Description
Original AirdateJul 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Aug 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 Aug 3, 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 Jul 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 Jul 20, 2026
The eight remaining teams put their live-fire skills to the ultimate test.
1. Meat Your Competition
Air Date Jul 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.