‘Hot Ones’ does celebrity interviews over spicy wings and has featured A-list actors, athletes, singers, comedians, talk show hosts and chefs|@seanseaevans|X
BuzzFeed struck a $82.5 million all-cash deal to sell First We Feast, the media brand behind the hit YouTube series Hot Ones, featuring celebrity interviews over spicy wings.
The group of investors includes the show’s host, Sean Evans, founder Chris Schonberger, Soros Fund Management (the investment firm founded by billionaire George Soros), podcast company Crooked Media and YouTubers Rhett and Link’s Mythical Entertainment.
The sale has saved BuzzFeed from potential bankruptcy as the company faces a $123.5 million debt payment this month.
The deal makes First We Feast an independent media company, with Schonberger taking on the CEO role and Evans stepping into the position of chief creative officer.
The duo plans to continue producing Hot Ones, which will enter its 10th year soon. They are also developing new shows and collaborating with creators.
Since its debut in 2015, the hot wings show has grown into a cultural phenomenon, with 14 million YouTube subscribers and over 4 billion views. It has featured A-list actors, athletes, singers, comedians, talk show hosts and celebrity chefs.