With Memorial Day celebrated, BBQ season is officially on. And, what better way to get your own BBQ aspirations heated up and ready to churn out the best summer fare ever than with all-new Destination America series “Smoked,” premiering tonight on the network and starring Myron Mixon.
Fans of Destination America are no doubt familiar with the network’s outdoor cooking offerings, including those rivalries featured in the cutthroat world of competition BBQ. For the everyday outdoor cook, the extremes and technicalities of competition BBQ may seem to overshadow the actual taste of the food–do we really care how much parsley you place your chicken thigh on in the box, after all? But, still, the shows are fun and exciting, and viewers can score some great tricks and tips from these award-winning BBQ masters. And on “Smoked,” fans will no doubt be hearing from the best each episode, when three-time world champion pitmaster Myron Mixon hosts two exceptional pitmasters with a personal history and a rotating panel of all-star judges.
Each competition is broken down into three rounds: The Long Cook starts with eight hours on the clock and a race to cook a perfect cut of meat such as pork shoulder, ribs, or brisket. While the smoker does its job, the Kingsford One Bite Challenge gives the pitmasters 30 minutes to create the ultimate grilled bite prepared over Kingsford charcoal. Finally, the Big Grill-Off sends the pitmasters off to the races with a challenge unique to each rivalry such as crafting an entire meal on the grill or creating multiple dishes using the same protein. Along the way, the judges name a winner of each round and whoever comes out ahead wins the glory, a cash prize, and a shot at the finale. Jane Latman, general manager of Destination America, commented on this new BBQ competition series:
Just in time for summer grilling season, “Smoked” welcomes viewers into the rowdiest backyard cookout ever, full of sizzling BBQ, secret family recipes, and old friends, or friendly foes in this case. “Smoked” carries on the legacy of great American BBQ competition in a fun new format – and with spicier smack talk!
Tonight, “Smoked” premieres on Destination America with episode, “You Bet Your Butt,” featuring guest judges Brad Orrison and Chris Lilly:
Last time Texas beef specialist Ernest Servantes faced off against Georgia pork expert Robby Royal, Ernest whipped Robby on his home turf in his best category: pork. Robby wants revenge, and Ernest wants to prove his victory was no fluke. After three rounds, the winner walks away with $5,000 and the “Smoked” trophy… while the loser has to shave his head and beard!
“Smoked” is produced for Destination America by Citizen Pictures with Frank Matson, Tim McOsker, and Grant McGahuey as executive producers. For Destination America, Fay Yu is executive producer, Jane Latman is general manager, and Henry Schleiff is Group President of Investigation Discovery, Destination America, and American Heroes Channel.
The Series Premiere of “Smoked” airs on Destination America tonight, Wednesday, June 1 at 10/9c.
Image: Courtesy of Destination America, Used with Permission