As a dedicated gamer who’s spent countless hours watching Hot Ones and its fiery blend of humor, food, and celebrity interviews, I can’t help but feel a thrill of excitement about this latest development! First We Feast, the home of my favorite spicy talk show, is now an independent media company. It’s like seeing a beloved indie game studio finally break free from corporate shackles to create their masterpiece without constraints.
Hot Ones is taking its viral heat elsewhere.
Approximately a year into the process of selling BuzzFeed‘s popular talk show First We Feast, the studio responsible for its creation has secured funding to buy its freedom in a deal reportedly valued in the millions. A group of investors, headed by founder Chris Schonberger and host Sean Evans of Hot Ones, along with Crooked Media, Mythical Entertainment, Soros Fund Management, and others, have made this possible. Now, First We Feast will operate as an autonomous media company and content studio.
Previously a spin-off from Complex Media, First We Feast became part of BuzzFeed in 2021. Once a colossal digital entity valued at $1.5 billion during its IPO, now worth $169 million, has been striving to stabilize its finances and was seeking a buyer for First We Feast, reportedly at $70 million. Instead of transitioning to another media conglomerate, the brand will now function under a new ownership setup aimed at nurturing existing and upcoming content franchises, as well as future collaborations and acquisitions in the future.
First We Feast will keep its current team and be directed by the existing senior leaders. Notably, the founder of First We Feast and creator of Hot Ones, Schonberger, will take over as CEO, with Evans being appointed as the chief creative officer. As always, Evans will carry on engaging celebrities in front of the camera while they enjoy chicken wings.
Originally starting as a simple food blog, First We Feast has grown into a dominant multi-platform entity, garnering over four billion views on YouTube, receiving numerous Daytime Emmy nominations, and winning James Beard Awards. With fresh investments, we’re ready to venture into intriguing new domains – such as additional platforms, live events, and talent recruitment – solidifying First We Feast as the go-to place for audiences fascinated by pop culture. I’m eager to spearhead this upcoming phase as we keep innovating and creating exceptional experiences for our viewers.
Discussing live events, it’s been mentioned that Hot Ones and Netflix have been negotiating about live shows as recently as September. The appeal and significance of this show for First We Feast is immense. It has become a highly sought-after event on the schedules of many A-list celebrities during their press tours, and it’s no exaggeration to say that it contributes significantly to the over 14 million subscribers on First We Feast’s YouTube channel. This channel has racked up an impressive four billion views since its inception.
As we edge closer to the 10th anniversary of Hot Ones, I’m consistently astounded by the fervor and devotion of our fans who have made this journey truly extraordinary. Not only is Hot Ones a popular show, but it’s an adventure – a cultural reference point that viewers crave to be involved with, whether they’re tuning in, trying the sauces, or joining the challenge with friends. I’m thrilled to keep hosting ‘the show with scorching questions and even hotter wings’ for many more years. The future is zesty, and I can’t wait to see what’s cooking next!
The “experience” he refers to is no exaggeration. In fact, Hot Ones not only sells its own range of hot sauces but also maintains a series of collaborations with renowned brands such as McDonald’s, Stella Artois, and Panda Express.
First We Feast begins its fresh chapter with the Annual Hot Ones Holiday Spectacle on December 19, followed by the debut of its 26th season on January 23.
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2024-12-12 17:24