The German word “schadenfreude” basically means “deriving pleasure from someone else’s pain,” and that has to be part of the magic behind First We Feast‘s uber popular YouTube show Hot Ones. Since 2015, host Sean Evans has put celebs in the literal hot seat, challenging them to eat increasingly spicy wings and answer probing questions meticulously crafted by his research team.
After more than 300 episodes, 18 seasons, and 1 billion views, guests ranging from Olivia Rodrigo and Matt Damon to Malcolm Gladwell and Joel Embiid have taken on the hot wing gauntlet. And while many have failed (DJ Khaled only made it to three wings, proving that all he does is quit), others have triumphed like champs.
We gathered some of the most memorable episodes to watch back-to-back, notable for their animated reactions, memorable conversations, or legendary performances.
In no particular order, here are 19 of the greatest Hot Ones episodes to binge.
1. Shaq
Shaq brings his own milk, apologizes to the entire state of Kansas, and desperately asks for “ice cube chapstick” to soothe his burning lips. But can he finish all 10 wings without tapping out?
2. Lorde
Watch as Lorde waxes poetic about the virtues of the perfect onion ring and wipes the floor with every single Hot Ones celeb who preceded her by eating all 10 wings without so much as breaking a sweat.
3. Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd opts for vegan cauliflower wings and speaks the words that launched a thousand memes: “Hey, look at us.” In an incredible show of mental and physical fortitude, he also completes the 10-wing gauntlet without a single sip of water or milk.
4. Margot Robbie
Margot Robbie truly struggles to take on the wings of death (“I think I might die,” she says at one point) but makes it through thanks to special cameos from her Birds of Prey costars.
5. Idris Elba
Idris Elba shows up a bit cocky (“I’m pretty confident, I fear no one,” he assures Evans), but the wings soon put him in his place. It’s all smooth sailing until he tries Da’ Bomb and is overcome by a dry cough and confusion.
6. Millie Bobby Brown
Millie saunters through seven wings like a champ, but everything breaks down in the 14th minute when she flips Da’ Bomb the bird and starts talking a mile a minute.
7. Tom Holland
Bubbly Brit Holland muscles his way through a difficult meal to conquer the wings of death, all while charming Evans with stories from the set and his failed audition for Star Wars.
8. Joji
Singer, rapper, and YouTube legend Joji talks about creating the Harlem Shake while working up an “Asian old man power sweat.”
9. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish gets so heated she shoves handfuls of ice cubes into her mouth.
10. Desus and Mero
This comedy duo wipe literal nose sweat away as they stare down the wings of death.
11. Lil Yachty
In his first-ever experience with hot wings, the rapper delivers some of the best reactions the show has ever seen. 🔥
12. Gordon Ramsay
Karma is spicy for Chef Gordon Ramsay, who pops open a bottle of Pepto-Bismol mid-challenge.
13. Pete Davidson
Davidson fights his way to an impressive finish while asking Evans through tears, “Am I the worst!?” No worries, Pete, DJ Khaled was definitely the worst.
14. Post Malone
Posty returns to the show and provides cartoon-level reactions, from a Wile E. Coyote scream to a respectable repertoire of dance moves.
15. Alton Brown
The Iron Chef America and Good Eats host takes on the wings of death with ease, teasing his fine palate with spice levels that have knocked out men twice his size.
16. Dave Grohl
The Foo Fighters frontman gets buzzed while beating the wings of death gauntlet, inviting Sean to takes shots in between bites.
17. Michael B. Jordan
Actor Michael B. Jordan, who’s starred in everything from Friday Night Lights to Black Panther, is hot, but Evans’ spread of wings might have been hotter.
18. Kid Cudi
In one of my personal favorite reactions, Cudi hilariously cringes and moans in pain during his winning waltz with the wings.
19. Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union brings her delightful sense of humor to the competition. Sorry to these wings!
