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First We Feast Takes Flight as an Independent Entity
BuzzFeed has finalized a deal to sell First We Feast, the studio behind the beloved YouTube show “Hot Ones,” for $82.5 million in cash to a group of investors. The consortium includes First We Feast founder Chris Schonberger and “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, alongside podcast media company Crooked Media, Rhett & Link’s Mythical Entertainment, and Soros Fund Management, the investment firm founded by billionaire financier George Soros. Additional investors will be announced at a later date.
“Hot Ones,” which first launched in 2015, now boasts over 14 million subscribers on YouTube and has racked up 4 billion views. Hosted by Evans, the show is celebrated for its “deeply researched questions” and features an impressive lineup of high-profile guests including Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Holland.
With BuzzFeed’s sale, First We Feast will become an independent entity under Schonberger’s leadership as CEO, with Evans taking on the newly created role of chief creative officer. Sarah Honda, SVP of operations and brand strategy, and Brendan Kelly, SVP of client partnerships, will continue to manage operations and oversee brand partnerships for “Hot Ones” and other First We Feast shows.
“This announcement marks an exciting new chapter for First We Feast,” said Schonberger. “Joining the journey with this brand has been incredibly fulfilling. Our expertise in creating compelling formats, iconic IP, and top-notch interviews uniquely positions us to build on the brand’s momentum and drive our growth forward.”
Evans, who hosted the very first episode of “Hot Ones” in March 2015, echoed this sentiment: “As we approach the 10th anniversary of ‘Hot Ones’ next season, I’m continually amazed by the passion and loyalty of our fans. ‘Hot Ones’ is more than just a show—it’s an experience that resonates with audiences, whether they’re watching, tasting the sauces, or sharing the challenge with friends.”
Looking ahead, First We Feast plans to expand into new areas, including live events, talent acquisitions, and new platforms. Its upcoming “Annual Hot Ones Holiday Extravaganza” on December 19, followed by the premiere of Season 26 on January 23, will mark the show’s 10th anniversary with new celebrity interviews and “special surprises.”
The sale of First We Feast will also enable BuzzFeed to focus more on high-margin, tech-driven revenue streams, reducing its debt and allowing for a stronger cash balance. This move completes BuzzFeed’s strategic shift away from lower-margin content, paving the way for new AI-powered interactive experiences and other scalable services.
First We Feast’s shows, which include “The Burger Show,” “Heat Eaters,” “Pro Movies,” and “Versus,” continue to grow the brand’s influence, with a follower base of over 27 million across platforms. As “Hot Ones” has broken into mainstream culture—being parodied on “Saturday Night Live” and featured in “The Simpsons” and “Loot”—it’s clear that the future for First We Feast is spicy, vibrant, and full of possibilities.
Source: ‘Hot Ones’ Studio Sold by BuzzFeed for $82.5 Million to Soros Fund, Sean Evans and Other Investors
Have you watched any of the “Hot Ones” episodes? If so, which one was your favorite? If you had the chance to participate in this show, would you do it?
BuzzFeed has finalized a deal to sell First We Feast, the studio behind the beloved YouTube show “Hot Ones,” for $82.5 million in cash to a group of investors. The consortium includes First We Feast founder Chris Schonberger and “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, alongside podcast media company Crooked Media, Rhett & Link’s Mythical Entertainment, and Soros Fund Management, the investment firm founded by billionaire financier George Soros. Additional investors will be announced at a later date.
“Hot Ones,” which first launched in 2015, now boasts over 14 million subscribers on YouTube and has racked up 4 billion views. Hosted by Evans, the show is celebrated for its “deeply researched questions” and features an impressive lineup of high-profile guests including Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Lawrence, and Tom Holland.
With BuzzFeed’s sale, First We Feast will become an independent entity under Schonberger’s leadership as CEO, with Evans taking on the newly created role of chief creative officer. Sarah Honda, SVP of operations and brand strategy, and Brendan Kelly, SVP of client partnerships, will continue to manage operations and oversee brand partnerships for “Hot Ones” and other First We Feast shows.
“This announcement marks an exciting new chapter for First We Feast,” said Schonberger. “Joining the journey with this brand has been incredibly fulfilling. Our expertise in creating compelling formats, iconic IP, and top-notch interviews uniquely positions us to build on the brand’s momentum and drive our growth forward.”
Evans, who hosted the very first episode of “Hot Ones” in March 2015, echoed this sentiment: “As we approach the 10th anniversary of ‘Hot Ones’ next season, I’m continually amazed by the passion and loyalty of our fans. ‘Hot Ones’ is more than just a show—it’s an experience that resonates with audiences, whether they’re watching, tasting the sauces, or sharing the challenge with friends.”
Looking ahead, First We Feast plans to expand into new areas, including live events, talent acquisitions, and new platforms. Its upcoming “Annual Hot Ones Holiday Extravaganza” on December 19, followed by the premiere of Season 26 on January 23, will mark the show’s 10th anniversary with new celebrity interviews and “special surprises.”
The sale of First We Feast will also enable BuzzFeed to focus more on high-margin, tech-driven revenue streams, reducing its debt and allowing for a stronger cash balance. This move completes BuzzFeed’s strategic shift away from lower-margin content, paving the way for new AI-powered interactive experiences and other scalable services.
First We Feast’s shows, which include “The Burger Show,” “Heat Eaters,” “Pro Movies,” and “Versus,” continue to grow the brand’s influence, with a follower base of over 27 million across platforms. As “Hot Ones” has broken into mainstream culture—being parodied on “Saturday Night Live” and featured in “The Simpsons” and “Loot”—it’s clear that the future for First We Feast is spicy, vibrant, and full of possibilities.
Source: ‘Hot Ones’ Studio Sold by BuzzFeed for $82.5 Million to Soros Fund, Sean Evans and Other Investors
Have you watched any of the “Hot Ones” episodes? If so, which one was your favorite? If you had the chance to participate in this show, would you do it?