Fans of the popular BBQ Brawl series were left in shock when it was announced that Michael Symon would not be returning for Season 7. As the face and heart of the show in previous seasons, his absence has left a significant gap, leading many viewers to voice their disappointment. For years, Symon was not just the charismatic host but the very soul of the competition, and his decision not to return this season has sparked regret across social media.

The mystery surrounding his departure was soon clarified. Many speculated about possible conflicts or behind-the-scenes drama, but the real reason turned out to be a combination of personal choices and a new focus on his burgeoning career and business ventures. Symon’s exit from BBQ Brawl isn’t due to any tension with the show’s producers, but rather stems from a carefully considered decision to concentrate on his own projects and take on new challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons why the beloved chef has decided to step away.

One of the main reasons Michael Symon isn’t coming back to BBQ Brawl is his commitment to other television projects, especially his own. Symon is currently hosting the third season of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, which premiered on April 26, 2026. This intense culinary competition, which requires contestants to work continuously for 24 hours a day, has left Symon with little time to devote to other shows. His involvement in 24 in 24 requires an immense time and energy commitment, leaving him with no room to juggle additional responsibilities like the role of Captain on BBQ Brawl.

In addition to his hosting duties for 24 in 24, Symon has also taken on the lead role in BBQ USA, a series dedicated to exploring America’s barbecue culture. In this new show, Symon travels across the country to witness the true art of grilling and pitmaster competitions. Unlike his role in BBQ Brawl, where he used to compete as a captain, Symon is now more focused on showcasing the diverse and vibrant world of barbecue in the U.S. through his travels and interactions with local chefs. For him, this shift to a more exploratory and travel-based format allows for a refreshing change of pace, one that aligns more closely with his personal interests.

The Food Network itself has also played a part in his departure from the long-running competition series. Over the past few seasons, the network has begun shifting the roster of BBQ Brawl captains to introduce new faces and change up the dynamic of the show. Symon himself mentioned on Twitter that his absence initially stemmed from a scheduling conflict, but later admitted that the network had planned to refresh the show’s format by incorporating other well-known chefs such as Sunny Anderson, Maneet Chauhan, and now Brooke Williamson. This change was part of a larger effort to keep the show fresh and exciting, ensuring a new chemistry among the competing teams.

Another significant factor in Symon’s decision not to return is his expanding business empire. In early 2026, he made waves in the food and beverage world with a major investment into a whiskey bar and restaurant, the River Roots Barrel Company, based in Cleveland. This is just the latest in a series of ventures that have kept Symon busy outside of television. He continues to focus on his restaurant chain, Mabel’s BBQ, which has locations in Ohio and Las Vegas. His time and energy are being dedicated to ensuring the success and growth of his real-world barbecue empire, a passion that has become central to his professional life.

Symon has also expressed his desire to focus more on personal matters in his life. As he approaches a new stage in his career, he has emphasized the importance of spending quality time with his family—particularly his wife and grandchildren. He has become increasingly focused on his hobbies, such as golf and gardening, which he feels he can enjoy more fully now that he’s stepping back from the relentless pace of television production. In interviews, he has admitted that after years of working on numerous cooking shows, he was ready for a break from the intense, often grueling schedules that come with reality television.

Despite his absence from BBQ Brawl, Symon’s fans haven’t been left entirely in the dark. While he may no longer be serving as captain on the show, he is still very much involved in the Food Network family. His new role as the host of 24 in 24 has brought him back to the small screen, and viewers can still enjoy his wit, charm, and culinary expertise as he guides contestants through the high-pressure challenges of the competition. For fans who miss his presence on BBQ Brawl, Symon is still very much active in the food scene, just in different, more personal ways.

Michael Symon’s departure from BBQ Brawl marks the end of an era, but it is not the end of his television career or his influence on the culinary world. His decision to step away is a reflection of a man who has found new passions, both in business and in life. He leaves behind a legacy of success, both as a television personality and as a chef with a deep love for food and family. While his fans will undoubtedly miss seeing him on BBQ Brawl, there’s no doubt that Symon’s future is full of exciting new opportunities. And who knows? We might just see him return in another form—because with Michael Symon, there’s always something sizzling on the horizon.