BuzzFeed has announced its selling First We Feast, the studio behind popular interview-and-eat-chicken-wings talk show “Hot Ones,” to host Sean Evans and other investors, including the George Soros Fund.
The studio sold for $82.5 million to Evans and First We Feast founder Chris Schonberger, alongside Soros Fund Management, podcast company Crooked Media and Mythical Entertainment, another company with a big YouTube presence.
First We Feat was launched at Complex in 2012 and sold to BuzzFeed in 2021. “Hot Ones” premiered on the YouTube channel in 2015 and has since racked up more than 4 billion views. The show features Evans interviewing celebrities while they eat a plate of chicken wings with increasingly hotter sauces.
Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Rudd, Conan O’Brien and Margot Robbie rank among the most notable interviewees.
Other shows on First We Feast’s YouTube channel include “Heat Eaters” with Esther Choi, “Pro Moves” with Adam Richman, “Snacked” and more.
“As we approach the 10th anniversary of ‘Hot Ones’ next season, I’m constantly amazed by the passion and loyalty of our fans, who have made this journey so special,” Evans said in a statement. “Not only is ‘Hot Ones’ a hit show, but it’s an experience — a cultural touchpoint that audiences want to be a part of, whether they’re watching, tasting the sauces or sharing in the challenge with friends. The future is spicy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
The next season of “Hot Ones” premieres Jan. 23.
Leave a comment