Why Is Netflix’s The American Barbecue Showdown So Underappreciated?

There are many unknown treasures hidden amid the popular reality shows on Netflix, and when it comes to amazing culinary challenges, The American Barbecue Showdown is worth a watch. The Netflix original series follows Southern barbecue masters of all levels of expertise as they compete for the coveted title of American Barbecue Champion. While maintaining varied temperatures and textures is difficult, The American Barbecue Showdown ups the ante with foreign proteins, short time constraints, and unexpected curveballs.

While The American Barbecue Showdown is similar to a series like MasterChef that features amateur cooks with no professional experience, its finalists have more than enough talent to compete with experienced chefs on other shows like Hell’s Kitchen and HBO’s The Big Brunch. Tina, Rasheed, Sylvie, Ashley, Grubbs, Georgia, Boatright, and Shotgun, the eight finalists passionate about cuisine and even more meticulous about smoking meats, not only serve up some delectable-looking platters but also effortlessly entertain Netflix users at home. Even though The American Barbecue Showdown has been on Netflix for two years, here are five reasons why the obscure show deserves greater attention.

The American Barbecue Showdown Cast Is Delicious

Although it’s natural for competitors to get at each other’s throats as culinary challenges become more difficult and expectations rise, the eight contestants on The American Barbecue Showdown are adept at enchanting not only viewers at home but also one another with their personalities. The cast of The American Barbecue Showdown is simple to enjoy and relate to, in addition to providing entertainment as their genuine selves. Georgia, for example, has no issue assisting Boatright with a piece of machinery immediately. In contrast, Rasheed and his fellow opponents successfully persuade Ashley not to give up during one difficult test.

The Judges of the American Barbecue Showdown Are Well-Inform

Regarding identifying judges who are not only masters of their field but also capable of constructive but kind criticism, Netflix nailed it with who they hired for The American Barbecue Showdown. While Netflix’s Floor presents the show Is Lava’s Lyric Lewis and Rutledge Wood, the real plates are judged by barbecue restaurateur Kevin Bludso & seven-time barbecue champion Melissa Cookston.

Kevin and Melissa’s comments during each challenge and tasting benefit participants and viewers at home who may be unfamiliar with the unique cooking style. They also obviously come from a place of knowledge and experience. Of course, Lyric and Rutledge are equally hilarious as hosts, particularly when they try to assist or guide the chefs.

Will the American Barbecue Showdown return for a second season?

While the series hasn’t made as much of an impact as other popular cooking competitions, Netflix renewed The American Barbecue Showdown in 2021, soon before the release of The Circle season 3. However, there hasn’t been any fresh information regarding the show since all indications are that season 2 of The American Barbecue Showdown will take place. Hopefully, The American Barbecue Showdown will return in 2023 with more delectable meals and likable contestants.