Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown has returned for its third season, promising an exciting blend of diverse culinary traditions, intense challenges, and the rich flavors of barbecue. This season introduces a new group of contestants, each with their own unique cooking styles and backgrounds, from Tex-Mex to Egyptian cuisine. But while fans are thrilled to see their favorite grill masters battle it out for the $50,000 prize, the season hasn’t been without controversy—particularly surrounding the treatment of one contestant, Kent Rollins.

Each episode of Barbecue Showdown features unique challenges designed to test the contestants’ creativity and skill. From surprise restrictions to tight time limits, participants must navigate various meats, themes, and cooking settings. Equipped with an arsenal of smokers, grills, rotisseries, and ceramic eggs, the grill masters showcase their culinary prowess under intense pressure, creating dishes that celebrate the rich traditions of barbecue.

This season’s lineup is as diverse as the dishes they create, with contestants representing a wide range of culinary styles and cultural influences. Gerald Vette brings his passion for brisket and Cajun flavors, while Kareem El Gayes infuses Texas-style barbecue with Egyptian spices. Luis Rivera adds Venezuelan flair to his creations, and Melissa Papas incorporates Florida-inspired dishes. Other contestants include Shatia Robinson, who specializes in Southern cuisine; Sloan Renaldi, a fourth-generation pitmaster from Texas; Stacy Jett, known for her spicy scratch cooking; and Tung Nguan, who blends Asian flavors with Texas barbecue.

The judges for season three are Kevin Bludso, a renowned chef with expertise in Texas-style barbecue, and Melissa Cookston, a seven-time world barbecue champion. Together, they bring a critical eye and wealth of experience to the competition. However, some viewers have expressed concerns about the consistency of their judging this season, especially regarding Kent Rollins.

Kent Rollins, a cowboy cook with nearly 40 years of experience, entered the competition with high hopes of showcasing his traditional Western cooking style. Known for his use of cast iron skillets and dedication to preserving cowboy culinary traditions, Kent quickly became a fan favorite. However, fans have taken to social media to voice their disappointment with how the show has treated him. Many feel that Kent has been unfairly critiqued for his cooking choices, while other contestants performing similar techniques have been praised.

One viewer commented, “Poor Cowboy Kent, who quite literally does this for a living, was critiqued for doing something like adding sauce on his meat—but then someone else did the same thing and got praised.” Others pointed out that Kent has received significantly less screen time compared to his competitors, with one fan stating, “Netflix is giving him about 90% less screen time than the other contestants. It seems like the show is favoring contestants with ‘sob stories’ or other targets.”

Fans have also criticized specific aspects of the show, such as the choice of ingredients for certain challenges. For example, one viewer remarked, “Giving Kent the duck wings—or anyone for that matter—was kind of a joke. That’s not barbecue or smoked meat you’d even remotely think about using.” Another fan expressed their disappointment with the opening credits, saying, “I knew right away Kent was going to get shafted when they didn’t even show him in the opening credits.”

Despite the backlash, many viewers continue to enjoy the show’s celebration of barbecue traditions and diverse flavors. The competition highlights the creativity and skill of grill masters from all walks of life, blending cultural influences to create mouthwatering dishes. As the season unfolds, fans are eager to see who will rise to the top and claim the title of Barbecue Showdown champion.

Kent Rollins, for his part, remains a class act. His dedication to preserving the cowboy way of life and his nearly four decades of experience have earned him respect in the culinary world. Regardless of the controversy, Kent’s fans continue to support him, with many expressing their admiration for his authentic cooking style and down-to-earth personality.

The drama surrounding Kent’s treatment raises important questions about the fairness and consistency of reality TV competitions. While Barbecue Showdown offers entertainment and showcases incredible culinary talent, viewers are calling for more transparency and equitable treatment of contestants. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the show handles these concerns and whether it can deliver a satisfying conclusion.

In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy the creative dishes and intense rivalries that make Barbecue Showdown a must-watch for barbecue enthusiasts. From smoked oxtail to brisket bowls, the show is a celebration of the rich traditions and innovations that define American barbecue. Whether you’re rooting for Kent Rollins or another contestant, this season is sure to keep you hungry for more.