Losing a Joker

Photo+Courtesy+of+Ticketmaster

Photo Courtesy of Ticketmaster

On December 31, 2021 a key member of the hit show “Impractical Jokers” announced that he will no longer be involved with the show. This is very devastating news to many fans and other members of the show.

Four New York comedians from the group The Tenderloins, first starred in TruTV’s hit series “Impractical Jokers” on December 15, 2011. The four “jokers” compete against each other to see which one of them can complete the most outrageous dares. At the end of each episode, whoever loses has to do an extreme punishment. 

The show has gained 1.7 million viewers and has been recognized as the best comedy TV show. However, after nine seasons, the group of four has lost one of its core members, who was key to their success. 

Joker, Joe Gatto announced he’s leaving the television series so he can focus on fatherhood. In an Instagram post he said:

“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.” 

It was also brought to people’s attention that he and his wife are parting ways after being married for eight years. Joe stated, “Now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible children.” The two have a four year old son and a six year old daughter. 

The other three jokers, Q, Murr, and Sal released their own statement on the devastating matter. “After all these years together we never imagined making Impractical Jokers without Joe.” 

The jokers have decided to keep shooting the show without Joe. They came out and said, “While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship with the Impractical Jokers fans going, and keep working with the members of our team that we consider family.” 

The news is very upsetting to all the people who have supported and loved the show. They will be filming “a new chapter” of the show this month. Although it will be different without Joe on the show it is fortunate they are going to keep going.