Impractical Jokers Star Joe Gatto ‘Stepping Away’ From Show

Television’s Impractical Jokers member Joe Gatto posted the surprising news on Instagram before the New Year 2022 rang in that he would “create new ways to entertain you.”

“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,” 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. 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,” he continued. “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.”

How Gatto’s exit affects the future of the troupe is unknown. The stars of the long-running TruTV series struck a first-look deal with WarnerMedia earlier in 2021 and had their flagship show renewed for a tenth season.

The Tenderloins comedy troupe, which includes Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn and Sal Vulcano, were slated to develop and produce original unscripted and scripted programming for TNT, TBS and truTV as well as HBO Max.

The also star in Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party, launched Impractical Jokers: The Movie in 2020 and are making Impractical Jokers: After Party with Joey Fatone.