Let’s paint a picture of a “Dream Job” – you met your gang in school and swore to be lifelong friends. Even after college, you keep in touch. Then you reunite for more shenanigans. Then life hits you each individually.
But still, you get back and get your own show which runs for ten years. And all you have to do in that show is, be friends with each other and get paid in abundance… doesn’t that sound like an ideal scenario but also slightly delusional?
What if I told you four friends actually realized this dream?
It all began in Staten Island, at Monsignor Farrell High School in New York. Four outcasts (just a presumption) – Joe Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano met and formed a bond instantly. Not a single soul could have imagined that this young quartet’s friendship would yield them millions of dollars.
Murray, Joe, and Sal were even a part of the improv group Tenderloins, formed in 1999, touring with live shows. Brian joined the troupe in 2006; later, Tenderloins won the grand prize at NBC’s “It’s Your Show” worth $100,000. After building a considerable fan following, the gang was offered a show in 2011 called Initially Mission: Uncomfortable.
But after several test runs, the show was rebranded as a hidden camera reality show titled Impractical Jokers, honing on their improvisational skills as well. Soon after airing its first season on TruTV, the show gained a cult following, with over 30 million viewers tuning in.
Impractical Jokers
The show followed a simple format: Four friends are given various challenges throughout the episode. The hidden camera factor comes in when they are asked to interact with random strangers and record their reactions (of course, they are allowed to air the segment only after signed consent forms from the strangers or else blur their faces).
A typical challenge involves the four jokers getting the strangers to do/say/act/express a preplanned mission. While one joker is on the task, the remaining three will direct him on what to do through the earpiece.
The scores of each challenge are calculated, and at the end of the episode, the last joker in the ranking board is given a punishment…well, that’s an understatement!
Who Are The Impractical Jokers?
Here’s a brief introduction of each joker (unserious, unhinged edition) –
Joe Gatto: The man who got married after signing up for the show, and now he has to explain to his kids why he does everything he tells his kids not to do. His key identifier is his potbelly, which he dons proudly. Also, he has zero shame.
Sal Vulcano: The handsome bachelor who is the closer to being the voice of reason. But when his friends are subjected to torture, he breaks down on the floor, laughing uncontrollably.
Q: He is divorced, that’s it… that’s the joke. His key identifier is that he is a clone of Rosie O’Donnell.
Murr: Poor boy Murr is literally the G.O.A.T…nay, more like a scapegoat. He faces worse challenges and worst punishments. Nevertheless, his misery is our laughter.
What Happened to Joe on Impractical Jokers?
On New Year’s Eve of 2021, Joe Gatto announced that he would be leaving the show after nine seasons. Fans were heartbroken over Joe’s sudden departure, while many speculated that all was not well behind the scenes between the four jokers. Show business usually has a smiling facade to keep the show going, indicating that Joe might conflict with the other three.
However, these speculations were far from true. Joe got married to Bessy in 2013 and had their first daughter Milana in 2015 and son Remington in 2017. After eight years of marriage, the couple filed for divorce in 2021. Joe stated the reason for his departure was personal issues and that he needed to focus on spending quality time with his children.
“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.”
What are your thoughts on Joe’s absence from the show? Do you like the new format of a new celebrity joker every week? Who is your favorite Impractical Joker?
Comment below your opinions and also mention your favorite worst punishment.
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