What Happened To Joe From Impractical Jokers: Why He Left The Show (2024)

Joe's departure from the show left a hole in the classic lineup and had fans wondering what happened to Joe from Impractical Jokers. The hidden camera reality show follows the members of The Tenderloins as they challenge each other to put themselves in embarrassing situations for the amusem*nt of others. An immediate smash hit on TruTV, the series has blossomed into a bona fide franchise with spinoffs like Inside Jokes and even a feature-length film. A big part of the show's success is the likability of its cast, and they have anchored the program for over a decade.

Unlike previous hidden camera reality shows, the comedy of the main troupe takes center stage, and they are the butt of the joke as opposed to unsuspecting people on the street. While there are still fake things about Impractical Jokers, their unique brand of cringe-inducing humor provides a cathartic release for viewers just looking for a laugh. Despite years of massive success, original member Joe Gatto departed the show in 2021, and his absence has been felt even as the show chugs on without him.

Watch Impractical Jokes on Max

Joe Left Impractical Jokers To Be With His Family After His Separation

Joe Mentioned In An Instagram Post That He Will Focus On Being The Best Father He Can

Though Impractical Jokers is all about fun and games, unfortunately, real life tends to get in the way, and Joe left the show to be with his family in 2021. As he mentioned in a lengthy Instagram post, Joe departed the show in the wake of his amicable separation from his wife Bessy. The massive success of the series put a strain on the personal lives of all the performers, and Joe made it clear where his priorities were. The couple had several children together, and Joe stated:

I need to focus on being the best father and co-parent to our two incredible kids.

Joe Reconciled With His Wife (But Still Not Confirmed To Appear On Impractical Jokers)

A Myriad Of Celebrity Guests Have Taken Joe's Place

Fortunately for the entire Gatto clan, Joe and his wife Bessy were able to reconcile their marriage, and according to Hollywood Life, celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in September 2023. Of their lengthy relationship, Bessy Gatto said:

I think of all the changes we have gone through, good and bad. At the end, I would not change a single thing.

This echoed the sentiment of her famous husband. Joe Gatto has continued to perform while away from Impractical Jokers, and he appears for stand-up sets and hosts the Two Cool Moms podcast with Steve Byrne.

Despite the joyous news regarding Joe's marriage reconciliation, Gatto has not expressed any plans to rejoin his former Tenderloin teammates any time soon. The show has continued without him as a myriad of celebrity guests have taken his place, and it seems as if Gatto has been able to pivot his success from the show into a show business career more akin to his family-oriented lifestyle. It can be assumed that Joe has not changed his mind about being there for his kids, and it is likely that he won't return on a full-time basis to Impractical Jokers.

Impractical Jokers

Reality

Impractical Jokers is a hidden-camera prank show starring Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, and and Joe Gatto, four lifelong friends who compete to embarass each other. The format consists of a set of challenges that test the friends' improvisational skills and their ability to follow instructions through an earpiece; whoever loses the most is put through a humiliating or terrifying punishment at the end of the episode.

Cast

James Murray , Joe Gatto , Sal Vulcano

Release Date

December 15, 2011

Seasons

10

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , HBO Max