Keke Palmer and Sean Evans have fans talking again after the two were spotted spending time together off camera.

The actress, singer and media personality has built a playful connection with the Hot Ones host over the years, with their chemistry first catching attention through Palmer’s multiple appearances on the popular interview series. While the two have publicly described their dynamic as friendly, their viral kiss, flirty podcast comments and most recent dinner outing in New York City have sparked fresh dating rumors online.

Palmer first appeared on Hot Ones in April 2017 while promoting her series Berlin Station. The episode quickly showed off the easy back-and-forth between her and Evans, with Palmer bringing her signature humor and energy to the spicy wing challenge. She returned to the show again in August 2021, further strengthening what fans saw as a fun and natural on-screen connection.

The conversation around the two shifted in November 2023 when Evans appeared on Chicken Shop Date with Amelia Dimoldenberg. During the interview, he was asked whether he had ever had a crush on one of his guests. Evans named Keke Palmer, calling her “very charming.” Palmer later reacted to the clip online, joking that it was “love at first hot wing.”

By August 2024, Palmer addressed Evans’ comments during an interview with People, saying she was “living for” the moment. She added that when people began sending her the clip, her reaction was that she already knew “the vibes were vibing.”

Things became even more viral in September 2025 when Palmer returned to Hot Ones and directly brought up Evans’ past comments. During the episode, she suggested they share a quick kiss to see if there was a spark. Evans agreed, and the two kissed on camera, sending fans into a frenzy. Palmer joked afterward that “the sparks are sparking,” while Evans said the moment would be one of the snapshots he remembered when his life flashed before his eyes.

The playful energy continued in May 2026 when Evans appeared on Palmer’s podcast, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer. During the episode, Palmer introduced him as her “potential future suitor,” and the two revisited their viral kiss. Evans admitted he did not hesitate once Palmer made the offer, saying he immediately accepted the conditions.

In June 2026, Evans praised Palmer again during a special FYC event, saying that working with her is always a “one plus one equals three” situation. Just days later, dating rumors picked up after TMZ reported that Palmer and Evans were seen having dinner together at Lucali in Brooklyn on June 12. The two appeared to be in close conversation during the outing, which quickly fueled speculation that their friendship may have turned into something more.

For now, neither Keke Palmer nor Sean Evans has confirmed a romantic relationship. Based on what has been publicly shared, the two appear to have a close and playful friendship that fans continue to root for.