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If you go looking for certain episodes of Impractical Jokers, you might not find them. Multiple outlets have reported that several episodes have been pulled from streaming that show Joe Gatto in cringe-worthy situations. The news comes amid Gatto’s exit from the truTV series, which follows “four lifelong friends who compete to embarrass each other.”

Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, and James Murray of truTV's 'Impractical Jokers' pose together on the red carpet at a media event
The stars of ‘Impractical Jokers,’ including Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, and James Murray, on the red carpet at an event in May 2019 in New York City | Mike Coppola/Getty Images for WarnerMedia

Inside Joe Gatto’s exit from ‘Impractical Jokers’

Gatto made headlines on Dec. 31, after he posted a “more-serious-than-usual” message on his Instagram announcing his leave from Impractical Jokers.

“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.”

Joe revealed he had separated from his wife Bessy and would be taking the time off “to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.” But he assured his fans that he would try to “create new ways to entertain [them]” as he worked through his “challenges.”

His co-stars — Sal Vulcano, James Murray, and Brian Quinn — were sad to hear it. But for their fans’ sake, they’re continuing Impractical Jokers, which first launched in 2011. Production on season 10 is set to begin in January of 2022, according to a statement.

Certain episodes of ‘Impractical Jokers’ are reportedly missing amid his exit

Days after the news of Gatto’s departure, Paste Magazine reported that truTV had cleansed his name from its website. The outlet also reported that truTV and HBO Max had purged episodes of Gatto in “compromising situations.” One of them reportedly showed Gatto disguised as a shopping mall massage chair and rubbing on people; the other showed the comedian kissing shoppers. 

The reason for the alleged removal is unclear. But perhaps more information will emerge in the coming days. Showbiz Cheat Sheet previously reached out to truTV for comment on his exit but did not hear back.

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What’s next for the comedian

Although he’s no longer part of Impractical Jokers, Gatto seems to have various things going on. Aside from his family life, he’ll also be hitting the Midwest soon for a string of comedy shows.

“When I committed to my upcoming series of shows starting in the Midwest this week, I obviously had no idea what life would look like at this moment,” he wrote on Instagram. “Regardless, we can all use some laughter and kindness right now, and I’ll therefore be keeping all of my dates. Excited to share some laughs with the fans in Iowa this weekend and all over the country in the weeks and months to come.”

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