Earlier this month, fans were delighted to learn that Keke Palmer and Hot Ones‘ host Sean Evans were spotted out on a date in Brooklyn. The Keke/Sean shipping started way back in 2023 after Sean named Keke as his guest star crush on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date. Keke brought it up during her third Hot Ones challenge in September 2025 and suggested they kiss to find out if they had any chemistry. Sean and Keke then got very touch-feely when he was on her podcast in late May, leading fans to speculate if they were dating. Keke’s mom even gave her approval.
After the pictures came out, neither Sean nor Keke said anything about their dinner. Earlier this week, Keke did a Spotify Conversations panel at Cannes Lions. After she answered a question about what she’s serious about, host Jay Shetty asked her if she was also serious about Sean Evans. According to Keke, they’re just hanging out and seeing what happens. Here’s what Keke had to say:
Keke Palmer and Sean Evans are heating up after their New York City date night.
The actress gave a cheeky update on her rumored romance with the “Hot Ones” host on Tuesday at Cannes Lions, Page Six can exclusively reveal.
During Spotify’s Conversations That Channel Culture panel, host Jay Shetty asked the Emmy winner, 32, whether she is “serious about Sean Evans.”
Palmer replied, “Oh, we’re talking about this? First of all, I love Sean Evans. I love Sean. Hey, Sean! That’s my guy.”
Shetty, 38, pressed the former Disney Channel star on viral photos that surfaced earlier this month of the duo out to eat in Brooklyn.
“We’re hanging out,” the “Scream Queens” alum confirmed, teasing they “never know what could arise.”
She clarified, “[We’re] just tak[ing] it day by day, one wing at a time, so to speak.”
“That’s my guy… We’re taking it one wing at a time.” I love that answer. Keke is so funny. I suppose you could also say they’re just winging it. Maybe they’re going for a spicy, slow burn before taste-testing da bomb. I could go on with Hot Ones puns all day, but I’ll stop and open up the floor for y’all to do your magic. Give me your best Keke/Sean/hot wings puns.
Anyway, based on Keke’s response, it sounds like they’re definitely hooking up. Get it! I think they’re taking things slowly. After watching clips of them on Keke’s pod, I can believe that they’re still in that new-ish phase where they’re into one another but haven’t defined their relationship yet. On the other hand, I can also buy that they’re totally a thing but don’t want to ruin it by telling everyone and risk opening themselves up to public scrutiny.
During a recent episode of Baby, This is Keke Palmer, Keke told noted matchmakers Ciara and Russell Wilson that she was looking for a man who has direction in his life, a good sense of humor, and is cool with Keke being Keke. It felt very pointed! Keke knows what she wants, and I hope Sean took notes. I’m rooting for these two.
Keke Palmer and Sean Evans are heating up after their New York City date night. 👀 The actress gave a cheeky update on her rumored romance with the “Hot Ones” host on Tuesday at Spotify’s Conversations That Channel Culture panel during Cannes Lions. 💋 pic.twitter.com/zsu9nqEoDB
— Page Six (@PageSix) June 23, 2026
Love this for her. He’s hot, and she deserves good things after getting out of an abusive relationship.
One wing at a time😂. I’d love it if them if it’s happening.
I love this for both of them. I hope it’s really happening. He seems like a good guy who would treat her right.
I hope they’re really together.
Wonderful!
Zero controversy on the Scoville rating for this pairing. HOT so HOT 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Hoping the initial burn turns into heat that lasts.
But yes I think we might need to reach for the cold glass of milk. Even the lactose intolerant ones.
I am totally charmed by this relationship. Wishing them well. Spicy🌶️
I had no awareness of this whole thing until like last week and YOU GUYS. Go watch the videos. They are restoring my faith in love. He adores her, and she is tickled by him. Forget Taylor and travis, this is my summer romance
Awww, good for them. He seems like a fun guy. She deserves to have a nice relationship after what she’s been through, even if it doesn’t wind up being more serious.
Sean coined that “one wing at a time” phrase in an interview they did together. So she’s borrowing his language, which is a good sign in my book!
If there is one thing that I am truly parasocial about, it is this potential relationship. They seem like a good fit, and I honestly want the best for Keke — she endured growing all the way up in the public eye, has a talent-level that is hard to match, and had a baby in my nightmare scenario. I just want her to be good, you know? If Sean can follow up the way he looks at her with being a kind, loving partner who supports the real her, I’m so down for it.