'Creators Should Be in Charge': Sean Evans, Rhett & Link
Jan 29, 2025
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Sean Evans, the host of 'Hot Ones', shares his journey to independence from BuzzFeed, highlighting the creative and financial benefits of self-ownership. Rhett & Link, the YouTube duo behind 'Good Mythical Morning', discuss their investment in Evans' venture and the significance of audience engagement. They debate the integrity of boneless hot wings while paralleling it to their commitment to creative authenticity. The trio also explores the evolving media landscape and the importance of collaboration and resilience in achieving success as content creators.
Sean Evans' move to take 'Hot Ones' independent reflects a desire for creative control and ownership in the evolving media landscape.
Rhett and Link emphasize the importance of community, arguing that a loyal audience fosters innovation and strengthens the creator-viewer relationship.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Independence
The move to take the show Hot Ones independent reflects a long-desired ambition for Sean Evans and Chris Schoenberger. After being acquired by BuzzFeed in 2021, the desire to regain creative control and ownership accelerated, particularly due to shifts in the media landscape. The investment from Mythical Entertainment and Soros Fund Management paved the way for this transition, allowing them to shape the future of the brand on their terms. This transition marks a significant shift in their careers, signaling a new phase where they can fully harness their vision for the show.
The Importance of Community
Rhett and Link emphasized the critical role that community plays in their creative ventures, highlighting how their focus on audience connection remains paramount. They believe that a strong community can drive innovation and ensure that content resonates with viewers beyond mere entertainment. Their experience demonstrated that while independent creators face financial and logistical challenges, cultivating a loyal fan base provides a safety net for experimentation and growth. This approach fosters a deeper relationship between creators and their audiences, enhancing the overall impact of their content.
Navigating the Media Landscape
The conversation touched on the evolving relationship between digital content creators and traditional media institutions, particularly in the context of award recognition. Both Sean and Rhett acknowledged the importance of Emmy consideration as a means to validate their contributions to the cultural dialogue, despite the skepticism surrounding award shows. They argued that high-quality content on platforms like YouTube deserves to be recognized alongside traditional television programming, as it reflects current trends in viewer engagement. The distinction is critical for attracting brand investment and achieving broader industry acceptance.
Sustaining Creativity and Partnerships
Long-standing partnerships play a vital role in the sustainability of creative endeavors for both Rhett and Link, as well as Sean Evans. Their friendship and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry, allowing them to balance personal and professional commitments. They attribute much of their success to open communication and mutual respect, ensuring that their creative visions align over time. This supportive structure not only facilitates ongoing innovation but also reinforces their commitment to delivering quality content to their audiences.
Natalie Jarvey, author of Like & Subscribe, Ankler Media's new newsletter about the creator economy, speaks with YouTube stars Sean Evans, host of Hot Ones, and Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal — aka Rhett & Link, hosts of Good Mythical Morning. With 40 million subscribers between them, these digital innovators unpack the opportunities — creative, collaborative and financial — that come with betting on themselves. "If we can be even a small part of the story of another creator taking back something that they initiated and then taking the reins and leading, that’s the type of story that we love and we want to champion," says Neal. "We believe creators should be in charge." The trio also map out the next moves for their brands. Boneless Hot Ones, anyone?