday, August 1, 2022): Michael Symon ventures south to the Smoke on the Falls competition in Gadsden, AL From couples to friends to whole families, more than 60 teams compete, but only one will take home the title of Grand Champion. Who will sizzle, and who will fizzle? Debuted on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 9pm ET with a new episode title: "Don't Be a Chicken for BBQ!"

"Double Trouble" (Monday, August 8, 2022): Michael Symon makes his way to the Garden State to see more than 40 teams compete over two days at the New Jersey Knoq-Out in Blairstown. A rookie competes against her mentors, and the teams find out if double the days leads to double the trophies.

"Going Whole Hog" (Monday, August 15, 2022): Michael Symon visits the Memphis in May festival to see some of the biggest names in BBQ, including Myron Mixon, Melissa Cookston and Erica Blaire Roby, go head-to-head in the whole hog category at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
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Season 2 of BBQ USA premiered on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:30pm ET/PT on Food Network. In each of the eight one-hour episodes, Michael immerses viewers in the heart of American barbecue culture, celebrating its unique flavors, traditions and the talented pitmasters competing for cash prizes and the ultimate recognition as masters of their craft. The new season is packed with exciting new barbecue festivals in unexpected locations, featuring fun new competition categories with some surprises. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high in the finale as Michael and a dream team of world class chefs battle it out at one of the most prestigious barbecue contests, vying for the ultimate barbecue glory. After its premiere on July 10 at 10:30pm ET/PT, BBQ USA moves to its regular timeslot Mondays at 10pm ET/PT. Season 2 episodes include:

"The Royal Rumble of BBQ" (Monday, July 10, 2023 at 10:30pm): Michael Symon is back and heading to the largest, most thrilling barbecue competition on Earth -- the legendary American Royal World Series of Barbecue. Over 500 BBQ pitmaster teams battle it out in two days for glory, bragging rights and a share of $85,000 in prize money. In addition to the big four categories -- ribs, brisket, chicken and pork -- these pitmasters have the added challenges of turkey and sausage. Plus, there's the largest Kids' BBQ Contest in the world.

"A BBQ Slam Dunk" (Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10pm): It's a fiery clash of flavors as Michael Symon heads to Elkton, Florida, for the 7th Annual Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam. Over 60 top pitmasters battle it out in six categories, including chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket, but this time there's a twist! They'll have to sizzle in a steak competition and go wild in the People's Choice category. The Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam is a festival of smokin' sensations!

"Smokin' at the Crossroads" (Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10pm): Hold onto your cowboy hats! Michael Symon heads to Uvalde, Texas, for the 15th Annual Briscoe Ranch BBQ Cook-off at the Crossroads, where top pitmasters from Texas and beyond vie for a tasty prize of $10,000. The BBQ action is hot with over 150 pitmaster teams smoking chicken, pork ribs, brisket and sizzling fajitas. Get ready for a finger-licking, fajita-flipping good time at Briscoe Ranch!

"Smokin' in the Sunshine State" (Monday, July 31, 2023 at 10pm): Michael Symon dives into the BBQ extravaganza at the 12th Annual Butts & Clucks Cook-Off on the Bay in Apalachicola, Florida. Nearly 50 teams from the Southeast vie for the ultimate BBQ glory in the chicken, ribs, pork butt and brisket categories, all competing for over $12,000 in prizes. The Mystery Box throws a tasty challenge at the pitmasters, who serve up mouthwatering flavors and heated rivalries.

"Battle on the Bayou" (Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10pm): Michael Symon heads to Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, for the exciting 3rd Annual Operation Smoke Sheaux, where over 60 teams compete for a share of the $10,000 total payout. It's an intense battle featuring chicken, spare ribs and brisket categories, along with a mouthwatering gumbo cook off. From the smoky flavors to the friendly rivalry, Operation Smoke Sheaux is the ultimate showdown for southern pitmasters.

"Legends in Queens" (Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10pm): Michael Symon meets the who's who list of BBQ legends in the heart of Queens, New York, at the Pig Beach BBQ Benefit. Thirty renowned pitmasters gather to compete for the coveted title of Best BBQ Dish and the esteemed People's Choice Award. Michael gets all their inspiring stories, techniques and signature creations, from fiery wings to vegan delicacies. Beyond the sizzling competition, the pitmasters have come together as a tribute to the late co-owner of Pig Beach, Jeff Michner.

"A Salmon Showdown" (Monday, August 21, 2023 at 10pm): The Pacific Northwest heats up as Michael Symon arrives at Washington's Spring Fair BBQ Playoffs, where over 30 pitmaster teams compete for a share of the $25,000 prize. Teams will compete in traditional categories like ribs, chicken, brisket and pork, as well as a new category this year: Anything Salmon. Seasoned pitmasters young and old throw their hat in the ring to see who will walk away with bragging rights and cash!

"Memphis Mayhem" (Monday, August 28, 2023 at 10pm): Michael Symon assembles his dream team to take on over 150 teams from across the globe at the most prestigious barbecue cook off -- the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest! With more than $145,000 in prize money up for grabs, the stakes are high. Facing fierce competitors, Michael and his team focus on the whole hog category and dive into the hot wings, sauce and "Anything But Pork" categories. With a mix of top pitmasters and culinary experts, including Joe Pearce, Susie Bulloch, Luke Darnell and Esther Choi, Michael's team is ready to conquer it all.