Hot stuff! Netflix reportedly might host live episodes of Hot Ones

Netflix's continued foray into live programming is looking to get spicier. No, not in that way... obviously. According to a report from Bloomberg, the streaming service has entered early discussions to host exclusive live episodes of the hit YouTube series Hot Ones. The acquisition would certainly mark one of the largest live events on Netflix's roster, even next to sporting and comedy events.

For those unfamiliar with the innovative talk show produced by BuzzFeed and First We Feast, Hot One features host Sean Evans chatting with celebrities and interviewing them while eating spicy wings. With each question, each wing gets hotter and hotter. The show has become increasingly known for its viral clips of celebrities reacting hilariously to the rising heat levels.

Obviously, because Netflix hasn't yet secured a deal to air its own live edition of Hot Ones as of this writing on Sept. 13, there are still a lot of questions. It's unknown what the episodes could look like, how long they would be, if the format would change, and how often Netflix would air new episodes. No doubt, some aspects of the show will be different to make the live editions worth watching.

Hot Ones began its run in 2015 and in June 2023, the series reached a stunning achievement of creating 300 episodes. From its branded hot sauces to spinoff series like Hot Ones Versus, the show has only continued to grow in popularity and success. That's also thanks in part to the aforementioned virality of celebrity reactions, such as Melissa McCarthy, Paul Rudd, and Jennifer Lawrence.

In recent years, Netflix has made a steady move into live events beyond that one messy Love is Blind reunion special and the odd live comedy special here and there. In 2024, Netflix hosted the roast of Tom Brady, the Chestnut vs. Kobayashi hot dog eating contest and other sporting events, John Mulaney's Everybody's in LA, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. On Christmas Day, two major NFL games will stream exclusively on Netflix.

It's a lower stakes live event for Netflix to host, but exclusive live episodes of Hot Ones would be the perfect collaboration for Netflix. We haven't ever really seen an unedited episode of Hot Ones before, which would make them must-watches from the get go and massive meme machines. But it's smart for Netflix to potentially have a built-in promotional tool that's something people already want to watch.

For now, the potential Netflix and Hot Ones crossover remains in early negotiations, with neither side providing comment to Variety, but the prospect of it happening couldn't be more exciting. Fingers crossed the talks go in the right direction and we will be watching celebrities taking on the wrath of spicy wings and cursing Sean Evans (lovingly, of course) on Netflix sooner rather than later.

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