For the past ten years, Impractical Jokers has been one of the best shows on television. If I thought there were any chance you hadn’t seen it, I’d break down the hidden-camera show for you, but who in their right mind hasn’t laughed out loud while watching it?
Last night, Joe Gatto announced that he would be stepping away from Impractical Jokers via an Instagram post. This is what he had to say:
“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.
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. 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.
To all of the amazing fans, thank you for allowing me to make you laugh with Jokers. They say that laughter is the best medicine, and I hope I’ve been able to provide some of that over the last decade. Seeing you laugh has been my own medicine, particularly in these weird and difficult times we find ourselves.
As I work through the challenges I am facing, I hope to and am excited to create new ways to entertain you.
Much love,
Joe”
It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear that Joe won’t be doing the show anymore, but you have to wish the best for Joe in his future. He’s undoubtedly the best of the crew, as nothing ever seems to really phase him, and the show will not be the same without him. As of now, Murr, Sal, and Q haven’t said anything about how the show will progress without him except for the fact that his departure doesn’t mean the end of Impractical Jokers.
But in all reality, Joe leaving pretty much does mean the end of it. It’s hard to imagine watching the three of them without him – especially the three of them with someone else in his place – so it will be interesting to see what comes next.
All there is to do now is be thankful for the ten years the show gave us. As stupid as it is when every guy says to his friends, “We could do Impractical Jokers,” the sentiment there is that everyone’s dream is to be able to mess around like that with their closest friends, and being able to see those four do it for so long brought countless people little bits of happiness every time they turned on their TV.
