Why Did Joe Leave ‘Impractical Jokers’? The Timeline Behind His Surprise Departure

Joe Gatto shocked everyone when he announced he was leaving 'Impractical Jokers' after nine seasons. Here's the truth behind his unexpected exit.

Joe Gatto

  • Joe Gatto  is a famous comedian and former member of The Tenderloins.
  • He starred in  Impractical Jokers  for nine seasons.
  • He announced his exit from  Impractical Jokers  in Dec. 2021.

Joe Gatto was one of the core four on  Impractical Jokers  for nine seasons. The 47-year-old and the other members of the comedy troupe The Tenderloins   launched the improv-based reality series in December 2011. But Joe shocked the fans when he announced his exit from the show halfway through season 9 in December 2021. Joe enjoyed unimaginable success on the show with James Murray , Brian Quinn , and Sal Vulcano , but he still choose to move on from the experience due to “issues” going on in his personal life.

So, why did Joe Gatto leave  Impractical Jokers ? Here’s everything you need to know about the improv comedian and his exit from the show that made him famous.

Joe Gatto

Who Is Joe Gatto?

Joe Gatto is an improvisational comedian, actor, and producer. He was born on June 5, 1976 in Staten Island to an Italian family. His father died in 1995 from pancreatic cancer . When Joe was in high school, he joined the Improvisation Club which is how he met James, Brian, and Sal. The foursome eventually reunited after college and formed an improv and sketch comedy trouble called The Tenderloins in 1998. They produced their content on YouTube and Myspace before they won $100,000 for competing in NBC’s It’s Your Show competition, for their sketch “Time Thugs.” Joe and his fellow Tenderloins members were offered their own show with truTV… and  Impractical Jokers  was born.

Joe’s Impractical Jokers Success

Impractical Jokers  was a huge hit from the very first episode, which aired December 15, 2011. The show was celebrated for its humor and the concept of using hidden cameras to capture the pranks on the show. Joe, James, Brian, and Sal all shot to fame after the show premiered. Through the first nine seasons, the series welcomed tons of celebrity guests including Joey Fatone , Howie Mandel , Danica McKellar , Guy Fieri , and Brooke Shields . There was also a feature film that came out in February 2020 and grossed $10 million at the box office.

Joe Gatto

In a 2018 interview with  MassLive ,  Joe talked about the success of the show and how the concept was conceived by all four members of The Tenderloins. “ We thought what could we do make our version of what would be a hidden camera comedy show. We didn’t like to do the traditional prank show where we felt bad for people having jokes pulled on them,” he said. “ We thought why don’t we just make ourselves the marks of the show. Have our three friends turn the screws on each of us and let the collateral embarrassment be the source of the comedy.”

The success of Impractical Jokers  also led to The Tenderloins getting their own game show called  The Misery Index . The series, hosted by actress  Jameela Jamil , aired on TBS for three seasons from 2019 to 2021. It featured two teams competing against each other by rating their hilarious and miserable real-life events on a scale of 1-100.

Why Did Joe Leave Impractical Jokers ?

On December 31, 2021, Joe announced that he was leaving The Tenderloins and  Impractical Jokers  to focus on his family life. He revealed that he and his wife  Bessy  were separating , so he needed to be more present for his daughter Milana (born 2015) and son Remington (born 2017). Joe shared the news in an Instagram post that took fans by complete surprise.

“Hey, Everyone. 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 began his lengthy statement , which got over 1 million likes on Instagram. “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,” Joe added. “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.”

Joe Gatto

The comedian continued, “Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. 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.”

Joe thanked his “amazing fans” for their support through his nine-season run on the hit show. “They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves,” he said. “As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you. Much love, Joe.”

Impractical Jokers  returned for season 10, without Joe, on February 23, 2023. It’s the first season to be broadcast on both truTV and TBS. The season 10 celebrity guests so far have included Bret Michaels , Paul Rudd , Post Malone , Kesha , John Mayer , and more.

Joe Gatto Is Leaving Impractical Jokers. Here's Why

Joe Gatto smiling

There are no shortage of reality TV shows out there, but one just keeps bringing the laughs year after year. " Impractical Jokers " has been cracking up audiences for nine seasons now, following the antics of friends Sal Vulcano, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Joe Gatto as they dare each other to get involved in increasingly wild pranks, ranging from slightly uncomfortable to downright humiliating. The hidden camera show perfected the formula, showcasing a prank war orchestrated by four real-life friends who clearly just love to make each other laugh.

The TruTV series developed from a low-budget cable show to an international phenomenon, including a feature-length film . Since the show was recently renewed for a 10th season (via Deadline ), audiences can look forward to another decade of hilarious hijinks with their favorite guys from Staten Island. Unfortunately, one of those guys will be missing from future episodes of the beloved show. Joe Gatto recently announced that he won't be returning to "Impractical Jokers," and while we're disappointed by this news, we completely understand his reasoning.

Joe Gatto is leaving to focus on his family

In a post on his  Instagram , Joe Gatto announced that he "will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers."  Due to changes in his personal life, he's decided to step away from the show. In particular, he reveals that he and his wife Bessy have split, and he "now [needs] to focus on being the best father and co-parent to [their] incredible kids." The pair have a six-year-old and four-year-old together.

We're saddened by this news, but family comes first. Yet as Gatto shares, parting with his fellow jokers does not come easy. "Outside my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. I know they will continue to make the world laugh," he writes. Though Gatto may no longer be part of the "Impractical Jokers" series, he's not turning his back on comedy. "Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves. As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you" (via Instagram).

We'll miss seeing Gatto with his pals, and wish him and his family all the best as they enter this new stage.

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why did impractical jokers tour get cancelled

There’s a lot of funny business going on.

Hidden-camera comedy series “Impractical Jokers” lives on, but some cringe-y episodes have been scrubbed on TruTv and HBOMax.

And it appears to have coincided with the announcement that one of the former members, Joe Gatto, was leaving the four-buddy comedy group.

“Soon after Gatto’s departure, a number of episodes of the TruTV series were reportedly removed from streaming, and it’s not exactly clear at the moment why the changes happened,” according to Cinema Blend.

The scrapped episodes include storylines where Gatto rubs people on a massage chair and kisses unsuspecting strangers at a mall, the entertainment website said.

The episodes featuring Gatto in “compromising situations” — titled “Bull Shiatsu” and “The Dream Crusher” — have also been removed from both TruTV’s site and HBO Max, according to Paste Magazine.

TruTV would not address the episode intrigue.

The quiet scrubbing came around the same time Gatto announced over New Year’s weekend his exit from the popular comedy troupe and the breakup of his marriage.

The embattled star in an old promotional photo.

“I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers,’” he wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

Gatto, 45, attended Monsignor Farrell High School on Staten Island with his three cohorts — Sal Vulcano, Brian “Q” Quinn and James “Murr” Murray — and they went on to perform as the wildly popular “Tenderloins” for over a decade.

Last week, TruTV issued a terse statement to The Post: “After 10 years, Joe Gatto will no longer be a part of the ongoing Impractical Jokers universe. We look forward to continuing to work with our longtime partners Sal, Murr and Brian.  Production starts on Impractical Jokers next week, with new episodes airing in the Spring.”

The Post reported earlier this week that Gatto’s estranged 39-year-old wife, Bessy Gatto, was spotted on Long Island without her wedding ring.

Gatto, however, is not laying low. He kicks off an 11-gig comedy tour next week in Wisconsin.

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The Sad Reason Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto Is Leaving The Group

Joe Gatto December 2021

" Impractical Jokers " has been delighting TV viewers with its hilarious, outrageous antics for years. Airing on TruTV, the comedy show features four childhood friends who challenge one another to do embarrassing stunts . The "loser" in each episode is made to undergo a punishment, which can range from the terrifying — lying in a box with tarantulas — to the mortifying — being the billboard spokesperson for "My Shiny Hiney," per  TruTV  — to the just plain weird — wearing a wig made from another Joker's hair. 

Over the last 10 years, "Jokers" has gone from a low-budget cable show into a phenomenon that has spawned international tours, a movie, and even a comedy cruise (via Entertainment Weekly ). The show was picked up for a 10th season in February, according to Deadline , and fans were eager to see what new and crazy pranks the four pals from Staten Island would create. Then, on New Year's Eve, Joe Gatto delivered shocking news on his Instagram account: "I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with 'Impractical Jokers.'"

Gatto went on to explain that he and his wife, Bessy, are separating, "so now I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids." The couple married in 2013 and share daughter Milana, 6, and son Remington, 4, together (via The Sun). He offered heartfelt thanks to his costars and friends, the "Jokers" crew, along with the fans: "Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves." 

He concluded, "As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you. Much love, Joe."

Murr, Q, and Sal offered love and support to their fellow Joker

Of all the "Impractical Jokers," Joe Gatto is known as the most shameless. Over the years, he's  dressed as a belly dancer , flung  "scoopski potatoes!"  on diners' plates, and imitated Johnny from Cobra Kai . Viewers thought at first that his announcement was just a goofy way to end 2021, but it became clear that there are some things even "Captain Fatbelly" won't joke about. Nearly half a million followers offered their likes and support on Instagram , including one special fan. Actress Danica McKellar, who guested on the show as part of an embarrassing punishment, according to  Showbiz Cheat Sheet , wrote, "We are all with you," adding heart emojis.

The other Jokers — Sal Vulcano, Brian "Q" Quinn, and James "Murr" Murray — have been friends with Gatto for more than 30 years, and began their career as a stand-up troupe called The Tenderloins (via Entertainment Weekly ).  They simultaneously posted a reaction to their Instagram feeds. "Hi everyone, so here we are ... After all these years, we never imagined making 'Impractical Jokers' without Joe," they wrote. "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." 

"Jokers" will resume filming in January with Murr, Sal, and Q. There has been no word yet on the status of any future movies or projects; however, the group's upcoming "Scoopski Potatoes Tour" has been canceled.

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Impractical Jokers Sets Date for Relocation to TBS

Rebecca iannucci, managing editor.

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Starting this July, TV’s Impractical Jokers will pull their pranks on a new network.

The hidden camera comedy series — which was reported in March to be relocating to TBS amid a programming shake-up at longtime home truTV — will officially make that move with its Season 11 premiere on Thursday, July 11, at 10/9c. The new episodes will feature guest appearances from Brooke Shields, Joey Fatone, Roy Wood Jr., Richard Kind, comedian Joe DeRosa and pro wrestler John Silver, among others.

For its first nine seasons, Impractical Jokers aired exclusively on truTV, then began simulcasting on both truTV and TBS with its 10th season. A Warner Bros. rep points out that library episodes of Impractical Jokers will continue airing on truTV prior to 6 pm ET.

Impractical Jokers ‘ relocation came as Warner Bros. Discovery added a nightly sports block to truTV in March. The lineup includes simulcasts of NHL, MLB and NBA games that are airing on TBS and TNT, as well as sports movies, documentaries and new unscripted programming.

This marks the latest change to truTV’s lineup, following the cancellation of its last remaining scripted series Tacoma FD , which TVLine exclusively reported in February. The series was set in a firehouse in one of America’s rainiest cities, forcing the firefighters to keep themselves entertained with “creative competitions, friendly first responder rivalries and bizarre emergency calls,” per its logline.

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I love IJ. I am glad it is moving to TBS.

They couldn’t have done the same with Tacoma FD? I really wish it would have had a fifth season.

TBS killed all of its scripted shows a while back

I’m with you in this. That “Big Trouble in Little Belgium” episode last season with the subplot of Terry learning to play the bagpipes was one of my favorites. Any show that can make people laugh out loud like I did deserves more. We deserve more.

I don’t watch the new shows anyway. It lost it’s charm when Covid hit and definitely when Joe left. The new episodes are not funny at all.

So the Impractical Joker network is losing Impractical Jokers? Seriously, I would swear this was all they ever showed on TruTV. Are they going to rename the network to fit the new mission? Or are they going to leave it like The Learning Channel or Bravo or A&E or AMC, which kept the names of long ago programming that they no longer air?

Well I’m canceling Sling tv… this show was really the only thing I watched on it anyway

You wasted a lot of money for one mediocre show lol

It’s a shame to see the direction Trutv is going in, it was honestly one of my favorite channels. Impractical Jokers, The Carbonaro Effect, Hack My Life, The Chris Gethard Show, You Can Do Better, Fast Foodies, etc… They were all such fun offbeat little shows. It was fine when they used to do March Madness for a month once a year, but if I wanted to watch sports that often I’d put on a sports channel.

I haven’t watched any episodes since Joe Gatto left the impractical jokers. To me, Joe was the favorite of the show. He was awesome. Murr just doesn’t have the effect. Sal can’t keep a straight face and the ex fireman just don’t make the show.

I was really hoping Joe would come back when he got his personal matters taken care of. He does still do stand-up tours. So much better with Joe. I just watch the reruns with all four IJ on.

It’s amazing that Joe can travel all over with his comedy routine. It was thought he quit IJ to stay at home with the kids. Something is fishy about this. Either he didn’t want to do a punishment or fell out with one of the jokers. Anyway, I like the earlier years better and still watch those. Stopped watching from 2020.

They need a fourth joker. I thought they were going to use Jamillia jamill.

I only just started watching IJ and I’m on season 5; The show is great – absolutely love it, but the punishment in episode 22 of season 5 went a little too far. Those aren’t really topics to get into with kids at the level they did.

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Impractical Jokers’ cast address future of show after Joe Gatto’s sudden exit

‘after all these years together, we never imagined making impractical jokers without joe’, article bookmarked.

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The cast of Impractical Jokers have responded to Joe Gatto ’s sudden exit from the long-running comedy show.

On Friday (31 December 2021), Gatto said he would “no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers ” and that he had made the decision to step away “ due to some issues in my personal life.”

On Instagram , Gatto revealed he and his wife Bessy had recently separated and that he was now entirely focussed on “being the best father and co-parent” to his two children, Milana Francis and Remington Joseph Gatto.

The first season of the hidden-camera reality show was released in 2011, and the show starred Sal Vulcano , Brian “Q” Quinn, and James “Murr” Murray, alongside Gatto – collectively known as the Tenderloins comedy troupe.

Gatto wrote: “Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. I know they will continue to make the world laugh.”

In a joint statement released on Sunday (2 January), the remaining cast members said they “never imagined making Impractical Jokers ” without Gatto.

However, the troupe members confirmed the show would go on.

Their statement read: “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 we consider family.”

“We’ll get back to making a new chapter of Impractical Jokers in January,” Vulcano, Quinn and Murray told their followers, while thanking them for supporting the group.

Gatto co-founded comedy troupe the Tenderloins with Quinn, Murray, and Vulcano in 1998.

While they successfully navigated the sketch comedy and improv circuit in the US for a while, the group was catapulted into the national spotlight when TruTV picked up Impractical Jokers a decade ago.

The show has been renewed for a 10th season.

In a statement on the separation, Bessy said: “Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together.”

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What Happened to Joe, the Fourth Impractical Joker? Why Did He Leave?

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While Impractical Jokers continues with Season 10, viewers are wondering what happened to Joe Gatto . Why is the fourth Impractical Joker not in the series anymore? Here’s all you need to know about why Joe did not return along with the other three Jokers.

What happened to the fourth Impractical Joker?

After starring in Impractical Jokers for nine seasons, the fourth Joker Joe decided to part ways due to personal reasons.

Lifelong friends Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, Sal Vulcano, and Joe Gatto started their hidden camera comedy reality series together. It became a beloved show as they continued to prank people and receive funny punishments across nine seasons.

But on New Year’s Eve in 2021, Joe announced that he would be leaving the show following his divorce from Bessy Gatto. While some were surprised about his decision, many weren’t.

Why did Joe Gatto leave the Impractical Jokers show?

Joe Gatto left Impractical Jokers before Season 10 “due to some issues in his personal life”, and to spend more time with his children.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Gatto (@joe_gatto)

Gatto posted the above on Instagram and 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.”

He thanked his co-stars and all his fans across the world and stated that he’d try to create new ways to entertain everyone in the future. But whether he decides to return to Impractical Jokers in the next few seasons remains to be seen.

For more entertainment updates, learn where you could buy the Ghostbusters Slimer Popcorn buckets . Also, find out how Death and Other Details season 1 ended .

The post What Happened to Joe, the Fourth Impractical Joker? Why Did He Leave? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More .

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Joe Gatto at the premiere of 'Knock at the Cabin'

The Unsurprising Reason Why Joe Left ‘Impractical Jokers’

Image of Katiee McKinstry

Joe Gatto is best known for his comedic excellence on Impractical Jokers , but after years of delighting fans, the prankster has officially left the show. On New Year’s Eve in 2021, Gatto announced that he was parting ways with the series. The announcement, which came on the heels of his divorce from Bessy Gatto, was not a huge surprise.

Impractical Jokers has been on television for over a decade , and Gatto was one of four consistent comedians on the show, alongside James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano. Over the years, fans have grown fond of the improv-based reality TV show and its colorful cast.

Why did Joe leave Impractical Jokers ?

“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,”  Gatto said . “However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away.”

Gatto expressed that since his divorce, he wants to focus his time on co-parenting his children. However, he did take the time to thank his co-stars and remember his experience on the show fondly. “I am very thankful to have worked with every one of them,” Gatto said.

New episodes of Impractical Jokers can be found on truTV. As of February 2023, you can rewatch old episodes on Hulu.

(via The Sun , featured image: )

Jacaerys Velaryon and Cregan Stark in House of the Dragon (HBO)

6 takeaways from 'Impractical Jokers' in Cincy: Murr's wig, Tortured Jokers Department, more

why did impractical jokers tour get cancelled

Everyone's favorite jokesters came to town Friday: the cast of the hit TV series "Impractical Jokers."

Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray and Brian "Q" Quinn took over the ballroom at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, with two consecutive shows part of their Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Tour .

"Impractical Jokers" is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. My son even has a onesie with their famous line, "Did Santiago send you?" stamped across it front and center. So I drove to the casino to check out their Cincinnati stop. Here are my six takeaways.

The 'Impractical Jokers' Drive Tour feels more intimate

This wasn't my first time seeing the Jokers live. I attended their show in Cleveland in 2018 , during their Santiago Sent Us tour .

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Both were fantastic, as the guys do a great job mixing in stand-up and including stories (as well as clips) from their TV series. However, this go-around felt more intimate. They performed at downtown Cleveland's Wolstein Center in 2018, which holds over 13,000 people . Hard Rock Casino's ballroom made it feel like I was at a private showing, rather than sitting up in the rafters.

Sal is the star of the show

OK, so I am not showing favoritism here. I promise. I interviewed Vulcano in September , ahead of his solo stand-up show at Taft Theatre. His kindness during our chat has nothing to do with this next statement: He was the star of Friday's show.

It used to feel like former Joker, Joe Gatto, was the leading man, although he certainly shared the wealth with Vulcano, Quinn and Murray. Someone had to step up following Gatto's departure in late 2021 , though, and Vulcano seems to have taken on that challenge.

He led the conversation most of the way, and even had multiple (almost) solo stand-up sets, one in which someone from the crowd electrocuted him while he discussed what life is like with two Jaden Smith tattoos .

Maybe it's because of his experience touring solo. Or perhaps the act just calls for someone to take the lead. Either way, Murray and Quinn were great, but Vulcano was the leading source of funny.

Yes, they are still great without Joe

Speaking of Gatto, it still feels weird seeing the group without him. He was the heart and soul of the comedy troupe, which formed in 1999 under the name The Tenderloins .

A past video of Gatto was part of a segment during Friday's show, and I heard someone next to me say, "He was the funniest." That could be true. His no regrets attitude led to unforgettable TV moments and bits. But make no mistake about it, Vulcano, Murray and Quinn are still hilarious.

Their decades-long friendship leads to seamless chemistry onstage, and they understand how to push comedic boundaries without crossing a line. Something many comedians struggle doing.

Reminding people why it's called the Drive Tour

In case you aren't a huge "Impractical Jokers" fan, the name of the tour is a reference to a punishment Quinn had to endure in Season Nine. He essentially had to be an Uber Eats driver for the group while being stuck in a car with puppets that sang the same annoying song on repeat ... for hours.

To give us a feel for what the punishment was like, Quinn turned off all the lights and played the song on repeat until the crowd sang along. It felt ironic finding myself in that situation on the same day Taylor Swift's new album came out. Instead of singing her "Fortnight" track, I was bopping my head to some cheesy, kiddy tune.

And for a moment, the Drive Tour became the Tortured Jokers Department.

Murr knows his role as the butt of every joke

I've been in many friend groups in which one person is made fun of more than the others. It's not healthy, but it's often part of the group's ecosystem.

Murray has starred in that role since "Impractical Jokers" first aired in 2011, and it continued Friday night from the jump. He came out in a wig of Quinn's hair, which he wore as a punishment in 2017.

Vulcano and Quinn also made plenty of jokes at Murray's expense and had a whole segment centered around an embarrassing statement he made while on a Zoom call with advertisers. Murray is always a good sport about it, and he seems to understand it's essential to the group's dynamic.

The funniest moment didn't come from the Jokers

Toward the end of the night, Murray told the crowd about his brother-in-law, who is decades younger than him and just a kid. Murray then played a voice message from him, which may have been one of the funniest pieces of content I have ever listened to, especially since it was unintentionally hilarious. It had my wife in tears.

I won't spoil anything for those going to any of the other tour stops, but it was essentially a eulogy only a child could give.

It was a great way to end a show I would easily attend again.

Impractical Jokers: A Star of truTV Series Is Leaving the Comedy Troupe

by Regina Avalos, January 3, 2022

Impractical Jokers TV show on truTV: (canceled or renewed?)

Impractical Jokers is seeing a big exit. Joe Gatto (above, left) started off 2022 by announcing his departure from the comedy series after a decade, per Deadline . The truTV series also stars James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano. It was renewed for a 10th season in February 2021.

Gatto announced his exit from the truTV series in a post on his Instagram account. He said the following:

“Hey, Everyone. 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 . 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. Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life. 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. To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves. As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you. Much love, Joe”

The other members of the group shared their thoughts on social media.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sal Vulcano (@salvulcano)

Impractical Jokers will return with its 10th season in 2022 and the remaining members will start filming episodes soon.

What do you think? Are you sad about the exit of Gatto from Impractical Jokers ? Do you plan to watch season 10 later this year?

Joe Gallo to me, was the heart and sole, of the show. How the vip’s of the show let him go is beyond my comprehension. Without Joe the show just doesn’t work. He should be paid much more than the others and maybe he wasn’t I cannot watch the current iterations of the show without him.

I absolutely love each and every one of you! No one makes my husband lol but you all do!! Does my heart good. Just watching Shark week now. Hysterical! I wish you all the best Joe and absolutely respect your decision to do what’s best for you and your family!! God bless! As for you other 3… please, keep entertaining us with your off color, witty and sometimes nasty humor! Love you all!!! (OK, I used to watch. Once my only choice was HBO, I couldn’t afford to watch but still love and miss you guys)

I hope they replace joe Gatto with Joey Fatone.

This will destroy the show. And what a silly reason: I’m getting a divorce, and I’m going to have the kids half-time, so I’m quitting my job? Like that happens in real life. And if the kids are in school most of the time he has them?

It was definitely sad to hear, mainly for Joe and his wife Bessy, and their kids. As for the show, it definitely won’t be the same without him. I don’t think they need to replace him though.

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Distractify

Some Episodes of ‘Impractical Jokers’ Were Removed After Joe Gatto’s Exit, but Why?

Mustafa Gatollari - Author

Apr. 2 2022, Published 12:44 p.m. ET

Cultural mores are always evolving and specific viewpoints, commentaries, and beliefs that may have been considered socially acceptable in the past ultimately end up being regarded as antiquated of barbaric by modern standards.

This also applies to artistic forms of expression, and while the snootiest of us may turn our noses up at a show where friends dare one another to do outrageous things in real-life scenarios in Impractical Jokers , the show is wildly successful and cherished by fans.

Fans who are wondering why certain episodes of the series were removed from streaming platforms.

Why were some episodes of 'Impractical Jokers' removed from HBO Max and TruTV?

If you work long enough in any high-profile position, at some point in time there's a good chance that you're going to get wrapped up in some sort of scandal or accusation. Impractical Jokers has never had this problem, however, which is pretty shocking given the premise of the series.

A lot of that may have to do with the fact that the original cast of the show: Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn don't really seem to have an inimical bone in their bodies. They really look like they're out filming episodes and putting one another in crazy situations purely for laughs.

However, longtime viewers of the show were thrown through a loop after learning that one of the show's founding cast members, Joe Gatto, was not only departing from the series, but leaving the comedy troupe that he founded with Sal, James, and Quinn, the Tenderloins.

And now folks are finding it strange that certain episodes of the series were removed from both HBO Max and TruTV. Episodes 9 and 24 from the series' 4th season, and episode 12 from Season 7 has been pulled, along with 16 and 25 from Season 8.

watching an episode of impractical jokers that had one of the guys dressing up as mario. they just reaired it and removed every mention of mario and princess peach and censored the mario logo. nintendo pissed the hell off — samantha 🏳️‍⚧️ (@electrotriple11) September 23, 2021

What's more is that it's also been reported that YouTube clips associated with these episodes were also removed from the platform , and there hasn't been any explanation or clarification from TruTV or HBO Max as to why they're missing.

The first question that should be asked after the episodes were removed is: well, what went on in them? In many of the episodes, Gatto was put in some really awkward situations (which is the entire premise of the series) like him being told to kiss complete strangers or massaging other people while he's sitting in a massage chair. It could be that physical contact was looked down upon by networks.

Man, they removed certain episodes Impractical jokers with Joe Gatto… very particular ones. I hate to be whatever but… something happened there. It’ll come out. — Mike Settle Jr (@settlemlCFB) January 10, 2022

'Impractical Jokers' will soldier on with celebrity guest jokers, like Rob Riggle.

While longtime viewers of the series are definitely bummed to see Joe go, the rest of the Tenderloins have decided to infuse a slew of celebrity guests into the program, like Rob Riggle, who was crushing it in improv comedy long before he was stealing scenes in pretty much every movie he's in.

Colin Jost, Chris Jericho, Brooke Shields, David Cross, Method Man, and tons of other known entertainment figures will be making appearances on the upcoming 9th season return of Impractical Jokers .

so let me get this straight. joe gatto is divorcing his wife, leaving impractical jokers, and now they've removed entire episodes from streaming platforms that contained any scene of joe doing something sexual and removed his name from everything. finding it kinda sus... 🤨 — ミ☆ Shay (@loosekites) January 7, 2022

You'll be able to watch the rest of Season 9's episodes on starting July 16, 2022 on TruTV. Are you excited to see how the rest of the Tenderloins carry on without Joe?

Who Are the Very Patient Wives of the 'Impractical Jokers'?

'Impractical Jokers' Is a TruTV Staple — Is It Coming to an End?

'Impractical Jokers' Fans Are Devastated to Learn That Joe and Bessy Gatto Split Up

Latest Impractical Jokers News and Updates

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What happened to joe from impractical jokers: why he left the show.

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10 Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time, According To IMDb

Impractical jokers: every season from worst to best, ranked, i'm finally excited by dexter's prequel after original sin nets amazing casting choice.

  • Joe from Impractical Jokers left the show in 2021 to focus on being the best father and co-parent to his two kids after his separation from his wife Bessy.
  • Joe and Bessy were able to reconcile their marriage and celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary. Despite this, Joe has not expressed any plans to rejoin Impractical Jokers.
  • Joe continues to perform stand-up sets and host the Two Cool Moms podcast with Steve Byrne, indicating that he has found success in a show business career more aligned with his family-oriented lifestyle.

Joe's departure from the show left a hole in the classic lineup and had fans wondering what happened to Joe from Impractical Jokers . The hidden camera reality show follows the members of The Tenderloins as they challenge each other to put themselves in embarrassing situations for the amusement of others. An immediate smash hit on TruTV, the series has blossomed into a bona fide franchise with spinoffs like Inside Jokes and even a feature-length film. A big part of the show's success is the likability of its cast, and they have anchored the program for over a decade.

Unlike previous hidden camera reality shows, the comedy of the main troupe takes center stage, and they are the butt of the joke as opposed to unsuspecting people on the street. While there are still fake things about Impractical Jokers , their unique brand of cringe-inducing humor provides a cathartic release for viewers just looking for a laugh. Despite years of massive success, original member Joe Gatto departed the show in 2021, and his absence has been felt even as the show chugs on without him.

Watch Impractical Jokes on Max

One of TV's most popular genres, reality shows vary widely in quality. Which ones do IMDb users rate as most worthy of your time?

Joe Left Impractical Jokers To Be With His Family After His Separation

Joe mentioned in an instagram post that he will focus on being the best father he can.

Though Impractical Jokers is all about fun and games, unfortunately, real life tends to get in the way, and Joe left the show to be with his family in 2021 . As he mentioned in a lengthy Instagram post, Joe departed the show in the wake of his amicable separation from his wife Bessy. The massive success of the series put a strain on the personal lives of all the performers, and Joe made it clear where his priorities were. The couple had several children together, and Joe stated:

I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids .

Impractical Jokers is one of the funniest shows on TV these days, but, though it's mostly been great, some seasons have fallen a bit flat.

Joe Reconciled With His Wife (But Still Not Confirmed To Appear On Impractical Jokers)

A myriad of celebrity guests have taken joe's place.

Fortunately for the entire Gatto clan, Joe and his wife Bessy were able to reconcile their marriage , and according to Hollywood Life , celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in September 2023. Of their lengthy relationship, Bessy Gatto said:

I think of all the changes we have gone through, good and bad. At the end, I would not change a single thing.

This echoed the sentiment of her famous husband. Joe Gatto has continued to perform while away from Impractical Jokers , and he appears for stand-up sets and hosts the Two Cool Moms podcast with Steve Byrne.

Despite the joyous news regarding Joe's marriage reconciliation, Gatto has not expressed any plans to rejoin his former Tenderloin teammates any time soon. The show has continued without him as a myriad of celebrity guests have taken his place, and it seems as if Gatto has been able to pivot his success from the show into a show business career more akin to his family-oriented lifestyle. It can be assumed that Joe has not changed his mind about being there for his kids, and it is likely that he won't return on a full-time basis to Impractical Jokers .

Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is a hidden-camera prank show starring Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, and and Joe Gatto, four lifelong friends who compete to embarass each other. The format consists of a set of challenges that test the friends' improvisational skills and their ability to follow instructions through an earpiece; whoever loses the most is put through a humiliating or terrifying punishment at the end of the episode.

Impractical Jokers (2011)

Sorry, Impractical Jokers Without Joe Gatto Was a Failure

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Joe gatto left impractical jokers for deeply personal reasons, impractical jokers without joe does not change the show for the better, impractical jokers now leans too hard on cheap punishments, joe gatto was the best part of impractical jokers.

  • Joe Gatto's departure hurt Impractical Jokers' formula, leading to the latter half of Season 9's epic failure.
  • Impractical Jokers struggled without Joe, resorting to forced comedy, odd celebrity guests, and over-planned bits.
  • Joe Gatto's fearless comedy style and involvement in production made him the best part of Impractical Jokers.

There was a time when comedy lovers thought Impractical Jokers would go on forever, with the show's fans preparing to see something amazing every time a new episode aired. However, that hasn't been the case for quite a while now, and it all stemmed from an unforeseen departure. The series had been at the top of the comedy game for more than a decade, but then cast member Joe Gatto announced his departure on Dec. 31, 2021. This decision was a personal one, and it's hard to fault Joe Gatto for leaving, but it had a devastating impact.

Unfortunately, Gatto's exit destroyed the popular truTV series' successful formula, and the Season 9 episodes without Joe Gatto were a total failure. The remaining three members of the troupe -- James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn and Sal Vulcano -- vowed to keep the show going, but many questioned the idea of Impractical Jokers without Joe. Sal, Q and Murr decided not to replace Joe Gatto, opting instead to operate as a trio for most of the post-Joe episodes. Sadly, their efforts left a lot to be desired, with many of the newest Impractical Jokers episodes without Joe Gatto cementing the series as a shell of its former self.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on April 8, 2023: Impractical Jokers was once a seemingly indestructible comedy machine, with the TruTV series firing on all cylinders for multiple seasons. Sadly, the show is a long ways away from its glory days, and much of this can be attributed to the loss of Joe Gatto. A member of the Tenderloins, the comedy troupe seen in the series, Joe Gatto's departure has left the new seasons sorely lacking in quality. With two new seasons on the way, many fans wonder if Joe Gatto will ever return to Impractical Jokers.

Separation from His Wife Bessy Led to Gatto Seeking Time to Be With His Children

10 best impractical jokers episodes, ranked.

With a new season of Impractical Jokers premiering, here are what fans believe are the best episodes of the hidden-camera comedy series.

As mentioned, Joe Gatto announced his departure from Impractical Jokers in late 2021, and the reason for his leaving was personal. He and his wife Bessy Gatto had announced their separation following eight years of marriage together. Given this situation, Gatto decided to take time off for himself to be with his children as a co-parent . Conversely, he also spent time on the road on his own comedy shows, with each member of The Tenderloins (the group's name before the start of Impractical Jokers ) having their own projects.

Joe and Bessy Gatto got married in 2013, which was two years after Impractical Jokers first aired. Sal Vulcano -- Gatto's friend and co-star on the series -- is actually a licensed minister, and he officiated Joe's wedding to Bessy and co-star James "Murr" Murray's wedding to his wife when that couple was married in 2020. Many fans noted that certain episodes of Impractical Jokers involving Joe Gatto were removed from the lineup on the Max streaming service , though it's unknown if this is related to his marriage/departure from the show.

Joe and Bessy Gatto Reconciled In 2023, but There's No Guarantee He'll Return to Practical Jokers

In 2023, Joe Gatto announced on Instagram that he and his estranged wife Bessy had reconciled their relationship. This positive news came nearly two years after the pair had separated. During the interim, he published a book titled The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert and Growing Up Italian in 2020. The autobiography details aspects of his life, as well as his love of delicious food and his family's many furry friends.

Another venture that Joe Gatto has embarked on is the Two Cool Moms podcast. He's also campaigned against bullying and became an advocate for the "Adopt, Don't Shop" movement for pets. That's amid his other accomplishments, including becoming an official Kentucky Colonel. It's unknown if the new lease on his marriage will see him return to the show that made him famous, but Impractical Jokers without Joe Gatto certainly isn't the same.

The Impractical Jokers' Sketch Comedy Series Everyone Forgot About

Impractical Jokers spinoff Jokers Wild was a four-episode flop -- despite being exactly what the Tenderloins were originally known for.

Many fans were scared to see what Impractical Jokers would look like without Joe Gatto. It turned out that TruTV was, too. Rather than choosing a replacement for Joe, the cable channel instead used a gaggle of celebrity guests. Some of them fit in better than others, but the entire concept was a problem . Sticking celebrity guests into the void Joe left behind proved what everyone had been thinking : Impractical Jokers needed something new to survive.

It didn't help that potentially great celebrity guests such as the hilarious Eric Andre were completely wasted. The celebrity guests weren't the only new gimmick, however. When Season 9 returned, there was a different title sequence, with bright colors and new clips. While a new sequence was necessary, its design was another way to make things look flashy and different. It was like Impractical Jokers was trying to rebrand itself, not simply editing together a new introduction. The title update was another attempt to pull viewers' attention away from the fact that Joe Gatto wasn't there.

More importantly, Impractical Jokers ' concept of comedy changed . There were a few times when the bit was designed around making one of the Jokers look like a jerk. The approach felt forced and overdone. In fact, the whole season felt forced. Everything was over-planned and had very little room for the improvisation that made the series so successful in the previous eight and a half seasons. It seemed like everyone was so worried about getting the post-Joe shows right that they confined themselves to a strict formula.

This Impractical Jokers Episode Injured Two of Its Stars

Impractical Jokers has had its fair share of risky challenges, but one mishandled Season 5 episode could have single-handedly ended the show.

Even the new punishments in Impractical Jokers have felt forced, and they were more than a bit odd. Almost all of them required one of the Jokers to be physically abused -- like a less entertaining version of the recently revived Jackass . The show made Murr eat a ghost pepper, use an adult vibrator during an interview and play a dead, nearly naked body in a murder mystery. Sal had to give a tour with shock collars strapped to his arms and legs and was kicked in his manhood by Jillian Bell. Meanwhile, Q had to endure attacks from a guard dog and a prolonged ice bath. While some of them were funny as isolated moments, they felt as if the series was desperate to pull out all the stops and show how far it could venture without Joe.

Without Joe Gatto, Impractical Jokers lacked creativity and leaned too much on celebrities and shock humor . While the remaining stars can find a way to go on without him, what audiences saw at the end of Season 9 wasn't it. Luckily, Season 10 was a welcome improvement , even without Joe Gatto, due to relying less on physically-taxing punishments and bringing on guests who fit the show's comedy style. The once-beloved series needs to continue this major revamp if it's going to survive past Season 10. Many fans are hoping that Joe Gatto will return for at least a few episodes, as this may be the one thing to keep Impractical Jokers still going.

Joe's Best Moments

The impractical jokers crashed syfy's 12 monkeys - more than once.

Though the Impractical Jokers are known for being uncomfortably funny, the quarter all had appearances on the very series SyFy TV show 12 Monkeys.

More than any member of the show, Joe Gatto embodied the central premise of truTV's Impractical Jokers . Initially developed as a series called Mission: Uncomfortable , the basic idea behind the show is that the Jokers engage in various tasks in a public setting. These tasks become increasingly ridiculous and uncomfortable for both them and those they interact with, hence the original name. Joe Gatto frequently engaged in shenanigans that made even the other members of The Tenderloins surprised and shocked. Likewise, of all the Impractical Jokers cast, Joe Gatto was the most involved with production and editing. Thus, his departure had a huge impact on the series' comedy given how much of his input crafted the previous seasons.

His best moments include scenes which would have surely embarrassed anyone else who partook in them. For instance, a supposed punishment where Joe Gatto was set to star in a baby commercial (complete with his being dressed in a diaper and bib) instead saw him being roughhoused by a professional sumo wrestler. This same sumo returned in another punishment in which Joe was disguised as a massage chair at the mall, with the act comforting as many as it creeped out. There were also his tendencies to touch things and people with his prominent proboscis, affecting a strange foreign accent to confuse those he interacts with and shouting out for an unseen associate named Larry. Some saw it as comedy that went too far , but it was something that fans of Impractical Jokers looked forward to.

The Other Jokers

Star trek: picard episode 4 features an impractical jokers cameo.

The latest Star Trek: Picard episode features an appearance from Impractical Jokers' Brian Quinn. But who is the mysterious character he plays?

This fearlessness and almost random reckless abandon was a large part of what made the show so popular. Unlike the other Impractical Jokers, Joe Gatto did pretty much anything he was tasked with, and there were very few lines that he refused to cross. Gatto's performances were the exact opposite of Sal Vulcano's, as he was known for being the most bashful of the Jokers. Conversely, Sal is known for constantly laughing at the show's events and falling down, with this being a common occurrence. Compared to both of them, Brian "Q" Quinn and James "Murr" Murray are comparatively low-key in their comedy. This is especially the case with Murray, who's usually the "straight man" of the comedic group. Likewise, he's largely the butt of others' jokes, with the recurring gag being that he's constantly compared to a ferret.

The physical, in your face and relentless nature of Joe Gatto's comedy is sorely missing from Impractical Jokers , and while the show has tried to adjust its formula accordingly, it's been screaming out for "Larry" ever since Joe Gatto's departure. Currently, Season 11 of Impractical Jokers is being filmed , with Season 12 being handled immediately afterward . It's unknown how much longer the series will go on, but given his more stabilized family situation, it's definitely possible that Joe Gatto will rejoin the Impractical Jokers cast before the final punishment.

Impractical Jokers

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Q, Sal, Joe and Murr are real-life best friends who love challenging each other to the most outrageous dares and stunts ever caught on hidden camera.

Impractical Jokers (2011)

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Why Did the Impractical Jokers Tour Get Cancelled? An In-Depth Look at the Reasons Behind the Cancellation

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By Happy Sharer

why did impractical jokers tour get cancelled

Introduction

The Impractical Jokers Tour is an annual gathering of fans of the hit TruTV show ‘Impractical Jokers’, which follows the four friends Joe Gatto, James Murray, Sal Vulcano and Brian Quinn as they engage in a variety of challenges and pranks on each other. The Impractical Jokers Tour was launched in 2013, with the group performing live shows across the country. However, the 2020 tour was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the tour’s cancellation and the impact it had on its fan base.

Interview with the Cast of Impractical Jokers

In an effort to better understand the cancellation of the Impractical Jokers Tour, the show’s cast and crew were interviewed. Joe Gatto, one of the show’s stars, expressed his disappointment over the news: “It’s been such a huge part of our lives for the past seven years. We’ve met so many amazing fans along the way, and we were looking forward to doing it again this year.” He went on to say, “We were all really upset when we heard the news that the tour was cancelled, but we knew it was the right decision given the current situation.”

Logistical Issues That Led to Tour Cancellation

Logistical Issues That Led to Tour Cancellation

The logistical issues that led to the cancellation of the Impractical Jokers Tour were complex and multifaceted. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, large gatherings became increasingly difficult to organize. Venues around the country began closing their doors, making it impossible for the tour to take place. In addition, the need for social distancing meant that the tour would have to be significantly scaled back. This would have resulted in a much smaller audience, making it less financially viable for the show.

Financial Implications of the Cancelled Tour

Financial Implications of the Cancelled Tour

The financial implications of the cancelled Impractical Jokers Tour were significant. The show had invested heavily in advertising and promotion for the tour, and these costs could not be recouped. In addition, tickets had already been sold for some of the shows, and refunds had to be issued. This resulted in a significant financial loss for the show, as well as a public relations setback.

Reaction from the Show’s Fanbase

The reaction from the show’s fanbase was largely negative. Many fans had already purchased tickets and were disappointed to hear that the tour had been cancelled. Some even expressed anger over the news, citing the fact that other events had not been cancelled despite the pandemic. Despite the disappointment, most fans understood the need for the cancellation and expressed their support for the show’s decision.

Safety Concerns Prompting the Tour’s Cancellation

The main reason for the cancellation of the Impractical Jokers Tour was safety concerns. With the ongoing pandemic, large gatherings posed a significant risk to public health. The show’s cast and crew were unwilling to put their fans in danger, and thus felt that cancelling the tour was the only responsible option. As Joe Gatto stated, “We want our fans to be safe, and we don’t want to do anything that might put them at risk.”

Comparison of the Impractical Jokers Tour to Other Recent Cancelled Tours

Comparison of the Impractical Jokers Tour to Other Recent Cancelled Tours

The Impractical Jokers Tour is not the only tour that has been cancelled due to the pandemic. Numerous other music, comedy and theatre tours have been cancelled or postponed due to the health risks associated with large gatherings. These cancellations have had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, with many artists struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of touring revenue.

Insight from Industry Experts

Industry experts have offered insight into why the Impractical Jokers Tour was cancelled. According to Barbara Chai, a senior media analyst for Variety, “The team behind the Impractical Jokers Tour made the right decision to cancel the tour, given the current state of the pandemic. It was a difficult call, but ultimately a necessary one.” She also noted that the show’s fans “understand and appreciate” the decision to cancel the tour.

In conclusion, the Impractical Jokers Tour was cancelled due to a variety of factors, including logistical issues, financial implications, safety concerns, and reaction from the show’s fanbase. The decision to cancel the tour was a difficult one, but ultimately the right one given the current situation. Industry experts have praised the show’s team for making the responsible decision, and the show’s fans have expressed their understanding and support. Ultimately, the cancellation of the Impractical Jokers Tour serves as an example of how the pandemic has impacted the entertainment industry.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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why did impractical jokers tour get cancelled

What has Joe Gatto been up to after leaving ‘Impractical Jokers’?

O n Dec. 31, 2021, comedian Joe Gatto announced he was leaving the “Impractical Jokers” after nine seasons with the show to focus on co-parenting his children with his wife Bessy.

He wasn’t done with comedy though.

Less than a month later, Gatto, 47, began pursuing stand-up.

On a cold January evening in Appleton, WI, he took the stage by himself for the first time.

“It was a small club,” Gatto told the New York Post. “I did 35 minutes that night.”

The Staten Island native was understandably nervous; up until that point, he was always part of an ensemble. Could he carry 100% of the funny?

Simply put, yes.

“It ended up being a great experience,” Gatto smiled. “I was mostly nervous about the new experience, but not so much about going for so long. It was more just this new format.”

After that set, Gatto got the comedy bug and quickly amassed an hour’s worth of material within roughly two months.

That led to nonstop road work where Gatto performed in all 50 states.

“Fargo, ND was number 50 for me,” the 47-year-old comic beamed.

And now, less than two years after his first gig, fans can witness Gatto on his newly announced, nationwide ‘Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy Tour’ which includes a stop at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on Jan. 20, 2024.

“I’ve been touring for a while but I haven’t done stand-up in New York City yet,” he told us. “The Beacon will be the third jewel in the crown for me. I played Madison Square Garden and Radio City with The Tenderloins, and now The Beacon is perfect for my first solo show.”

Those aren’t his only NY stops in the near future though.

Gatto’s also set to drop into Rochester’s Kodak Center on Nov. 30, Ithaca’s State Theatre on Dec. 1, Poughkeepsie’s MJ Nesheiwat Convention Center on Dec. 3, Buffalo’s Kleinhans Music Hall on Dec. 27 and Utica’s Stanley Performing Arts Center on Jan. 25.

Want to find out where else the former “Joker” turned stand-up is headed this year and next?

Keep reading.

We’ve got everything you need to know about his tour dates, comedy style, podcast, the future of “The Impractical Jokers” and much, much more below.

A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets for all upcoming Joe Gatto shows can be found here:

On the stage, Gatto is a storyteller.

“My material is made up of a lot of stories from my life growing up with the ‘Jokers’ and being friends in real life with those guys,” he shared.

“There’s also stories about growing up with a crazy Italian mother on Staten Island. She was a big influence on my life.”

He also talks about being a parent to his wonderful kids.

“My kids are little hams,” he added before jumping into a story.

“The other day, my son comes home from school and says ‘You’re going to want to tell this to the people,'” Gatto deadpanned.

“What do you call a chicken that stares at lettuce?”

He paused for effect.

“Chicken caesar salad.”

“And with that, my son said ‘You’re welcome,’ got up and left the room.”

Still, performing comedy by yourself takes a toll on the veteran “Joker.”

“You don’t have the security net up there when you perform live by yourself,” Gatto explained. “If you’e not there mentally, you still have to carry yourself.”

“All eyes are on you,” he continued. “You’re talking for 65 minutes, making people laugh. That’s the biggest adjustment for me. You have to bring that energy no matter where you’re at.”

Gatto got candid with our team when we asked whether or not he’d ever come back to the show he made his name on over nine seasons.

“I’ll never say never,” he told us. “You never know what the future holds. I will say right now, it’s not on my trajectory. I’m still friends of those guys in real life, but I’ve moved on from the show. The show has moved on from me. As of right now, it’s it’s not in the cards.”

Don’t worry though — the guys are still friends.

“We check in with each other to see how life’s going,” he said.

Since March 2022, Gatto has been recording “Two Cool Moms” with Steve Byrne , a podcast where the two comics riff on topics big and small.

However, the goofy show has been off the air since July of this year.

“The podcast will be coming back in the fall,” Gatto told us. “We got picked up by the iHeart Radio Podcast Network and have already recorded seven episodes with them.”

He’s excited about the partnership too.

“Being a New York guy, I grew up listening to Elvis Duran and I’ve been to plenty of Jingle Balls and Die Hard music festivals and I’m just huge fan of the people that work there.”

You can listen to all 67 episodes of the show that are currently available here .

At most shows, Gatto brings along veteran comic Mark Jigarjian aka Jiggy to get the crowd going.

“Jiggy’s phenomenal,” Gatto gushed.

“He’s a seasoned stand up comic who opened for ‘The Jokers’ when we played our Madison Square Garden show. Just a great guy and has really helped with my material. I’ve been to his wedding, he’s been to my home.”

Want a peek at Jiggy’s comedy? We recommend starting out with Jigarjian’s Instagram here .

As noted above, one of Gatto’s major goals as a performer was to hit all 50 states.

And, after having been everywhere he’s come to enjoy the simple things.

“My favorite part is going down the main streets, getting a cup of coffee, shopping local.”

Still, he makes time to play pranks since — as he said — he can’t turn off wanting to mess with the people he loves.

“My best friend is my sister Carla. When I was in Alaska, I was sharing my location with her when I got to this animal sanctuary.”

While there, Gatto noticed an enclosure on a hill with a bear on top of it.

“So, I stood on my car and made it look like the bear was right behind me,” he laughed. “I pretended not to see it while taking a selfie video, saying stuff like ‘It’s so gorgeous in Alaska, wish you were here, you know?” Then I turn around and act like I just saw the bear.”

“My phone lit up with messages like Where are you?!’ and when I told her it was a joke she was like ‘You’re such a jerk!'”

As for the shows all over the U.S., Gatto meets a variety of audience members.

“At the beginning, there were a lot of ‘Jokers’ fans that came out so they could see me again,” Gatto said.

Other folks that show up know him from the podcast or are familiar with his Instagram which boasts over two million followers.

Still, he thinks most people come in the door knowing and liking him from the TV show.

“I wasn’t playing a character on ‘Impractical Jokers,'” he said. “I’m just myself and then they leave knowing more about me.”

In November 2022, Gatto and his wife Bessy formed Gatto Pups and Friends , Long Island, NY-based 501(c)3 non-profit that advocates for the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement and facilitates adoptions for mainly senior and disabled pups.

“My wife Bessy is pretty passionate about dog rescue and has a soft spot for decrepit, falling apart dogs,” Gatto joked.

Even though he’s kidding around, the two are quite serious and devoted to helping older dogs.

“We just had our 45th adoption this weekend with Cinnamon Roll, a 13-year-old pitbull, such a sweetheart.”

The business is growing too.

“We’ve got our own vehicle, a storefront in Glenhead, our adoption center. We’re a part of our community. It’s been a big thing. It’s a real business. Bessy runs it really well and I really enjoy the work now that I have time to dedicate to the cause.”

Many major jokers you know and love are pounding the pavement this year and next.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss in the near future.

•  Sebastian Maniscalco

•  Pete Davidson

• John Mulaney

•  Jim Gaffigan

•  Chris Tucker

Who else is on the road? Check out our list of the 51 biggest comedians on tour in 2023 here to find out.

Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase.

What has Joe Gatto been up to after leaving ‘Impractical Jokers’?

COMMENTS

  1. Why Did Joe Leave 'Impractical Jokers'? Timeline Of His Departure

    Eric Todisco. Joe Gatto is a famous comedian and former member of The Tenderloins. He starred in Impractical Jokers for nine seasons. He announced his exit from Impractical Jokers in Dec. 2021 ...

  2. Joe Gatto Is Leaving Impractical Jokers. Here's Why

    "Impractical Jokers" has been cracking up audiences for nine seasons now, following the antics of friends Sal Vulcano, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Joe Gatto as they dare each other to get ...

  3. Has 'Impractical Jokers'' Joe Gatto been cancelled?

    Published Jan. 15, 2022, 9:09 a.m. ET. Joe Gatto, far left, with his 'Impractical Jokers' co-stars Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, and James Murray. Getty Images. There's a lot of funny business going ...

  4. The Sad Reason Impractical Jokers' Joe Gatto Is Leaving The Group

    There has been no word yet on the status of any future movies or projects; however, the group's upcoming "Scoopski Potatoes Tour" has been canceled. "Impractical Jokers" has been delighting TV viewers with its hilarious, outrageous antics for years, but, just before Season 10, Joe Gatto is leaving the group.

  5. Impractical Jokers Sets Date for Relocation to TBS

    Sets Date for Relocation to TBS. Starting this July, TV's Impractical Jokers will pull their pranks on a new network. The hidden camera comedy series — which was reported in March to be ...

  6. Impractical Jokers' cast address future of show after Joe Gatto's

    The cast of Impractical Jokers have responded to Joe Gatto 's sudden exit from the long-running comedy show. On Friday (31 December 2021), Gatto said he would "no longer be involved with ...

  7. What Happened to Joe, the Fourth Impractical Joker? Why Did He ...

    It became a beloved show as they continued to prank people and receive funny punishments across nine seasons. But on New Year's Eve in 2021, Joe announced that he would be leaving the show ...

  8. Why Did Joe Leave 'Impractical Jokers'? Answered and Explained

    Published: Feb 20, 2023 01:52 pm. Joe Gatto is best known for his comedic excellence on Impractical Jokers, but after years of delighting fans, the prankster has officially left the show. On New ...

  9. Joe Gatto leaving 'Impractical Jokers'

    CNN —. Comedian Joe Gatto has announced that he will be leaving the popular television series "Impractical Jokers" after nine seasons to focus on fatherhood. "Alongside my friends, I've ...

  10. Impractical Jokers comedian Joe Gatto coming to Lubbock

    According to a press release, Gatto is best known in the hit television shows, "Impractical Jokers" and "The Misery Index." Gatto's Let's Get Into It tour will feature new materials ...

  11. 'Impractical Jokers' tour takeaways: Tortured Jokers Department, more

    4:40. Everyone's favorite jokesters came to town Friday: the cast of the hit TV series "Impractical Jokers." Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray and Brian "Q" Quinn took over the ballroom at Hard ...

  12. Impractical Jokers:

    Impractical Jokers is seeing a big exit. Joe Gatto (above, left) started off 2022 by announcing his departure from the comedy series after a decade, per

  13. Why Were Some Episodes of 'Impractical Jokers' Removed?

    Article continues below advertisement. And now folks are finding it strange that certain episodes of the series were removed from both HBO Max and TruTV. Episodes 9 and 24 from the series' 4th season, and episode 12 from Season 7 has been pulled, along with 16 and 25 from Season 8. Source: Twitter | @electrotriple11.

  14. What Happened To Joe From Impractical Jokers: Why He Left The Show

    Summary. Joe from Impractical Jokers left the show in 2021 to focus on being the best father and co-parent to his two kids after his separation from his wife Bessy. Joe and Bessy were able to reconcile their marriage and celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary. Despite this, Joe has not expressed any plans to rejoin Impractical Jokers.

  15. 'Impractical Jokers': The Real Reason Joe Gatto Is Leaving the Show

    3 min read. Funnyman Joe Gatto has announced his departure from tru TV 's hit series Impractical Jokers after nine seasons. His exit thankfully doesn't seem to have anything to do with any bad ...

  16. Impractical Jokers Without Joe Gatto Was a Failure

    Joe Gatto's departure hurt Impractical Jokers' formula, leading to the latter half of Season 9's epic failure. Impractical Jokers struggled without Joe, resorting to forced comedy, odd celebrity guests, and over-planned bits. Joe Gatto's fearless comedy style and involvement in production made him the best part of Impractical Jokers. There was ...

  17. Why did they cancel the tour? : r/ImpracticalJokers

    Related Impractical Jokers TV comedy Television forward back. r/poppunkers. r/poppunkers. The front page for all Pop Punk related content! Members Online. Remaining dates of Neck Deep's US tour have been cancelled due to covid

  18. For anyone wondering why they canceled the tour….

    The dates were changed three times. I think it's pretty obvious the cancelation is because Larry got the Rona. 113 votes, 10 comments. 127K subscribers in the ImpracticalJokers community. The following subreddit contains posts of graphic stupidity among four….

  19. Did anyone else's tour date get cancelled??

    I found out this Tues that the tour is cancelled. I thought it might be due to COVID again, but Murr is touring solo, and I just saw Sal post his own tour dates. In fact, Sal just posted on Instagram that he has some tour date for FL on 12/4/21. That was supposed to be their Green Bay show. When you've been a huge fan for years, and have spent ...

  20. Why Did the Impractical Jokers Tour Get Cancelled? An In-Depth Look at

    This article takes an in-depth look at why the Impractical Jokers tour was cancelled. It explores the perspectives of the cast and crew, the logistical issues that led to the cancellation, the financial implications, the reaction from the show's fanbase, the safety concerns prompting the tour's cancellation, a comparison to other recent cancelled tours, and insight from industry experts.

  21. Impractical jokers 2022 tour canceled? : r/ImpracticalJokers

    Sort by: Search Comments. victorian_dolly. • 2 yr. ago. They were all cancelled awhile back. First due to COVID and then due to Joe leaving. According to Sal they will start touring again together next year. Right now Sal, Joe and Murr are touring separate. 19.

  22. What has Joe Gatto been up to after leaving 'Impractical Jokers'?

    to find out. On Dec. 31, 2021, comedian Joe Gatto announced he was leaving the "Impractical Jokers" after nine seasons with the show to focus on co-parenting his children with his wife Bessy ...

  23. HBO Max and TruTV Reportedly Remove Impractical Jokers Content ...

    And with Netflix they sign up to a series/movie for a certain amount of time. So maybe the makers of Impractical Jokers did deals with lots of major broadcasters and all with an end date of around Novermber/December 2021 and then the Joe news broke and its all a bit of an unfortunate coincidence.

  24. Sorry, its the time to cancel Impractical Jokers : r ...

    In the early days there was a lot of feedback to show the people being told they are on a show. They still very rarely do this, which I kind of get, the main premise of the show is that they are pranking each other rather than the public and sometimes pranks that are more focused on the public can come across a bit mean spirited.