Impractical Jokers, a beloved comedy-reality series, has enjoyed an enduring run spanning over a decade, with the excitement of its tenth season renewal in early 2023. Audiences quickly embraced the camaraderie of the show’s core quartet: Joe Gatto, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano, whose close-knit bond dates back to their high school days. Their playful antics, challenging one another to hilarious dares in public, evolved from a lighthearted pursuit to a wildly successful TV show, eventually culminating in a film release in 2020.
However, the harmony of the group faced a significant shift following the triumph of their movie and the ongoing success of the television series. In a surprising turn of events, Joe Gatto, one of the Jokers, made the decision to depart from the iconic team. In late 2021, Gatto announced his departure, citing an “amicable” divorce from his wife of eight years and personal trials as the reasons behind his choice. Expressing gratitude on Instagram to Sal, Murr, Q, and the show’s devoted fans, he revealed his intention to focus on his family and children during a challenging period of transition.
Since bidding adieu to the show, Gatto has ventured into solo endeavors, infusing humor into various avenues. His foray into stand-up comedy commenced less than a month after leaving the series. Additionally, he established his own nonprofit organization, Gatto Pups and Friends, dedicated to rescuing senior and disabled dogs, channeling his passion for animal welfare.
In a bid to continue spreading laughter, Gatto launched a comedy podcast named Two Cool Moms alongside comedian Steve Byrne, offering advice and entertainment to their audience. Making guest appearances on other prominent podcasts and embarking on nationwide comedy tours have also been part of Gatto’s post-Impractical Jokers career.
Despite his flourishing solo pursuits, the question looms large among fans: will Joe Gatto ever return to Impractical Jokers? While Gatto hasn’t ruled it out entirely, expressing a “never say never” attitude, his potential comeback to the show remains uncertain. In discussions on podcasts like Scheana Shay’s Scheananigans, Gatto hinted at the possibility of a live appearance with the remaining Jokers, expressing his longing to collaborate with his friends again. However, a television comeback doesn’t seem imminent, dashing the hopes of eager fans, although Gatto’s words leave a glimmer of hope for a reunion in the future.
Despite this uncertainty, fans maintain optimism, encouraged by the absence of animosity between the cast members. This optimistic outlook suggests that a return might not be as far-fetched as previously assumed, offering hope akin to the dreams of a One Direction reunion that once seemed improbable.