If you're a fan of 'Hot Ones' (2015), the wildly popular YouTube series where celebrities answer questions while eating increasingly spicy wings, you're probably craving more content that blends humor, interviews, and fiery challenges. This article is your go-to guide for 10 shows and movies that capture the same thrilling mix of entertainment and heat. Whether you love the spicy food aspect, the candid celebrity interviews, or the high-stakes fun, we've got recommendations that will keep your adrenaline—and taste buds—tingling.
Good Eats (1999)
Description: 'Good Eats' and 'Hot Ones' both educate while entertaining. Alton Brown's scientific approach to cooking mirrors the way 'Hot Ones' explores the science of spice. Both shows make learning about food fun and accessible.
Fact: Alton Brown wrote, produced, and starred in every episode. The show was rebooted in 2018 as 'Good Eats: Reloaded'. It's known for its quirky humor and detailed explanations.
Watch Now 
Top Chef (2006)
Description: 'Top Chef' shares with 'Hot Ones' a focus on culinary excellence and competition. Both shows test the limits of their participants, whether through complex cooking challenges or the physical endurance required to handle spicy wings. The judging panels in both shows are also known for their expertise and sometimes brutal honesty.
Fact: 'Top Chef' has won multiple Emmy Awards. Contestants often go on to become renowned chefs or restaurateurs. The show has featured guest judges like Anthony Bourdain and Michelle Obama.
Watch Now 
Kitchen Nightmares (2007)
Description: Gordon Ramsay's intense, no-nonsense approach in 'Kitchen Nightmares' parallels the fiery challenges in 'Hot Ones'. Both shows feature high stakes, strong personalities, and transformative experiences, whether for restaurants or celebrity guests.
Fact: The show has both U.S. and U.K. versions. Some featured restaurants have become hugely successful, while others failed. Ramsay's blunt critiques are a hallmark of the series.
Watch Now 
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (2007)
Description: While less competitive, 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' shares 'Hot Ones'' celebration of bold flavors and unique culinary experiences. Both shows explore diverse food cultures and highlight the passion behind food preparation.
Fact: The show has visited over 1,000 restaurants. Guy Fieri's catchphrases, like 'Flavortown', have become pop culture staples. It's one of Food Network's longest-running shows.
Watch Now 
Chopped (2009)
Description: Like 'Hot Ones', 'Chopped' is about overcoming unexpected challenges—chefs must create dishes from mystery ingredients, similar to how guests on 'Hot Ones' must endure increasingly spicy wings. Both shows highlight adaptability and creativity under pressure.
Fact: 'Chopped' has a 'Chopped Junior' spin-off for young chefs. The show's pantry includes over 150 ingredients. Ted Allen, the host, is also a trained chef and food writer.
Watch Now 
Guy's Grocery Games (2013)
Description: This show, like 'Hot Ones', combines food with fun and unexpected twists. Contestants must navigate a grocery store while cooking, adding a layer of chaos similar to the escalating heat in 'Hot Ones'. Both shows entertain while testing culinary skills.
Fact: The show is set in a real, functioning grocery store. Guy Fieri, the host, is known for his energetic personality. Challenges often include shopping with restrictions, like using only frozen foods.
Watch Now 
Iron Chef (1993)
Description: Similar to 'Hot Ones' in its competitive and high-stakes culinary format, 'Iron Chef' pits top chefs against each other in intense cooking battles. Both shows emphasize skill, creativity, and the ability to perform under pressure, much like the fiery challenges in 'Hot Ones'.
Fact: The original 'Iron Chef' was a Japanese show that became a cult hit in the U.S. The Chairman, played by Takeshi Kaga, became an iconic figure in food television. The show's dramatic presentation and over-the-top commentary set the tone for many future cooking competitions.
Watch Now 
Hell's Kitchen (2005)
Description: 'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Hot Ones' both thrive on tension and competition. The high-pressure environment of Ramsay's kitchen is akin to the escalating heat of the wings, testing endurance and skill. Both shows are as much about entertainment as they are about food.
Fact: Contestants compete for a head chef position at a high-end restaurant. The show is known for Ramsay's explosive temper. It has spawned international versions in over 20 countries.
Watch Now 
Worst Cooks in America (2010)
Description: This show, like 'Hot Ones', puts participants in uncomfortable culinary situations—here, transforming terrible cooks into competent ones. Both shows mix humor with genuine challenges, creating entertaining yet transformative experiences.
Fact: The show features celebrity and civilian editions. Anne Burrell and other chefs mentor the contestants. Some graduates have gone on to culinary school or food careers.
Watch Now 
Restaurant: Impossible (2011)
Description: This show, like 'Hot Ones', puts people in high-pressure situations—here, failing restaurants must be turned around in two days. Both shows test resilience and the ability to perform under stress, with emotional and dramatic outcomes.
Fact: Robert Irvine, the host, is a former British Royal Navy chef. The show often involves emotional stories of struggling business owners. It has a high success rate for restaurants that follow Irvine's advice.
Watch Now 
