Plot Synopsis

Each episode travels to a different competition in the high-stakes world of competitive barbecue and follows some of the biggest names on this cutthroat circuit, showing viewers what it takes to win big in BBQ. With large cash prizes and immense pride at stake, tempers are sometimes hotter then the coals. During the first season, competitors traveled to: the Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ competition in Mesquite, Nevada; the Diamond State BBQ Championship in Dover, Delaware; a barbecue cook-off in Murphysboro, Illinois; and many many more competitions. For its third season, BBQ PITMASTERS switched networks from TLC to Destination America, and featured 15 of America's best hard-core barbecue grillers all competing for one of five spots in a final cook-off in which the winner took home a $50,000 cash prize from Kingsford Charcoal and an entry into the inaugural Kingsford Invitational. To win the grand prize, the contestants had to wow the panel of judges -- series veteran Myron Mixon, Season 1 competitor Tuffy Stone and newcomer Aaron Franklin -- with St. Louis pork ribs, Texas brisket, Carolina pulled pork and everything in between. After premiering on TLC, BBQ PITMASTERS switched networks to Destination America for Season 3. For the show's fourth season, all three judges returned for a new season that premiered on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 9pm ET/PT on Destination America. Season 5, debuting on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 9pm ET/PT at the end of Destination America's MEAT WEEK, featured the return of judges Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone, who were joined by a third guest judge at barbecue competitions ranging from Kansas City's Great American BBQ to the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, TN.
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Immediately following an all day marathon (10am-9pm ET/PT) of enhanced and encore episodes, BBQ PITMASTERS returned for its sixth season on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 9pm ET/PT on Destination America, as veteran judges Myron Mixon and Tuffy Stone welcome fan-favorite Moe Cason to the judges' table. In the Season 6 premiere, BBQ Pitmasters veterans Robby Royal and Eric Thomas face off against newcomer John Ley in this Georgia style contest to see who will move on to win a shot at becoming BBQ Pitmaster Grand Champion. The rest of the sixth season showcases a fierce competition among the best in regional BBQ -- from Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Memphis and of course, Kansas City -- with teams competing for a spot in a final cook-off in which the winner boasts the ultimate barbecue bragging rights, a $50,000 cash prize from Kingsford Charcoal, and entry into the prestigious Kingsford Invitational.