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Fans are wondering about the future of The Misery Index following Joe Gatto’s exit from Impractical Jokers.

The game show, hosted by Jameela Jamil, features Gatto and his truTV co-stars James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano as they compete on teams to figure out the ranking of “hilarious and miserable real-life events on a scale of 1-100 based on the ‘Misery Index,’ a ranking system created by a team of therapists,” per the TBS synopsis. But Gatto’s departure raises questions about its future.

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

Joe Gatto’s exit from ‘Impractical Jokers’ catapulted questions about the future of ‘The Misery Index’

Gatto shocked us all when he announced his departure from Impractical Jokers. He shared the news in December of 2021 in a “more-serious-than-usual” post on Instagram.

“I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with Impractical Jokers,” Gatto 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.”

Gatto noted he’d separated from his wife Bessy Gatto and wanted time “to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.” But he hoped to be able to “create new ways to entertain you” in the future.

The status of ‘The Misery Index’ is uncertain

Gatto’s post left many fans wondering about other projects, including The Misery Index. “I don’t know why it just hit me but with Joe’s exit from The Tenderloins and IJ has any type of announcement come out about a new season or how The Misery Index will be impacted?” one fan wrote on Reddit.

Unfortunately, the future is unclear for The Misery Index. The show aired its latest episode in March of 2021 and TBS has not said whether it’s been canceled or renewed. Emails seeking comment to WarnerMedia, the parent company of TBS, were not immediately returned.

The good news is, there’s still plenty of content to come from the jokers. Deadline reported in 2021 that the comedians had signed a deal with WarnerMedia, under which they’ll “develop and produce original unscripted and scripted programming for TNT, TBS, and truTV as well as HBO Max.” While the exact details are unclear, executive Corie Henson said the jokers had “a ton of ideas about how to turn more hits into an even bigger brand.”

“We have three networks, so we’re going to get out of their way, and give them the support and the biggest platform to do just that,” Henson added.

Related

‘Impractical Jokers’: Q, Sal, and Murr Address Joe Gatto’s Departure and Fate of the Show

‘Impractical Jokers’ will also continue

The jokers have also confirmed that Impractical Jokers will continue. Q noted the show would indeed be “weirder” without Gatto — but in a good way.

“The show, it’s gonna be a bit weirder, the show going forward,” he said on his podcast Tell ’em Steve-Dave!. “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,” he 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.”

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