Sean Evans, the face of Hot Ones, has taken a massive step in his career with an $82.5 million deal to buy his iconic YouTube show. What started as a simple idea to pair celebrity interviews with increasingly spicy chicken wings has now turned into a multi-million-dollar empire. But with this monumental purchase, Sean Evans has a new perspective on his work, especially when it comes to the infamous chicken wings.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this deal, what it means for Hot Ones, and the surprising confessions Evans made about his future.
From YouTube Sensation to Multi-Million Dollar Deal: The Story Behind Hot Ones
When Hot Ones first launched in 2015, it was a quirky idea: celebrity interviews mixed with spicy chicken wings. The concept quickly gained popularity, and Sean Evans, alongside co-creator Chris Schonberger, turned the YouTube show into a massive success. From Harry Kane to Ryan Reynolds, the stars have come on to brave the heat of some of the spiciest wings on the planet.
But now, Evans has gone a step further by buying Hot Ones from its parent company, BuzzFeed, for a jaw-dropping $82.5 million. This acquisition doesn’t just change the ownership of the show—it marks a pivotal moment in Evans’ career.
Evans and Schonberger are now in control of First We Feast, the entertainment company behind Hot Ones, which opens up exciting possibilities for the future. They’re planning to expand into new platforms, live events, and even talent acquisitions. But there’s one thing that has come with this newfound success that Evans is ready to move on from: the chicken wings.
The Big Deal: What the $82.5M Acquisition Means for Hot Ones
With Sean Evans and Chris Schonberger now at the helm of First We Feast, the future of Hot Ones is looking brighter than ever. But what exactly does this deal mean for the show, and how will it evolve?
- New Content Streams: With the backing of private investors, Evans and Schonberger plan to expand First We Feast into new content formats. This means we could see even more shows or fresh takes on the Hot Ones concept.
- Live Events: The deal also opens the door for live events, where fans could get the chance to see their favourite celebrities struggle through spicy wings in real time.
- Global Expansion: As First We Feast grows, the show could make its way to new international markets, attracting a wider global audience.
In Evans’ own words: “The future is spicy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Sean Evans’ Surprising Confession: “I’m Done with Chicken Wings”
Now, here’s the real kicker: after years of eating fiery chicken wings for the show, Evans has a bold confession to make. In an interview with People, the host admitted that he’s done with wings—at least for himself.
He said, “When this is all done, I’m never eating another chicken wing in my life!”
And it’s easy to see why. For years, Evans has consumed more spicy wings than most people would ever want to handle. The Hot Ones set is known for its array of intense hot sauces, with each wing becoming progressively spicier, leading celebrities to squirm, sweat, and tear up.
Evans went on to explain that he often faces the dilemma of being offered free wings at restaurants, a gesture that’s always tied to his Hot Ones persona. He joked, “You will not see me eating wings at the Super Bowl party or anything like that.”
But despite this wing fatigue, Evans expressed a deep gratitude for the role the show—and, by extension, the chicken wing—has played in his life. “I try not to be too hard on wings because they’ve obviously changed my life,” he said. And change his life, they have—Hot Ones has catapulted Evans into a household name, with millions of viewers tuning in every week to watch their favourite celebrities face the heat.
Building an Empire: The Impact of Hot Ones on Sean Evans’ Career
So, what’s next for Sean Evans now that he’s bought Hot Ones and the future looks even more expansive? For one, he’ll continue to host the show, but he’s also looking at new ways to grow his brand.
Evans and Schonberger are on a mission to bring Hot Ones beyond the realm of YouTube, tapping into new content formats and live experiences. Whether that means expanding into podcasting, live-streaming events, or bringing the show to television, it’s clear that Evans is ready to diversify his portfolio.
What’s even more interesting is that Evans’ personal brand is likely to grow along with the show. As the face of Hot Ones, Evans has built a following that extends far beyond spicy wings. His ability to engage with top-tier celebrities while maintaining a down-to-earth persona has made him a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
The Future of Hot Ones: What to Expect
While it’s clear that Hot Ones will remain at the centre of Evans’ brand, there are plenty of exciting developments on the horizon.
- New Shows: Look out for new content streams emerging from First We Feast. Whether it’s food challenges, new types of interviews, or entirely different formats, Evans and Schonberger are likely to keep things fresh.
- Live Events and Global Expansion: As the show continues to grow, Evans may bring Hot Ones to live audiences around the world.
- Diverse Talent: The show’s expansion could see an increase in celebrity guests, along with new creators and influencers making their way onto the famous Hot Ones chair.
Conclusion: A New Era for Sean Evans and Hot Ones
Sean Evans’ acquisition of Hot Ones marks a pivotal moment in the history of the show. The $82.5 million deal is more than just a financial move; it’s a reflection of the show’s enduring popularity and Evans’ ability to innovate.
While he may be done with spicy wings for himself, Evans’ future is looking brighter than ever as he expands his brand and takes Hot Ones into exciting new directions. As he said, “The future is spicy,” and I have no doubt that Evans is just getting started.
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Photo credit: C21 Media
