Impractical Jokers Star Joe Gatto Exits The TruTV Series 

Joe Gatto, one of the four comedians featured on Impractical Jokers, has announced his departure from the truTV show on Instagram.

By Omotayo Olutekunbi

He wrote his Instagram page saying:

“Sorry in advance for the long and more-serious-than-usual note below, I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers,” he wrote. “Alongside my friends, I’ve devoted a decade of my life to building this franchise and couldn’t be prouder of what has been accomplished. However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away. Bessy and I have decided to amicably part ways, so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.”

Impractical Jokers is the trademark series in truTV’s change from crime-themed programming to comedy-based reality series, which premiered in December 2011. Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, four friends from Staten Island, New York, created the live improv and sketch comedy ensemble The Tenderloins in 1999, and the half-hour has nine seasons (and over 200 episodes) under its belt.

The quartet’s frequently humorous reactions to the pranks set it distinct from other popular prank series such as Candid Camera and Jackass. Fans have been enticed by a live comedy tour including The Tenderloins and video from Impractical Jokers.

So far, there have been four spin-off series: Impractical Jokers: Inside Jokes, which features behind-the-scenes stories and facts directly from the comedians; Joey Fatone’s talk show Impractical Jokers: After Party; and Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party, which is in response to COVID-19 and features the Jokers doing a video group chat while eating dinner and having guests visit one or more participants.

Gatto, Murray, Quinn, and Vulcano also feature in Jameela Jamil’s truTV game program The Misery Index, which launched in 2019.

“Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life,” added Gatto on Instagram. “I know they will continue to make the world laugh. And even though the four of us are the ones who you all see, this show is only possible due to the hard work of the talented crew members who work behind the scenes. I am very thankful to have worked with each and every one of them.”

The group inked a first-look contract with WarnerMedia in February 2021, which includes a 10th season renewal for Impractical Jokers as well as future development and production of original unscripted and scripted programs for truTV, TNT, TBS, and HBO Max.

The other members issued a statement stating that Impractical Jokers will continue to air without Gatto, with production set to begin in January.