The YouTube series “Hot Ones” is always a fun watch. The premise is simple yet ingenious: Host Sean Evans interviews celebrities as they eat a plate of hot wings that get progressively spicier. Near the end of the interview, the celeb has to contend with the effects of the spice while still answering questions.
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No matter what they think is going to happen, every celebrity who appears on the show has a moment where they realize they’ve made a horrible mistake. In addition to the inherent humor of big stars falling apart, Evans usually has some very unique, deep questions that impress stars used to hearing the same brand of questions from other interviews.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed watching our favorite stars completely lose their minds. If you need a laugh and a break from the chaos of regular life, check out our recap of the most memorable Black guests to appear on “Hot Ones.”
Idris Elba
What’s so great about Idris’ episode is how cocky he is at the beginning. He’s so confident, then it all comes crumbling down. A great meme came from the experience as well!
Will Smith
Will is known for his fun, thoughtful interviews. While he has plenty of those moments here, he’s also losing his mind from Sauce No. 3 on. He finally loses it for real at Da Bomb: Beyond Insanity.
Lupita Nyong’o
What makes this episode so fascinating is that Evans is asking really interesting questions about the Oscar winner’s training and career path, but the hot wings are an ominous shadow hanging in the background. Also, Lupita is fine, until she’s not and it’s hilarious. This was a full on dramatic acting exercise.
Viola Davis
Even though she’s being destroyed by the hot sauce, the EGOT winner still has time to give detailed acting advice, which every young performer should be taking notes on.
Megan Thee Stallion
Sean Evans taking notes as Meg describes the elements of a “good lovemaking song” is so ridiculous, it could only happen here. And the Hot Girl was not impressed with the taste of some of the sauces, calling one “lake water.”
John Boyega
John Boyega thought his Nigerian heritage would save him from the worst of it, but once he got to Da Bomb Beyond Insanity he started seeing “swirling flames” and didn’t make it unscathed.
Quinta Brunson
Quinta makes it clear that she’s not a fan of spicy food, so we applaud her bravery in even appearing on the show. But you can see several moments where she’s rethinking all her life choices.
Sterling K. Brown
Sterling K. Brown had a great time having his insides incinerated. And while everyone enjoyed the chicken wings, he absolutely gushed about it.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah can do anything. She’s an Oscar-nominated actress, hip-hop pioneer and groundbreaking entertainer. However, even with all those accomplishments, she can’t survive the experience and gets the holy ghost at one point.
Halle Berry
First of all, shoutout to Berry for giving love to “B.A.P.S.” She shows her badass spirit by refusing to be defeated by the wings. She will not lose to these wings!
Issa Rae
Before things get too bad, Issa has time to put #LawrenceHive in their place. Of course, later she “feels foolish for eating” a particularly spicy sauce, something we imagine most guests think about themselves.
Al Roker
Everything we love about Al Roker is here, as the legendary broadcaster is just having a great time. And that’s why he’s remained so popular for so long. He discusses hilarious and poignant moments from his life, trash talks a cameraman’s shirt and is an all around good guy. It’s not a crazy episode, but it’s a fun watch.
Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele
While promoting their 2016 film “Keanu,” the comedy duo fall into an increasingly hilarious madness with each sauce. Sean Evans is asking really fascinating questions that they try super hard to answer, but they just cannot get coherent thoughts out. The episode is so funny, it makes us desperately want a “Key & Peele” revival.
Keke Palmer
In her second visit to “Hot Ones,” Palmer is a lot more confident in what to expect, but the sauces are spicier and more lethal this time around. She listens to the devil on her shoulder and her stomach definitely pays the price.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq got revenge on Sean Evans by making him eat a specialized “Shaq Sauce” that definitely ruined the host’s week.
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