Netflix is looking to heat up its live television slate.
The streamer is in talks with BuzzFeed to air live versions of “Hot Ones,” the popular YouTube talk series hosted by Sean Evans that puts celebrities in the hot seat by forcing them to answer questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings, a source confirms to Variety.
While no deals are yet in place, Netflix is interested in Evans hosting several live episodes of “Hot Ones” created specifically for Netflix. A source emphasizes that the negotiations are in early stages.
BuzzFeed declined to comment. Netflix did not immediately respond to Variety‘s request for comment.
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“Hot Ones,” which is not only one of YouTube’s most-watched programs but has also become a popular stop on celebrity press tours, has courted A-listers from Jennifer Lawrence to Paul Rudd to Margot Robbie. Recent episodes featured Vince Vaughn, Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Will Smith and Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
If “Hot Ones,” which currently streams on Hulu, comes to Netflix in this new format, it will join the streamer’s expanding library of live content, including sporting events like golf, tennis and boxing; a hot dog eating contest; and comedy specials from the likes of Chris Rock and Joe Rogan. The streamer’s live events have been hit and miss in terms of attracting an audience, but it had recent success with the off-kilter talk series “Everybody’s in L.A.,” hosted by John Mulaney. Netflix is also soon adding live wrestling programming, as well as NFL games.
Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw broke the news of the negotiations.
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