BBQ Brawl season 6: Release date, what to expect, and more revealed

Food Network's hit cooking competition show BBQ Brawl, sets off summer heatwaves with its sixth season debut! Food Network’s barbecue competition show BBQ Brawl returns with intensified smoke and flavor for a series that promises explosive showdowns beyond anything we've seen before. All fans of grilled foods and slow-cooked ribs, as well as competitive kitchen battles, will find plenty of dining magic this season.

From those who barbecue to all those who watch professional chefs compete, Season 6 offers the most intense and enjoyable material to date. This season of BBQ Brawl incorporates exciting new challenges alongside passionate contestants and surprise twists to give viewers must-watch weekly moments.

BBQ Brawl Season 6 will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network. If you miss it on TV, don’t worry, episodes will also be available for streaming on Max the following day.

---

Meet the team captains and the season's judges

This season features both established personalities alongside newcomers. Chef Bobby Flay serves again as team captain in this season's competition.

The lineup includes two additional captains who will join Bobby Flay this season. Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso. The experienced chefs bring extensive culinary experience as they lead their teams toward victory through culinary challenges.

This season's judges stand prepared to conduct flavor evaluations before they deliver their critical opinions. The panel includes:

• The television personality Carson Kressley combines his love for food with television performance skills
• The legendary BBQ pitmaster Rodney Scott holds a place among this season's judging panel.
• Brooke Williamson maintains a reputation as a celebrity chef and champion of the Top Chef TV competition.

All aspects of the contestants' BBQ skills, from technique to taste, will be evaluated by the panel and they will decide who wins the coveted title of this season's "Master of 'Cue."

---

What’s New This Season

Experts have dubbed Season 6 as the most aggressive yet basic iteration in the show's history. The sixth installment of this season promises intense primal elements within its storytelling.

• Live fire cooking: Raw flames coupled with hot coals and genuine smoke are expected elements of this cooking experience.
• Overnight cook-off: The live cooking marathon across numerous hours marks the show's first nighttime challenge for contestants.
• Brawlers vs. Captains: Competitors battle their mentors in this new competition format.
• Global barbecue styles: Chefs in Season 6 will learn global barbecue techniques, starting with Argentina's traditional Asado Iron Cross approach to cooking.
• Unexpected challenges: Continuous development includes cooking meat-free barbecued foods while bringing desserts into the smoking process as well as multiple additional ideas.

Professional chefs will face significant challenges between traditional and innovative culinary methods during this competition.

---

Meet the Contestants

Twelve chefs from across the country are ready to show off their grilling skills. Some of the standout names include:

• Tyler Anderson (Connecticut)
• Jason Dady (San Antonio)
• Greg Gatlin
• Brad Leighninger
• Thyron Mathews
• Orchid Paulmeier
• Aarthi Sampath

Each contestant brings a unique background and BBQ style, from Southern smokehouses to international fusion flavors.

---

Why You Should Watch

If you love food, fire, and friendly rivalry, BBQ Brawl Season 6 is a must-watch. With exciting new challenges, a diverse group of talented chefs, and the return of Bobby Flay alongside two fierce new captains, this season is shaping up to be a grill master’s dream.

So mark your calendars and get ready — the BBQ battle begins June 1!