Kent Rollins Silenced? BBQ Showdown Season 3 Sparks Outrage Over Screen Time and “Unfair” Treatment — When Did Barbecue Become a Soap Opera?

BBQ Showdown returned to Netflix for its third season, reuniting some of the nation’s finest grill masters for a high-stakes cookoff.

This season promised even more intense competition, a celebration of diverse culinary traditions, and a showcase of barbecue styles ranging from TexMex to Egyptian fusion.

Among the nine contestants was Kent Rollins, a cowboy cook with nearly 40 years of experience and a deep dedication to preserving the historic Western way of life through food.

Known for his traditional cast iron skillet cooking and authentic cowboy catering, Kent was expected to be a standout competitor.

The season also featured a dynamic mix of pitmasters like Gerald Vanette from Louisiana, Kareem El Gayes blending Egyptian flavors with Texas barbecue, and Melissa Papas, a former special education teacher turned barbecue enthusiast.

The judges, including world champions Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bledo, brought critical expertise to the table.

Yet, despite this rich lineup, the season quickly became mired in controversy — centered largely on Kent Rollins.

Fans and viewers expressed disappointment and frustration over how the show portrayed him.

One recurring complaint was the drastic reduction in Kent’s screen time compared to other contestants.

Fans noted he received roughly 90% less airtime, leaving many puzzled and upset.

For a veteran pitmaster who literally lives and breathes cowboy cooking, this felt like a glaring injustice.

Many viewers suspected the show’s editing favored contestants with more dramatic “story arcs” or those perceived as more telegenic, rather than focusing on pure barbecue skill.

Some argued Kent’s established YouTube presence and loyal following may have ironically worked against him, as producers seemed to downplay his role.

Criticism also targeted inconsistent judging.

Fans pointed out moments where Kent was harshly critiqued for adding sauce to his meat — a traditional no-no in some barbecue circles — while others doing the same received praise.

This inconsistency led to accusations that the competition was “staged” or manipulated to favor certain outcomes.

Moreover, fans expressed dismay over certain challenges and ingredients used in the competition, like duck wings, which some considered far removed from authentic barbecue traditions.

This further fueled a sense that the show was drifting away from true pitmaster culture.

Social media and comment sections filled with messages like, “Kent was done dirty on this show,” and “This season just isn’t the same without proper respect for real barbecue.”

Many lamented that the first two seasons had felt more genuine and less manufactured.

One viewer wrote, “I was done with this show after last season but kept watching because of Kent.

It was obvious right away they were going to shaft him by barely showing him in the opening credits or episodes.”

Another shared, “Kent is my kids’ favorite, and it’s painful to see him sidelined like this.”

The backlash wasn’t just about screen time—it was about respect for a culinary tradition and a pitmaster who has dedicated his life to it.

Fans felt the show’s producers prioritized drama and diversity of storylines over honoring the craft and experience Kent embodies.

Despite the criticism, BBQ Showdown Season 3 continues to showcase impressive talent and diverse barbecue styles.

The competition remains fierce, and the prize of $50,000 and the title of American Barbecue Champion still hangs in the balance.

As the season unfolds, viewers and fans alike are watching closely to see if Kent will rise above the editing controversy and prove his mettle on the smoker.

Will the show course-correct and give him the recognition he deserves?

Or will the drama-driven narrative continue to overshadow true pitmaster skill?

One thing is clear: this season has ignited an important conversation about how reality cooking competitions balance entertainment value with authentic representation.

For many, Kent Rollins represents the heart and soul of barbecue, and sidelining him feels like a betrayal of the very tradition the show claims to celebrate.

In the end, BBQ Showdown Season 3 is not just about smoked meat and secret rubs — it’s about fairness, respect, and the stories we choose to tell.

And for Kent’s supporters, the fight is just as much about the narrative as it is about the barbecue.

So as the smoke settles and the grills cool, fans wait eagerly to see if justice will be served — both on the plate and on the screen.