‘Impractical Jokers’: Murr Reveals Key Change After Joe Gatto Exit
In the midst of Joe Gatto’s exit from Impractical Jokers, the big question is how the show will change without him. The funnyman, known for his unique brand of humor and willingness to participate in almost stunt, was an integral part of the series, appearing in all nine seasons along with friends James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano before announcing his departure in December of 2021. Luckily, the series will continue — but with one key change.
What happened to Joe Gatto on ‘Impractical Jokers’
Those who watch and enjoy the show were stunned when Gatto announced his departure. He shared the news in a “more-serious-than-usual” Instagram post, citing personal issues.
“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.”
Noting he’d separated from wife Bessy Gatto, Gatto said he would be taking time away to “focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.” He concluded the post by thanking fans for their support and sharing his hope for new opportunities “to create new ways to entertain you.”
The jokers reacted to the news in a heartfelt statement, in which it was also confirmed that the show would continue. Production on the next season later kicked off in January.
Murr’s update on ‘Impractical Jokers’
Speaking about the show’s new format, Murr revealed that guests hosts will now fill in that spot on a weekly basis. “So in ‘Jokers,’ every episode will end with a different celeb guest as part of the punishment, which has been great fun,” he shared on Instagram. “We’ve had Method Man, Colin Jost, Eric André, and lots of other great celebrities, and it’s been horribly embarrassing.”
Murr noted that André, best known for his eponymous sketch comedy show on Adult Swim, will kick things off in a special episode airing on April 2 on truTV, TBS, and TNT. “He was funny as hell, it was great,” Murr said of the Bad Trip star. Then, new episodes of Impractical Jokers will begin rolling out in June.
“You’re gonna love it,” he continued. “It’s great. Everything is going well, the filming is well, we’re just going on. … Yes, we are bringing ‘Impractical Jokers’ back, and it’s gonna be awesome. So don’t worry.”
Expect things to get ‘weirder’
Q also addressed the future of the show on the Tell ’em Steve-Dave! podcast, hosted by him and Walt Flanagan and Bryan Johnson of Comic Book Men. He said it’ll be “a bit weirder” without Gatto, of course, but not in a bad way.
“The show, it’s gonna be a bit weirder, the show going forward,” he said. “I’m able to get a little bit more of my s*** [in] … I am getting in some like fun weird s*** now. It’s kind of revitalized the show. I think this is actually going to give the show legs that were getting tired if that makes sense.”
“Now I’m just like, ‘F*** it, let’s start breaking format here and there,” Q added. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think people were going to like it, but I think people are going to be really surprised at what we end up doing. It’s going to be great. I’m more invested and more involved and having more fun than I’ve had in a long time.”
We’re interested to see the turnout. Find Impractical Jokers now on truTV.
