Netflix in Talks to Stream Live Episodes of ‘Hot Ones’—The Spiciest Celebrity Interview Show
Netflix is spicing up its live content library by negotiating with BuzzFeed to stream live episodes of the wildly popular YouTube series Hot Ones. Hosted by Sean Evans, the show puts celebrities in the hot seat—quite literally—by asking them probing questions while they eat increasingly fiery chicken wings. Celebrities like Paul Rudd, Margot Robbie, Ryan Reynolds, and Jennifer Lawrence have all taken the Hot Ones challenge, making it a viral sensation that has become a staple on the press tours of many A-listers.
According to reports from Bloomberg and Variety, Netflix aims to secure the rights to air exclusive live versions of the hit show. While no official deal has been reached yet, sources suggest that both Netflix and BuzzFeed hope to close an agreement this month. BuzzFeed declined to comment, and Netflix has yet to release an official statement.
If Hot Ones makes its live debut on Netflix, it will be a significant addition to the streaming giant’s growing live programming lineup. Netflix has been venturing into live content, including sports events like the NFL’s Christmas Day games and WWE’s Monday Night Raw, which are set to stream next year. In comedy, Netflix has already hosted live shows featuring big names like Chris Rock and Joe Rogan.
This potential partnership would give Hot Ones fans the opportunity to watch celebrities in real-time as they brave some of the hottest wings known to man—all while trying to stay cool under Evans’ thoughtful and sometimes tricky interview questions. With Hot Ones already having massive success on YouTube, bringing a live version to Netflix could draw in a whole new audience and diversify the platform’s offerings.
Netflix’s foray into live content has had its ups and downs, with some experiments attracting big audiences while others have struggled to gain traction. However, the unique appeal of Hot Ones—a show that blends humor, celebrity insight, and pure entertainment—could be a hit for the platform, especially as live content becomes an increasingly competitive field in streaming.
In its current format, Hot Ones streams on Hulu, but this potential deal could bring the heat exclusively to Netflix, elevating the show from its digital roots to a broader live-streaming audience. The buzz surrounding the talks reflects Netflix’s continued strategy to expand beyond traditional on-demand content and offer viewers more dynamic and interactive experiences.
If Netflix manages to secure Hot Ones, the platform will further solidify its reputation as a go-to hub for live content, joining a roster that includes live sports, comedy specials, and more. With Netflix continually seeking to innovate and diversify its programming, a live Hot Ones series could be a crucial part of its strategy to engage new viewers and keep current subscribers entertained with fresh, high-energy content.
