In the high-stakes world of cable news, where personalities like Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld dominate the airwaves with their sharp wit and unapologetic commentary, a recent off-air moment has sent shockwaves through the Fox News studios and beyond. Known for their playful rivalry on The Five, the network’s top-rated panel show, Watters and Gutfeld have long entertained audiences with their banter. But last week, Watters took their dynamic to a new level with a prank so bold—and so convincing—that it left Gutfeld speechless, colleagues scrambling, and fans speculating wildly about the future of Fox News’ star-studded lineup.
The incident unfolded during what seemed like a routine production meeting at Fox News’ New York headquarters. According to insiders, the team was gathered to discuss upcoming segments for The Five when Watters, with a poker face that could rival a seasoned actor, dropped a bombshell. Standing up abruptly, he announced that he had just been informed by network executives that he was being “let go” from Fox News, effective immediately. The room fell silent as Watters, his voice tinged with faux resignation, claimed the decision was part of a broader restructuring to “refresh” the network’s image in response to shifting viewer demographics.
Gutfeld, known for his quick comebacks and irreverent humor, was reportedly caught off guard. Sources describe him sitting frozen, his usual smirk replaced by a look of genuine concern. For a moment, the man who hosts Gutfeld!, the top-rated late-night show on cable, seemed at a loss for words—a rare occurrence for the self-proclaimed “king of late-night comedy.” Watters, seizing the moment, leaned into the ruse, spinning a tale of corporate intrigue. He claimed that Fox News was under pressure from advertisers to pivot toward a younger, more “centrist” audience, and that his outspoken style had been deemed “too polarizing” by the suits upstairs. He even threw in a fictional anecdote about a tense meeting with a mysterious new consultant named “Mr. Caldwell,” who supposedly advocated for replacing Watters with a “fresh face” from a rival network.
The room, filled with producers, writers, and fellow co-hosts like Dana Perino and Jeanine Pirro, erupted into hushed whispers. Perino, ever the diplomat, reportedly tried to interject with words of support, while Pirro’s eyes narrowed, as if ready to launch into a defense of Watters’ place at the network. But Watters wasn’t done. He turned to Gutfeld directly, delivering the ultimate jab: “Greg, they said you’re safe because your show’s ‘edgier’ and appeals to the younger crowd. Guess I’m just too old-school for the new Fox.” The dig was a masterstroke, playing on Gutfeld’s pride in his show’s unconventional appeal and their long-running friendly feud over who’s the bigger draw.
For nearly ten agonizing minutes, Watters kept up the charade, fielding questions from stunned colleagues with vague but plausible answers. He spoke of “severance negotiations” and hinted at a potential move to a streaming platform, all while maintaining an air of stoic acceptance. Gutfeld, still reeling, reportedly began texting frantically under the table, presumably reaching out to contacts to verify the news. It was only when Watters “accidentally” let slip a grin—followed by a theatrical “Gotcha!”—that the truth came out. The firing was a complete fabrication, a prank designed to rattle Gutfeld and give the The Five team a story they’d never forget.
The room exploded in a mix of laughter, groans, and playful jabs. Gutfeld, recovering his composure, fired back with a sarcastic, “Jesse, you’re lucky I didn’t call HR to expedite your exit!” But behind the quip, those present noted a flicker of relief in his eyes. The prank, while hilarious in hindsight, had briefly shaken the tight-knit The Five crew, who rely on their chemistry to keep the show at the top of the ratings. Watters, reveling in his victory, reportedly spent the rest of the day crowing about “outsmarting the smartest guy in late-night,” while Gutfeld vowed to plot his revenge, hinting at a retaliation that would “make Jesse wish he’d actually been fired.”
The story didn’t stay confined to the Fox News studios for long. By the next morning, whispers of the prank had leaked to social media, where fans of both hosts began dissecting the incident with glee. On platforms like X, posts speculated about the details, with some users joking that Watters’ prank was a “masterclass in trolling” and others wondering if Gutfeld’s ego could handle the hit. The buzz grew as clips from The Five later that week showed Watters and Gutfeld trading subtle barbs, with Watters smirking about “job security” and Gutfeld retorting that Watters’ “acting skills belong on a soap opera, not Fox.” The playful tension only fueled fans’ fascination, turning the prank into a viral moment that underscored the unique dynamic between the two hosts.
Behind the scenes, the prank highlighted the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define The Five. Watters and Gutfeld, both larger-than-life personalities, have a history of pushing each other’s buttons. Watters, with his slick delivery and penchant for provocative takes, often plays the instigator, while Gutfeld, the self-styled contrarian, thrives on outwitting his co-hosts with biting humor. Their rivalry, while genuine, is rooted in mutual respect—a fact that made Watters’ prank all the more effective. By convincing Gutfeld that his firing was real, Watters tapped into the one thing that could unsettle his colleague: the idea of losing his platform at Fox News, where he’s built a loyal following.
The incident also sparked broader conversations about the culture at Fox News, where high-profile hosts like Watters and Gutfeld wield significant influence. Some observers noted that the prank, while lighthearted, reflected the intense pressure within the industry to stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape. With streaming platforms and independent creators vying for viewers, even established stars like Watters and Gutfeld face the constant challenge of keeping their audience engaged. Watters’ fake firing tapped into this undercurrent of uncertainty, making the prank resonate beyond its immediate humor.
As the dust settled, the prank’s aftermath played out on air, much to the delight of The Five’s 4.6 million nightly viewers. During a segment the following day, Watters couldn’t resist dropping hints about the incident, joking about “clearing out his desk” while casting a sly glance at Gutfeld. Gutfeld, never one to let Watters have the last word, responded with a mock memo from “Mr. Caldwell,” the fictional consultant, praising Watters’ “exit strategy” but suggesting he “work on his sincerity.” The exchange had viewers in stitches, with many taking to social media to declare the prank a highlight of the show’s 14-quarter reign as cable news’ top program.
Looking ahead, the prank has set the stage for what promises to be an escalating war of wits between Watters and Gutfeld. Insiders say Gutfeld is already brainstorming ways to top Watters’ stunt, with rumors of a potential on-air “retaliation” during an upcoming taping of Gutfeld!. Some speculate he might enlist the help of his late-night show’s comedic regulars, like Tyrus or Kat Timpf, to stage a counter-prank that flips the script on Watters. Others believe Gutfeld will bide his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike when Watters least expects it.
For now, Watters is basking in the glow of his prank’s success, having pulled off a feat that briefly humbled one of Fox News’ most unflappable personalities. The incident has also endeared him further to fans, who admire his audacity and showmanship. On X, posts praising Watters’ “troll game” have racked up thousands of likes, with some calling for a special The Five segment to recap the prank in full. Whether or not that happens, one thing is clear: Watters’ fake firing has cemented his reputation as a master of mischief, capable of turning even a quiet production meeting into a viral sensation.
As for Gutfeld, the prank may have bruised his ego, but it’s also given him fresh material for his late-night monologues. Known for turning personal anecdotes into comedic gold, he’s likely to milk the incident for weeks, spinning it into a cautionary tale about trusting Watters’ “ crocodile tears.” Meanwhile, the The Five team continues to ride high, with their blend of debate, humor, and occasional chaos keeping them at the forefront of cable news.
In an era where media moments go viral in an instant, Jesse Watters’ prank on Greg Gutfeld stands out as a reminder of the power of personality in television. By blending deception, humor, and a touch of workplace drama, Watters crafted a story that captivated colleagues, fans, and the internet at large. As the Fox News duo prepares for the next chapter in their rivalry, one question lingers: what will Gutfeld do to even the score? For now, the answer remains a mystery, but if this prank is any indication, the battle for bragging rights at The Five is far from over.
