At a Glance
- Spencer Pratt claims he joined The Hills in 2007 to boost his profile and secure a lucrative contract.
- The book details a $15K-$20K per episode deal and renegotiation clauses that shaped his career.
- Pratt says the drama that made the show famous was a strategic move that saved the series.
Why it matters: The memoir gives an insider look at how reality TV contracts and personal drama can dictate a show’s fate.
In his newly released memoir, The Guy You Loved to Hate: Confessions from a Reality TV Villain, Spencer Pratt shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he joined The Hills and became one of reality television’s most infamous villains.
Early Days and the Invitation
Pratt, now 42, was approached by MTV in 2007 while he and childhood friend Brody Jenner were negotiating a separate show called Banking on Brody. The network offered him a contract worth $15K-$20K per episode, depending on screen time.
> “They were offering me $15K-$20K an episode, depending on screen time,” Pratt said of The Hills, adding that there were “renegotiation clauses” built into his contract in the event that his appearances turned into something more.
The deal included clauses that would allow the network to increase his pay if his presence drew higher ratings. Pratt saw the opportunity as a way to launch his own media career while also pursuing a relationship with his future wife, Heidi Montag.
Contract Details and Negotiations
The contract’s renegotiation clauses were a key feature. Pratt’s agreement allowed the network to adjust his compensation if his episodes gained popularity. He also noted that reality stars were paid more at the time compared to today.
> “Back then, reality stars got paid,” Pratt wrote. “Today? Not so much. People do reality shows for free these days, just for social media followers.”
Contract Snapshot
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Pay | $15K-$20K per episode |
| Renegotiation | Clauses tied to increased screen time and ratings |
| Initial Offer | Offered by MTV during 2007 negotiations |
Pratt’s contract was presented while he and Jenner were inches away from finalizing Banking on Brody. He chose to focus on The Hills first to build a public persona.
Strategic Move to Boost Visibility
Pratt explained that he and Jenner had already shot a pilot for Banking on Brody before officially signing on. He suggested appearing on The Hills first so audiences would know their names.
> “We’d already shot the pilot episode, which featured scenes of me following Brody around Beverly Hills while he shopped with his then-unknown stepsister, Khloé Kardashian,” Pratt wrote.
> “We’ll deliver the conflict The Hills desperately needs,” Pratt said he told an MTV exec. “The villain every story requires. We’ll be the reason people actually tune in.”
By positioning himself as a villain, Pratt secured a role that would keep him in the spotlight and set the stage for the infamous “Speidi” feud with Lauren Conrad.
The Speidi Drama and Its Impact
Pratt and Montag were known by the couple name “Speidi.” Their public feud with Lauren Conrad continued for years, and Pratt claims it was crucial to the show’s survival.
> “The president of MTV, Tony DiSanto, personally told me that if the Speidi drama hadn’t happened, The Hills would have been canceled after season 2,” Pratt claimed in the new book.
This claim highlights how scripted tension can become a decisive factor in a reality series’ longevity. Pratt’s willingness to embrace a villainous role was a calculated risk that paid off for the network.
Legacy and Reflections
The memoir, released by Simon & Schuster on Jan. 27, offers a candid look at the mechanics behind reality television. Pratt reflects on how the industry has changed, noting that modern reality stars often work for free to grow social media followings.
> “Back then, reality stars got paid,” Pratt wrote. “Today? Not so much. People do reality shows for free these days, just for social media followers.”
Pratt’s story serves as a reminder that the line between authentic personality and manufactured drama can be thin-and that the stakes for a show’s survival may hinge on the very controversies it creates.
Key Takeaways
- Pratt’s $15K-$20K per episode deal and renegotiation clauses were central to his rise.
- His strategic decision to appear on The Hills before launching Banking on Brody built his public profile.
- The Speidi drama was claimed to be pivotal in keeping The Hills on air.
- The memoir illustrates the evolution of reality TV from paid contracts to free, follower-driven content.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Pilot for Banking on Brody shot |
| 2007 | Pratt and Jenner join The Hills |
| Jan. 27, 2026 | Memoir released by Simon & Schuster |
Pratt’s memoir offers a rare glimpse into the business side of reality television, revealing how contracts, personal relationships, and strategic drama intertwine to shape a show’s destiny.
