BuzzFeed has announced the sale of the company behind the hit celebrity interview show ‘Hot Ones’ for $82.5 million, marking a significant move to address its mounting financial challenges.

According to the New York Times, the acquisition involves a group of investors spearheaded by an affiliate of Soros Fund Management.

Among the buyers are Sean Evans, the engaging host of ‘Hot Ones’, and Chris Schonberger, the creative mind behind its parent brand, First We Feast.

Joining them is Mythical Entertainment, the media company established by YouTube legends Rhett and Link, adding a dynamic mix of industry players to the venture.

The deal offers BuzzFeed a lifeline as it works to reduce its debt, which previously stood at nearly $124 million.

The proceeds from the sale, combined with operational funding, will cut the company’s debt by $88.8 million, leaving it in a stronger financial position with more cash than liabilities.

For ‘Hot Ones’ fans, the sale represents a new chapter for the show that has gained a cult following.

Known for its unique format of celebrity interviews paired with a progressively spicier lineup of chicken wings, ‘Hot Ones’ has featured stars like Scarlett Johansson, Megan Thee Stallion, and Sydney Sweeney.

BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti expressed optimism about the sale, stating it aligns with the company’s vision of leveraging AI to drive its transformation.

Meanwhile, Mr Evans celebrated the deal’s potential to expand ‘Hot Ones’.

“The future is spicy, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he said, promising fans that the show will continue delivering “hot questions and even hotter wings.”