IMPRACTICAL Jokers fans have expressed anger over a sudden cast shakeup ahead of an all-new episode of the prank show.
Brian Quinn shared the unexpected news with fans on Thursday, hours before the new episode was due to air.
Impractical Jokers star Brian, 48, posted a photo of himself alongside comedian Joe DeRosa, Terry Matalas, and James Murray.
“These are your impractical Jokers for part of tonight’s episode. Sal [Vulcano] got sick the day of filming so instead of cancelling the shoot we roped @TerryMatalas and @JoDeRosaComedy to fill in,” his caption revealed.
“The results speak for themselves. People are gonna love this bit. My two dear friends came to set with an energy and exuberance that lifted the whole day. One of my favorite shoots in the entire run.”
He continued, “DeRosa’s laugh is infectious. You’ll see what I mean. This guy came to play and boy does he. I was jealous of his turn.
“Can’t wait for the world to meet Bean Terry. I finally got to pay Terry back for creating Dale and putting me in so many great shows that I have no place being in. Wait until you see how happy he is to be torturing me as Bean Terry.”
“They’ll both be back,” his post concluded.
He also shared a few stills from the episode, teasing belly laughs to come, despite the temporary cast change.
Fans in the comments were split on the news.
Some complained and begged for Joe Gatto, who left the show before Season 10, to return.
Impractical Jokers shocks with big schedule shakeup for new season – but fans’ ‘hearts sank’ over potential cancellation (moving to TBS)
“Didn’t know yall can actually call in sick lmaoooo,” wrote one critical commenter.
“We miss Joe, Q,” complained a second.
“No Joe?” Questioned a third viewer.
“First Joe, now Sal (Murr is next),” speculated a fourth.
Impractical Jokers Details
The reality series follows longtime friends who dare eachother to do embarassing tasks in public
-Impractical Jokers premiered on truTV in 2011
-The reality show starred Joe Gazzo, James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, and Sal Vulcano
-Joe left the series after Season 9 in 2022 to focus on his personal life
-The improvisational show currently stars James, Brian, and Sal
-Before Season 11, the series revealed it would be switching over from truTV to TBS
“I stopped watching after Joe left,” someone else shared.
“Unless Joe comes back to the show it doesn’t matter who your guests will be, we won’t be watching and haven’t since he left. Sorry,” revealed another.
Another commenter demanded, “Bring Joe Gatto back.”
“I’ve been waiting for the Joey D episode! He too has a great laugh,” gushed one fan.
“I want a permanent spin off with these guys! Haven’t seen it yet but I know I want it,” demanded another.
“If DeRose is involved, you know it’s gonna be good!” assured someone else.
JOE’S EXIT
Joe left Impractical Jokers in 2023 following his split from his wife, Bessy.
He shared the news with fans on New Year’s Eve, telling fans he wanted to focus on co-parenting his children.
Joe was an original member of the show’s cast and part of the comedy troupe known as The Tenderloins, which featured James, Brian, and Sal.
Joe was also an executive producer on Impractical Jokers prior to his exit.
The show was renewed for a tenth season, which Joe was not a part of.
“I just wanted to let you all know that I will no longer be involved with ‘Impractical Jokers,'” he wrote in an Instagram post.
“Alongside my friends, I’e 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.”
Joe and his pals formed The Tenderloins in 1999, and went on to perform improv and sketch comedy together.
Impractical Jokers premiered in 2011 and has an incredible run.
The remaining members of the show’s cast said in a statement that Impractical Jokers would continue in Joe’s absence, adding that they would begin filming a “new chapter” in January.
“Hi everyone, so here we are… After all these years together, we never imagined making ImpracticalJokers without Joe,” the statement from James, Brian, and Sal read.
“While we are saddened to see him go, we want to keep making people laugh, keep our relationship working with the members of our team that we consider family. With the support of our fans, we’ll get back to making a new chapter of Impractical Jokers in January.”
Impractical Jokers follows the comics as they force one another to prank strangers and often humiliate themselves along the way.
Several well-known stars have appeared on the show, including Harry Connick Jr, Jameela Jamil, and Jeff Daniels.
A spin-off feature film starring The Tenderloins was released in February 2020.
Joe praised his former co-stars in his own post about the show.
“Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q and Sal have been the most important in my life,” he wrote at the time.
“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.
He continued, “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.”
IT’S OVER
Bessy confirmed her split from Joe in an Instagram post of her own.
She said that they made the decision to separate with “love and respect.”
“Although we will no longer be a couple, we will always be a family to our beautiful kids and we look forward to co-parenting together. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate this new chapter together,” Bessy shared.
“And of course we will still continue to help animals and rescue dogs, which is something we are both passionate about!”
Joe and Bessy are parents to two children, Milana, six, and Remington, four.
The couple tied the knot in 2013.
