Description
Original Airdate07/13/2026
A relentless, open-fire barbecue competition where two-person teams push live-fire cooking to the limits in a weeklong battle.
Pitmasters
Where to watch Pitmasters
- Free On Demand on Food Network
Cast & Crew
Ernest ServantesJudge Ernest ServantesJudge Jess PrylesJudge Jess PrylesJudge Moe CasonJudge Moe CasonJudge
Related To Pitmasters
Season 1
8. The Final Burn
Air Date 08/31/2026
The final two teams compete head-to-head preparing a five-course barbecue tasting menu; judges Andrew Zimmern, Ernest Servantes, Jess Pryles and Moe Cason decide who will walk away with $30,000 and the title of Pitmasters Champion.
7. The Whole Hog
Air Date 08/24/2026
The three remaining teams transform a whole hog into a cohesive, competition-worthy meal to earn $8,000 and a spot in the finale; plus, the judges want a different meal for lunch, and they're willing to pay for it with another $4,000 up for grabs.
6. Backyard BBQ
Air Date 08/17/2026
The remaining four teams fight for a spot in the semifinals by preparing a classic barbecue potluck with a live-fire main course and two sides; the pitmasters only have three hours to pull it off and impress the judges enough to win a $5,000 prize.
5. Core Four Cook-Off
Air Date 08/10/2026
In the ultimate live-fire endurance challenge, the teams face four barbecue pillars: chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket; exhaustion is taking its toll, but the teams who can dig deep have a chance to win $1,000 for each round.
4. Rooter to Tooter & Head-to-Head
Air Date 08/03/2026
The six remaining teams face off in a nose-to-tail barbecue battle, transforming either a hog, goat, or lamb into two main dishes and two sides; with $2,000 on the line, they must use the remaining parts of their animal to make sausage.
3. Sink or Swim
Air Date 07/27/2026
The teams are faced with a meatless challenge, and the winner has a big choice to make; then, the pitmasters take on cooking a surf and turf pairing over live fire, requiring control, finesse, and a deep understanding of the fire to succeed.
2. Trifecta of Live Fire
Air Date 07/20/2026
The eight remaining teams put their live-fire skills to the ultimate test.
1. Meat Your Competition
Air Date 07/13/2026
Hosts and judges Andrew Zimmern, Ernest Servantes, Jess Pryles and Moe Cason kick off the competition by giving the teams nine hours to create a family-style barbecue platter that defines their barbecue style and culinary point of view.