Reality television star Spencer Pratt has publicly celebrated reports claiming that Jimmy Kimmel's long-running ABC late-night talk show could be ending next year.
The 43-year-old Los Angeles native reacted to widespread rumors surrounding the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, although network executives quickly rejected reports that the series was facing cancellation.
Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, Pratt linked the potential conclusion of the late-night program to California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose gubernatorial term is also scheduled to finish next year. Pratt wrote: "Newsom AND Kimmel gone next year?? Be still, my laughing heart! Things are looking UP fam."
The social media post from The Hills alum followed a Page Six report alleging that Kimmel's "contract is not getting extended," which would mark the end of his talk show after 24 years on the air. Kimmel, 58, has hosted the late-night flagship on ABC since 2003.
A spokesperson for ABC Entertainment denied the report in a statement issued to The Daily Mail on Tuesday, saying: "This information is inaccurate - any reports about the future of the show at this point are purely speculative."
Despite the official network denial, staffers on Kimmel's program have already been discussing the host sorting through potential future projects, including separate shows or podcasts, according to an insider who spoke to TMZ on Wednesday. The Daily Mail reached out to representatives for both Pratt and Kimmel for further comment.
Pratt, who gained television fame on MTV's hit reality series The Hills, has been locked in a public dispute with Kimmel following his recent foray into California politics. Kimmel, a veteran host known for his political comedy and frequent high-profile flare-ups with President Donald Trump over the past year, targeted Pratt during his political campaign.
Origins of the Feud During the Mayoral Campaign
Bad blood between the late-night host and the reality television star began boiling earlier this year during Pratt's campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. Prior to Pratt's third-place finish as a Republican candidate in the primary election this past June, Kimmel heavily criticized Pratt's credentials and campaign platform on air.
During a May 27 broadcast, Kimmel mocked Pratt over the destruction of his home during the 2025 wildfires in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Kimmel told viewers: "You get a guy … whose profession is to be the screaming jerk on reality shows, and his house burns down."
Kimmel continued his critique of Pratt during the same broadcast, saying: "So even though he had no private insurance on his house and doesn’t believe in climate change, he is understandably upset about his house burning down."
The late-night host stated that Pratt's grievances had gained wider attention primarily because "he’s a moderately famous person," which allowed him to transition into political commentary. Kimmel observed: "For the first time in his life, people are agreeing with what he has to say - it’s hard not to agree with what he has to say. He’s angry about the same problems a lot of people here are angry about. Does he have solutions to those problems? No."
The Primary Election Loss and U-Haul Prank
Pratt's political ambitions ended when he was eliminated in the primary election opposite incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman earlier this year. Bass went on to win the mayoral race, while Raman retained her seat on the city council.
Following Pratt's primary loss in June, Kimmel returned to the airwaves on his June 9 broadcast to remind viewers that the reality personality had previously pledged to move out of the area if he lost the election. Kimmel then offered to assist The Hills star with his moving plans.
Addressing Pratt directly on air, Kimmel said: "He clearly promised that if Karen Bass or Nithya Raman were elected mayor, he's going to move out of L.A. He said he was done with L.A., and Spencer, if you're watching, we are so, so sorry to see you go."
Kimmel poked further fun at Pratt's campaign finances, adding: "You said you were going to go and I know things might be tight right now, especially out-of-state donation money is running out. Moving is expensive. So to help you out we rented you a U-Haul. We do know we're going to miss the hell out of you. You're a man of your word and you've got to go."
To celebrate Pratt's departure, Kimmel revealed on air that his production team had rented and decorated an actual U-Haul moving truck. The vehicle was decked out with balloons, a cutout of Pratt looking upset, and a large sign reading "Just defeated."
Kimmel told viewers: "Our staff spent the whole day decorating for you - and everybody will notice you and wave goodbye as you leave." The comedian added that he hoped Pratt and his wife, fellow reality star Heidi Montag, would be "happy wherever" they ended up.
Social Media Reaction to Pratt's Comments
Public reactions to Pratt's social media post gloating over Kimmel's rumored departure were sharply divided, reflecting mixed opinions about the late-night host and the reality star.
Some social media users expressed agreement with Pratt's commentary regarding Kimmel. One commenter posted: "Thank God! @jimmykimmel is not talented nor funny! I’ve been saying that for years..way before he went woke and became a liberal talking head." Another user wrote: "If ABC has any sense about them they would realize the majority can’t stand him and never watch him. So let them throw their money to wind."
Other users defended Kimmel while criticizing Pratt's television career. One poster replied to Pratt: "Gloating about.. a successful twenty-something year contract coming to an end is not the flex you think it is. In Hollywood, there’s real talent, unlike whatever it was you did on that z-list reality show."
Another user noted Kimmel's long career and ongoing discussion of retirement, writing: "Jimmy has the best life of anyone I know. And has been talking about retirement for 3 years now. If he is done, he is going out on his terms. The yapping grifter shouldn't have much to laugh about."
