The YouTube talk show, Hot Ones, hosted and co-created by Sean Evans, has become an online sensation, earning viewers in the millions. One of several talk shows that also uses a game, the show has a fun format for the host, guest and those watching. Celebrities who visit the show answer questions while also making their way through spicy wings. Some stars haven't been able to handle the spice on the series.
The show has been running for fifteen seasons, which have included plenty of hilarious moments on the show. During an interview, Hot Ones host Sean Evans happily answered some questions about the show. He discussed his approach to deciding which celebrities would appear on the show, and answered whether the celebs were paid for their appearance.
What Is Sean Evans' Approach To Choosing Hot Ones Guests?
The hit YouTube series Hot Ones has had plenty of memorable episodes as a result of the guests who have appeared on the show.
During an interview on the show's First We Feast YouTube channel, host and co-creator of Hot Ones Sean Evans discussed the show's approach to deciding who will be a guest.
While Evans answered questions from fans, one asked "Is there someone that you personally wanted on the show that have been denied by the showrunners in some capacity?" Giving his answer, Evans explained how they decided who would appear on the show.
The host explained, "I love this question, because it implies that there's any sort of structure to this operation whatsoever. A showrunner, I don't know what a show runner is," Evans joked.
He added, "It might be a shock to everyone watching, but Shonda Rimes is not standing behind that monitor, I can see who's behind that monitor. It is not Shonda Rimes."
"So basically how it works, if it ever comes down to a debate, there's basically three people who have a vote, and we all have a key. So if two out of three people put in the key and turn it, then that's a yes. If only one person, or nobody puts in the key, then that's kind of a no, although those sorts of debates don't come up all that often."
Evans and Hot Ones' other co-creator, and the GM of First We Feast, Chris Schonberger gave an inside look into the extensive research that goes into the guests after they're chosen. Schonberger said, "There's a lot of armchair psychology that goes into the show." This includes a three-person research team.
This involves Evans' brother Gavin arranging a report on the guests. "He'll basically read like every article there is, every profile, every Reddit AMA, like reading everything that he can find and create. It's almost like we've created our own Wikipedia template that's suited to the show," said Schonberger.
Host Sean Evans also does extensive research on video clips of the guests, trying to find anything important that could be brought up during an interview. The monumental research done is likely why the interviews on the show are so fun to watch.
Host Sean Evans added, "When Hot Ones is done right, every wing is like a different part of that person's personality"
Are Celebrities Paid For Their Appearances?
Celebrities often appear on talk shows to discuss projects they're working on, like a new movie they're starring in that is coming out soon. While they might not receive a payday for their appearance, they could earn more in the long-term.
According to Trendlor, "the guests do not get paid to be on the show. It doesn't matter if you're a regular person or a celebrity, you don't get paid anything except for the good time and yummy wings."
Although celebrities might not appear on Hot Ones or other certain shows for the paycheck, they do get compensated in other ways. A musician can promote a current or new album or tour or an actor can discuss their upcoming work in a film or show, or a current project.
By appearing on a wide variety of talk shows to discuss their work, celebrities are able to reach a wider audience, which gives stars more publicity for their projects. The more publicity a star gets, then that celebrity, or their work, gets discussed more.
Although guests appearing on Hot Ones don't get paid for their appearance, they do have the chance to win $25,000 if they successfully finish off the spicy game show. "As for the game show, if you can win the 25,000 USD prize money, then you'll get some remuneration. But otherwise, guests do not get paid."
Does Sean Evans Have Any Favorite Guests?
Plenty of talk show hosts have had to deal with a difficult guest on their show, but many also have certain guests they enjoy talking and joking with, and some hosts are even friends with some celebrities.
Some talk show hosts may even have favorite guests. Host and co-creator of Hot Ones Sean Evans has discussed several of his favorite guest appearances, but as the number of guests who've appeared on the show grows, it gets harder for Evans to name favorites.
Evans revealed to People, "they all kind of check different boxes for me." However, he's mentioned certain guests that caught his attention for different reasons.
Evans explained, "There's some that I like based on some sort of weird behind-the-scenes story about how it galvanized the show together. That's Ricky Gervais and Russell Brand. It's those episodes that have a special place in my heart."
He continued, "Then there's ones that are a good vibe level like the Paul Rudd episode." Evans also mentioned Alexa Chung, "because her U.K. show Popworld paved the way for Hot Ones, 'Her sort of irreverent bio in interviews really inspired the blueprint for what we do.'"
