The Infamous 'Hot Ones' Just Got PETA'd: Could Vegan Wings Take Over the Show?

For nearly ten years, Hot Ones has been the ultimate test of celebrity endurance: sweat dripping, eyes watering, egos flaring, and laughs echoing through the lineup of increasingly fiery chicken wings. From Idris Elba barely holding back laughter to Billie Eilish keeping her cool while the heat mounted, the YouTube sensation has cemented itself as a pop culture staple—and a guilty pleasure for millions of fans.

Now, the show that thrives on spice may be staring down its hottest challenge yet—and it doesn’t come in a bottle of ghost pepper sauce.

PETA’s Bold Move

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently turned up the heat on Hot Ones—and their proposal could change the game entirely. In an open letter to host Sean Evans, the animal rights organization requested that the show make vegan wings the default option for every episode.

Sure, vegan wings have been on the menu for years, but meat-based wings still reign supreme. PETA argues that switching entirely to plant-based options would ensure “the only ones who suffer for the hit show are the guests.” They even offered a little incentive: if Evans agrees, they’ll name two rescued chickens “Sean” and “Evan.” Cute, right?

The group points out that stars like Ariana Grande, Lewis Hamilton, Natalie Portman, and Billie Eilish all opted for vegan wings—and the spicy drama didn’t skip a beat. Apparently, it’s not the meat, but the sauces, that make the show sizzle.

Why Vegan Wings Aren’t Just a Gimmick

Since RZA became the first fully vegan guest back in 2016, Hot Ones has been no stranger to meat-free heat. Think cauliflower wings, plant-based “chicken” from brands like Daring Foods, and even tempeh bites. Many celebs, vegan or otherwise, have embraced the option—and the intensity of the spice stays exactly the same.

PETA’s pitch goes deeper than flavor: they highlight the harsh realities of factory farming—from overcrowded sheds to scalding slaughter practices—and suggest that making vegan wings the default would align the show’s fiery personality with a touch of kindness.

A Spicy Debate Ahead

Not everyone may cheer the change. Some fans see Hot Ones as inseparable from its chicken wings, and a default switch to vegan options could spark debate. Still, with plant-based eating going mainstream and vegan foods popping up everywhere from grocery aisles to high-end restaurants, the idea isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem.

Whether Sean Evans bites or not, PETA’s proposal has already ignited conversation—fitting for a show built on the unexpected. After all, if Hot Ones has taught us anything, it’s that heat isn’t just about spice—it’s about the surprise, the reaction, and the moments that make us laugh, cry, and share memes.

So, what’s hotter: a Carolina Reaper wing… or a vegan revolution on Hot Ones? Only time (and maybe Sean Evans) will tell.