# Sean Evans

> Sean Evans is the co-creator and host of Hot Ones, the YouTube phenomenon where celebrities eat increasingly spicy chicken wings while answering impeccably researched questions. Since launching the show in 2015 with First We Feast, Evans has turned a deceptively simple format into over 4 billion views, a Daytime Emmy nomination, TIME100 Creators recognition, and a co-ownership stake in First We Feast after the brand was acquired for $82.5 million in December 2024.

- **Role:** Co-creator and Host at First We Feast / Hot Ones
- **Organizations:** First We Feast, Hot Ones, Complex Media (former)
- **From:** Evanston, Illinois, USA
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, High School Diploma, Crystal Lake Central High School
- **Known for:** Co-created and hosts Hot Ones, which has accumulated over 4 billion YouTube views, Named to TIME magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list in 2025, Nominated for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host (2021)

## Career timeline

- **2008** — Graduated from University of Illinois with a BA in Broadcast Journalism
- **2008-2013** — Worked as a copywriter for the Chicago tourism board
- **2013** — Began freelancing for Complex Magazine, conducting celebrity interviews in New Orleans with 2 Chainz and Steph Curry
- **2013-2015** — Joined Complex Magazine full-time as on-screen interviewer; relocated to New York City
- **2015** — Co-created Hot Ones with Chris Schonberger at First We Feast; show launched on YouTube
- **2019** — Paul Rudd episode spawned the viral meme 'Look at us. Who would have thought?'
- **2020** — Launched Hot Ones: The Game Show on TruTV
- **2021** — Nominated for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host; appeared in SNL sketch
- **2022** — Guest appearance in Apple TV+ show Loot
- **2024** — Co-owned First We Feast after it was purchased from BuzzFeed for $82.5 million
- **2025** — Named to TIME magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list
- **2026** — Delivered commencement address at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

## Achievements

- Co-created and hosts Hot Ones, which has accumulated over 4 billion YouTube views
- Named to TIME magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list in 2025
- Nominated for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host (2021)
- Won Shorty, Lovie, and Webby Awards for internet entertainment
- Co-owner of First We Feast following $82.5 million acquisition from BuzzFeed in December 2024
- Launched Hot Ones: The Game Show on TruTV in 2020
- Delivered 2026 University of Illinois commencement address
- Featured in SNL sketch (2021) and Apple TV+ series Loot (2022)
- Appeared on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

## Latest updates

- **2026-05** — Delivered commencement address at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, telling graduates: 'You don't need to know what happens next. You just need to be ready for the heat.'
- **2025-07** — Named to TIME magazine's inaugural TIME100 Creators list
- **2024-12** — Became co-owner of First We Feast after the brand was acquired from BuzzFeed for $82.5 million by a group including Evans, Chris Schonberger, Mythical Entertainment, Crooked Media, and Soros Fund Management

## Links

- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/seanseaevans
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWeFeast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanseaevans/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/sean-evans
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-06-01