While competing at the American Royal Invitational BBQ competition in Kansas City last month, we got to check out the countless folks from TLC on hand to shoot part of a new series entitled"BBQ Pitmasters". 

Even though for some strange reason they didn't include the style and flair of Smoke In Da Eye, viewers can expect to see several of the top names in competition BBQ including Jack’s Old South, Slap Yo Daddy, Smokin' Triggers, Cool Smoke, Wood Chicks, and more during the eight one-hour episodes which begin airing on December 3. 

And perhaps if this season is a success we can talk those folks at Original Media to bring the show up East for the second installment.  Here’s some more on the show:

(Myron Mixon.  Photo courtesy of TLC)

TLC ADDS SIZZLE TO THE SCHEDULE WITH NEW SERIES 'BBQ PITMASTERS'

Los Angeles, CA - TLC today announced that is has started production on the new docu-series BBQ PITMASTERS, taking viewers into the high-stakes world of competitive barbecue. Following some of the biggest names on the circuit, each episode travels to a different competition and show viewers what it takes to win big in BBQ.

Eight one-hour episodes of BBQ PITMASTERS have been ordered,and is scheduled to premiere December 3 on TLC. The series is produced by Original Media.

BBQ PITMASTERS transports viewers to this competitive cooking subculture, where an estimated 10 million people visit each year to get up-close and personal with the leading chefs of America's burgeoning barbecue circuit. Like an all-star poker tournament or a championship car race, it is at these events that reputations and respect are gained and lost. For pit masters,the honor rides on the virtues of one perfectly charred rib, and hundreds of thousands of dollars trade hands after a single, mouth-watering bite of brisket.

The men and women featured are part chef, part athlete, and part five-star general. They not only talk a big game, but walk it every step of the way: with grease on their hands, sweat on their brows, and meat on their minds from sun-up to sundown. Production follows these BBQ PITMASTERS at home with their families as they prepare for and compete at various events across the country, including ones in Alabama, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, and Nevada.

In addition to the pitmasters, viewers will also meet the "supporting characters" - the outrageous customized "pits" themselves. Considered the secret weapons and a BBQ's best friend, these pits seems to develop their own personalities, with names and sometimes even genders.

"For the competitors we follow, barbecue isn't a hobby- it's a passion. Countless hours of work, hundred of miles of travel, and years perfecting recipes go into making one perfect bite of food - with the hopes of winning the title and millions of dollars in prizes," explains Eileen O'Neill, President & GM, TLC.

"BBQ PITMASTERS adds to our menu of programming, sharing stories of passionate real-life characters with the wildly popular BBQ backdrop."

Original Media CEO Charlie Corwin adds, "The colorful characters and deeply competitive spirit of the American barbecue subculture is truly something to behold, and we have captured this captivating competitive action and bold egos in vivid detail. With this series, we are excited to be further expanding our relationship with TLC who has been a great partner on such series as LA INK, MASTERS OF RECEPTION and the forthcoming FLOWERS UNCUT."