Keke Palmer and "Hot Ones" host Sean Evans have sent romance rumors into overdrive after being spotted on a cozy date night in New York City, further fueling speculation that the pair may be more than just friends.
The "Nope" actress, 32, and the media personality, 40, were seen dining at an upscale Manhattan restaurant, where an eyewitness told Page Six the two were "locked in" on each other for more than an hour and a half. Although the pair did not engage in public displays of affection during the dinner, sources said Evans appeared completely "smitten" by the "One of Them Days" star.
The sighting comes months after Palmer and Evans first sparked dating rumors with a surprise kiss during an episode of Evans' popular YouTube series "Hot Ones" in 2025. During the now-viral segment, Palmer leaned in for a kiss, saying, "I know we've just had some wings, but I thought that maybe we could just have a quick smooch to see if there's a spark." After the kiss, Palmer gushed, "The sparks are sparking!" while a visibly stunned Evans replied, "When I'm dying, and my life flashes before my eyes, I'll have that snapshot."
The chemistry between the two had been building for some time. Evans had previously admitted in 2023 during an appearance on "Chicken Shop Date" that Palmer was his celebrity crush. Palmer, in turn, introduced Evans as her "potential future suitor" during an appearance on her mother's podcast, setting the stage for their now-blossoming connection.
During that same podcast appearance, Palmer's mother, Sharon Palmer, noted that watching the two interact was a "great moment" because someone from Evans' affluent Crystal Lake, Illinois, neighborhood "wouldn't typically hang out with someone" from Palmer's Robbins, Illinois, area. "This is great. This is how life should be," she said. "The guy from Crystal Lake should be sitting next to the girl from Robbins." At the end of the podcast recording, Palmer and Evans embraced and exchanged "I love yous."
Palmer has appeared on "Hot Ones" several times over the years, charming audiences with her humor and candor while tackling the show's famously spicy wing challenges. Evans, who has hosted the interview series since 2015, has built a reputation for his quick wit and thoughtful conversations with A-list guests.
Neither Palmer nor Evans has publicly commented on the nature of their relationship, and representatives did not respond to requests for comment. However, the NYC date — following months of playful public interactions — suggests the spark that started over hot wings may be turning into something far more enduring.
Sources: Page Six
