Barbecue is back: ‘BBQ Brawl’ and ‘BBQ USA’ return with new summer seasons

This summer is set to be big for barbecue lovers, as new seasons of both “BBQ Brawl” and “BBQ USA” premiere, airing back-to-back Monday, July 10, on Food Network.

With 10 new episodes, “BBQ Brawl” welcomes Sunny Anderson (“The Kitchen”) to the stage, joining Bobby Flay (“Beat Bobby Flay”) and Anne Burrell (“Worst Cooks in America”) as this season’s team captains, who will coach 12 of the country’s best pitmasters in high-stakes challenges, in the end determining who really is the “Master of ‘Cue.”

This time, the competition takes place in California, with Warner Bros. Entertainment dubbing the area “The home of Santa Maria-style barbecue and bountiful fresh ingredients.” There, the pitmasters put their skills to the test, along with their ability to work in teams as they are divided into groups of four, helmed by their given chef-slash-mentor.

The Warner Bros. release went on to promise an exciting first episode: “In an ode to the Golden State, they are serving up tacos in hopes of impressing the captains before they select their teams. Then they must impress with California-inspired smoky feasts,” presenting completed dishes to this season’s judges: Carson Kressley (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Brooke Williamson (“Top Chef”) and James

Beard Award-winning chef and pitmaster, Rodney Scott.

“From epic live fire cooking and rib fests to whole suckling pigs, the competition is more cutthroat than ever this season – and the smack talking hits new heights,” promises Warner Bros.

The cookout doesn’t stop there. Season 2 of the cooking docuseries “BBQ USA” airs directly after, following host Michael Symon as he takes a bite out of American barbecue culture, celebrating unique flavors and traditions from across the country and shining the spotlight on the talented cooks who have accomplished such meat mastery. Along the way, Symon pits pitmasters against each other, letting them compete for cash prizes and recognition for their craft.

“My love for barbecue is no secret, and I’m also no stranger to cooking competitions, which is why I’m thrilled to be back on the road visiting the premier barbecue competitions across the country,” Symon told Warner Bros. “I love meeting the passionate pit and grill masters and connecting with them over their life’s passion for ‘cue and learning their tips and tricks to share with audiences.”

Both Symon and Flay will be able to do just that, with the premieres of “BBQ Brawl” and “BBQ USA,” Monday, July 10, on Food Network.

“Viva Las Vegas” (1964):

Ann-Margret, the title city and a terrific theme song make a perfectly breezy entertainment formula.

“The Godfather” (1972): (Al Pacino) decides to resettle the family business in Ve gas, casino operator Moe Greene (Alex Rocco) makes a big mistake in not letting the crime clan buy him out.

“Rain Man” (1988): Hoffman and Tom Cruise end up in Vegas, where autistic savant Raymond (Hoffman) helps them cash in.

“Casino” (1995): the dark side of Vegas, with his frequent colleague Robert De Niro as a dicey casino manager.

“Leaving Las Vegas” (1995): view of Vegas is this portrait of a screenwriter (Nicolas Cage) intending to drink himself to death.

Michael Symon from “BBQ USA”

“Ocean’s Eleven” (1960): Arguably the ultimate Vegas movie, the Rat Pack heist classic follows several ex-soldiers - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford among the actors involved - as they rob five casinos simultaneously on New Year’s Eve. Turner Classic Movies (which runs the film frequently) shows it Tuesday, July 11, as part of a tribute to films set in Vegas.

“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001): Vegas by the time George Clooney and company remade the crime comedy, so this version - stylishly di rected by Steven Soderbergh, who also set two sequels there - rates mention, too.

“The Hangover” (2009): to benefit from a Vegas backdrop, this raunchy come dy sets several pals on the trail of a missing groom.