First We Feast expands the Hot Ones franchise with Hot Ones: Game Night hosted by Joe Santagato. Get premiere dates, format details, and guest lineup.
Digital media giant First We Feast is officially expanding its flagship universe with a brand-new spinoff series, Hot Ones: Game Night. Hosted and executive produced by The Basement Yard co-host Joe Santagato, the new interactive show premieres on September 30, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET on the official First We Feast YouTube Channel. Combining high-stakes trivia, custom tabletop board game mechanics, and the legendary fiery challenge, the opening episode features celebrity guest Doctor Mike taking on the wings alongside Santagato.
What Is the Format for Hot Ones: Game Night on First We Feast?
The new spinoff transforms the traditional one-on-one interview into a cooperative, chaotic board game experience built on the signature spice scale.
- Custom Board Game Mechanics: Celebrity guests roll dice to navigate a custom-themed board, unlocking specific challenges, trivia rounds, and personal questions designed around their careers and personalities.
- Cooperative Gameplay: Unlike typical competitive shows, host Joe Santagato and his guest work together to complete challenges and claim prize rewards as they advance across the board.
- The Wings of Death Penalty: Falling behind or failing a board challenge carries severe consequences, forcing participants to eat the infamous Wings of Death tossed in Scoville-shattering hot sauces.
Who Is Hosting and Featured as Guests on Hot Ones: Game Night?
Popular content creator Joe Santagato brings his comedic style from The Basement Yard to the host chair for the entire debut season.
- Joe Santagato's Experience: Having previously tackled hot sauce challenges on his personal channel and Hot Ones Wing Pong, Santagato admitted that taking on the host role means enduring extreme spice every episode, describing the intense heat as completely worth the fun.
- Opening Episode Guest: Internet physician and broadcaster Doctor Mike (Mikhail Varshavski) serves as the premiere guest for the September 30 launch.
- Upcoming Celebrity Roster: Future season episodes will feature world-renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and Santagato's podcast co-host Frank Alvarez.
How Does Game Night Expand the Growing Hot Ones Franchise?
Founded in 2012 under Complex Media, First We Feast has built a massive global fanbase surpassing 27 million followers across digital platforms, largely fueled by creator Christopher Schonberger and host Sean Evans.
- Expanding Franchise Roster: Hot Ones: Game Night joins a lineup of successful original formats, including Hot Ones, Hot Ones Versus, Hot Ones Wing Pong, Pro Moves, and Heat Eaters.
- Interactive Pop Culture Shift: By blending tabletop gaming trends with celebrity interviews, First We Feast continues to innovate around the legendary "show with hot questions and even hotter wings."
Catch the premiere of Hot Ones: Game Night on the First We Feast YouTube Channel or buy signature sauces directly on the Heatonist Online Store.
Check out The Basement Yard Plays Hot Ones Wing Pong to see host Joe Santagato in action with First We Feast prior to taking on his new role as host of Hot Ones: Game Night.