BuzzFeed has divested First We Feast, an independent studio recognized for its acclaimed series “Hot Ones,” where celebrities consume progressively spicier chicken wings, for a sum of $82.5 million. This acquisition was made by a consortium of investors that features the show’s Emmy-nominated host, Sean Evans, alongside the Soros Fund Management, led by billionaire George Soros.
As an independent entity, First We Feast aims to broaden its horizons by venturing into new platforms, live events, and talent acquisition, as stated by CEO Chris Schonberger. The series “Hot Ones” has previously considered expanding into live events, with reports indicating discussions with Netflix in September regarding the production of exclusive live content for the platform.
Sean Evans will maintain his role as the host of “Hot Ones” while also taking on the position of chief creative officer at First We Feast. He commended the show’s enduring success as it nears its tenth anniversary in March 2025.
Other notable investors in the First We Feast transaction include Crooked Media, the production company behind “Pod Save America,” and the comedy duo Rhett & Link’s Mythical Entertainment, with further investors expected to be disclosed in due course, according to the company’s announcement.
Originally produced under Complex Networks, “Hot Ones” transitioned to BuzzFeed following its acquisition of Complex for $294 million in 2021. However, BuzzFeed later sold Complex but retained First We Feast in February for a significantly reduced price of $108.6 million.