Recently, there have been discussions that Netflix is looking to expand its live event programming by partnering with BuzzFeed Inc. to stream live episodes of “Hot Ones”. Although the negotiations are in the early stages, the potential scenario under consideration involves having Sean Evans host several live episodes of the well-known YouTube talk series exclusively for Netflix.
Currently, “Hot Ones” is available for streaming on Hulu and Peacock, where it features celebrities enduring increasingly spicy wings while being interviewed by Evans. Notable guests who have participated in the show include Sydney Sweeney, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Conan O’Brien, Elizabeth Olsen, Jennifer Lawrence, Paul Rudd, Vince Vaughn, Margot Robbie, and Ariana Grande.
Both Netflix and BuzzFeed have refrained from making any official comments on this matter. The discussions coincide with Netflix’s recent efforts to diversify its live programming as part of a strategy to expand its advertising tier and continue increasing its overall viewership and subscriber base.
Some of the live programming that Netflix has featured in recent years includes the Netflix Cup, a golf tournament showcasing drivers from “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” and “Full Swing,” as well as the Netflix Slam, a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. Additionally, there have been comedy specials from renowned names like Chris Rock and Joe Rogan, alongside shows like “Everybody’s in L.A.” hosted by John Mulaney and “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef,” a hot dog eating contest in which Joey Chesnut broke a hot dog-eating world record on Labor Day against his rival, Takeru Kobayashi.
Looking to the future, upcoming live events on Netflix will include Christmas Day NFL games and WWE wrestling matches. Moreover, the streaming platform has secured a multi-year deal to livestream the SAG Awards.
