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Keki Palmer has appeared on the popular celebrity interview show Hot Ones many times, hosted by Sean Evans, and the pair shared a surprise kiss last year, and this week they were spotted on what appeared to be a dinner date.
Hot Ones host Sean Evans has long been a fan of Nope actress KeKi Palmer, and his job as an interviewer has given him ample opportunity to get to know her. And while they did share a cute kiss once, it was quite public and seemingly casual.
And this week, it was revealed that they are spending time together off-camera as well. Rumors of a relationship began after TMZ posted a photo of the two enjoying dinner together.
But as far as everyone knows, the two are just friends. Here’s their full (platonic) relationship timeline so far:
April 2017
Evans first invited Palmer to Hot Ones in 2017. She was promoting her show Berlin Station, and they seemed to hit it off right away.
August 2021
She returned four years later.
November 2023
The internet personality mentioned Palmer during an episode of Chicken Shop Date with Amelia DiMoldenburg when one of the guests asked if she had ever been in love.
“Kiki Palmer,” Evans replied. “She’s very attractive. She’s a very attractive woman.”
Palmer commented on Evans’ confession when it was posted as an interview clip, saying, “At first it was love like hot wings. This is too sweet, @seanseaevans.”
August 2024
The actress told People in August 2024 that she was “alive” for an interview with Di Moldenberg.
“I can’t say I was surprised or not surprised,” she explained. “But when I heard it and people sent it to me, I was like, ‘I can see the vibe here.’
September 2025
She addressed his comments with more direct action during another appearance on Hot Ones in 2025.
“I saw you say some really nice things in interviews, like I was your favorite guest,” she said. “I know it’s just sprouting wings, but I thought it might be a good idea to give it a little try to see if there’s a spark.”
He immediately agreed and they kissed.
“There’s sparks!” Palmer joked afterward.
Evans further added, “When I’m about to die and my life flashes before my eyes, I’m going to take that snapshot.”
May 2026
In the spring of 2026, Evans appeared on the podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer.” She introduced him as a “potential future suitor” before discussing the kiss.
“You didn’t seem surprised at all, so I guess they thought it was scripted,” she said, to which he replied, “I didn’t even pause. I signed the contract as soon as I heard the offer and terms.”
June 2026
According to The Hollywood Reporter, on June 9, Evans appeared at a special FYC event and was asked about his favorite interview.
“Working with Kiki Palmer, it’s always a one-plus-one-three situation,” Evans said.
Then, on June 12, the two were spotted on a dinner date in New York City. According to TMZ, the two were spotted at Italian restaurant Lucari in Brooklyn. They appeared to be having a close and friendly conversation.
