For nearly a decade, ‘Hot Ones’ has been the talk show where celebrities sweat, cry and laugh their way through fiery questions while taking on a lineup of hot wings. From Paul Rudd’s viral “look at us” moment to Billie Eilish’s calm composure under pressure, the YouTube hit has become a pop culture staple with millions of loyal viewers.
Now, one organization wants to turn up the heat in a different way—and if its proposal goes through, the format of the show may never look the same.
The Proposal That Could Redefine ‘Hot Ones’
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has sent an open letter to host Sean Evans with a sizzling request: make vegan wings the default option on the show.
While vegan wings are already available to celebrity guests, meat-based wings remain the standard. PETA argues that swapping to a fully plant-based format would ensure “the only ones who suffer for the hit show are the guests.” To sweeten the deal, the group even promised to name two rescued chickens “Sean” and “Evan” if Evans agrees.
The organization points out that stars like Ariana Grande, Lewis Hamilton, Natalie Portman and Billie Eilish all chose vegan wings during their episodes—and the interviews didn’t lose a bit of flavor, drama or entertainment value. Instead, viewers saw that spicy sauces are the real star of the show, regardless of what they’re slathered on.
Why Vegan Wings Make Sense for the Show
Since RZA’s 2016 appearance as the first vegan guest, ‘Hot Ones’ has offered cauliflower wings, plant-based chicken from brands like Daring Foods, and even tempeh-based bites. Many celebrity guests, vegan or not, have opted for the meat-free version without any drop in intensity.
PETA’s letter highlights what chickens endure in factory farming, from cramped sheds to painful injuries and scalding tanks at slaughter. The group argues that by making vegan wings the default, ‘Hot Ones’ would align its fiery brand with kindness—while still delivering the sweat-inducing, meme-worthy moments fans tune in for. “The only ones who should be suffering for the sake of the show are the guests braving your sauces, not the birds,” PETA wrote.
Of course, not everyone may welcome the shift. Some fans associate the show’s identity with its original chicken wing format, and switching to plant-based wings by default could stir debate. Still, with plant-based eating on the rise and vegan food options now mainstream in restaurants and grocery stores, the idea doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Whether Evans embraces the proposal or not, the request has already sparked conversation. After all, ‘Hot Ones’ has built its reputation on asking unexpected questions—so maybe it’s fitting that now, the show itself is faced with one.
Related: PETA Responds to Ozzy Osbourne’s Passing 40 Years After Notorious Bat-Biting Incident
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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