Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Barbecue cooking competition show is loose, fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The American Barbecue Showdown
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE AMERICAN BARBECUE SHOWDOWN features eight amateur barbecue cooks competing for the title of American Barbecue Champion. Each episode centers around a single challenge involving smoking, roasting and grilling meats. The least successful chefs are eliminated one by one until a single pitmaster is left victorious.
Is It Any Good?
Food competition shows tend to fall into two categories: those that take cuisine very seriously and those that are desperate to make cooking seem fun. The chefs on this show might be amateurs, but they're as ambitious and talented as any others you're likely to see on TV. Plus, barbecuing makes for such a fun and relaxing atmosphere that the contestants' and judges' personalities shine -- so the show has no need for elaborate sets, wacky challenges, canned jokes, or any of the other traps that other "fun" cooking shows fall into. Hanging out and making great food is more than entertaining enough.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about barbecue. What is it? What experiences have you had with BBQ? What are your favorite barbecue dishes? What makes barbecue unique? What makes it delicious?
How is a show about barbecue different from other cooking shows? What do chefs do on The American Barbecue Showdown that you don't see elsewhere? What's important to these cooks and judges?
Who is your favorite contestant? Why are you rooting for them? What makes their food stand out? Do you think they have a chance of winning? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 18, 2020
- Cast : Lyric Lewis , Rutledge Wood
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Cooking
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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