BBQ Brawl: Cookin’ Up Something New (Food Network, Sunday, June 1, 2025)

BBQ Brawl

Things are heating up on the Food Network as BBQ Brawl returns for its sixth season this Sunday. The premiere episode, Cookin’ Up Something New, airs at 9 PM ET and sets the table for a fresh round of smoky showdowns—with a twist at the judge’s table, as chefs Maneet Chauhan and Antonia Lofaso step up to co-host.

The format gets a refresh as twelve new “Brawlers” make their cases on Texas toast, vying for a spot on Team Chauhan or Team Lofaso. Then, it’s game on as the two captains lead their respective groups through a series of barbecue battle royales, with judges Carson Kressley, Brooke Williamson, and Rodney Scott scoring the results.

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Bobby Flay is back to mentor the contestants, but he’s also playing defense—the show’s setup positions Chauhan and Lofaso as direct challengers to Flay’s BBQ dominance. How that rivalry plays out on screen—and whether it results in new culinary clashes—will be a key ingredient in the show’s sixth season.

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BBQ Brawl airs Sundays at 9 PM ET on Food Network.

Mia Silva is a talented entertainment reporter whose passion for storytelling and diverse background (half Mexican, half English) adds a unique perspective to her coverage. With a keen eye for detail and an accessible, direct and witty style, she brings the latest features, news and previews to our avid readers.