19 best 'Hot Ones' episodes to binge-watch

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(Opens in a new tab)'s uber popular YouTube show Hot Ones(Opens in a new tab). 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(Opens in a new tab) and Matt Damon(Opens in a new tab) to Malcolm Gladwell(Opens in a new tab) and Joel Embiid(Opens in a new tab) have taken on the hot wing gauntlet. And while many have failed (DJ Khaled(Opens in a new tab) 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.