BuzzFeed just passed the hot sauce to a new team, selling First We Feast—home of the viral YouTube hit “Hot Ones”—for a sizzling $82.5 million in cold, hard cash.
This all-cash deal not only shifts the ownership of one of the internet’s most beloved food and pop culture brands but also sets the stage for a new era of spicy entertainment under fresh leadership.
The move comes as BuzzFeed doubles down on its AI-driven transformation, making waves in both media and tech.
New Owners Turn Up the Heat
The spicy empire now belongs to a star-studded group of investors, including “Hot Ones” host Sean Evans, founder Chris Schonberger, podcast giant Crooked Media, Rhett and Link’s Mythical Entertainment, and even the Soros Fund. Schonberger steps up as CEO, while Evans will juggle his role as host and newly-minted chief creative officer.
First We Feast’s “Hot Ones” has racked up over 4 billion views and 14 million subscribers, drawing A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Shaquille O’Neal, and Billie Eilish to brave the wing gauntlet. With its 26th season dropping January 23, just in time for its 10th anniversary, the brand is hotter than ever.
BuzzFeed’s Cool Move
This deal doesn’t just lighten BuzzFeed’s debt by over $150 million—it’s part of their pivot toward AI-driven content. CEO Jonah Peretti called it a strategic play to focus on scalable tech services. Meanwhile, Schonberger promises First We Feast fans more spicy surprises, with plans for live events, talent deals, and platform expansions.
“The future is spicy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” Evans teased. As BuzzFeed bets big on AI, First We Feast is cooking up its next fiery chapter. The only question is—how much hotter can it get?
