Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto announced that he is leaving the show in the middle of production, although season 10 does not have a release date yet. This news from Gatto was released in a “more-serious-than-usual” Instagram post on Dec. 31, 2021. Gatto blamed his departure on personal issues in his life.

“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,” Gatto posted to Instagram. “However, due to some issues in my personal life, I have to step away.” 

During a Jan. 14 stand-up comedy show, Gatto joked about his split from his wife, Bessy Gatto, after a fan shouted out mid segment “How’s life going?” An exclusive eyewitness told Us Weekly, “It was really funny [and] didn’t seem nervous at all.” Gatto responded to the comment by saying, “Pretty [expletive] fantastic,” and quickly ended the conversation and picked up with his show. 

Gatto kept his Impractical Jokers departure private, not releasing information on his personal life during what little was left of his tour before it concluded with a performance at Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa “just weeks after the comedian also confirmed on December 31 that he and his wife of eight years decided to part way,” according to US Weekly.

Through Instagram, Gatto explained, “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,” US Weekly reported.

“I was upset to hear that Joe would be stepping away from the show,” Olympic Heights senior Aiden Ginsberg commented. “I used to watch it regularly because of him. I always thought he was the funniest of the four jokers because he never seemed afraid to do anything. Without him on the show, it won’t be the same. I hope they can still be successful, but I think they might find that to be difficult.” 

“It’s very disheartening seeing Joe drop the show,’ OH senior Maggie Luongo added. “I think the show will be worse because Joe was my favorite joker. I also noticed that on the Instagram bio, they took Joe out and that made me upset.” 

“Outside of my family, my relationships with Murr, Q, and Sal have been the most important in my life,” Gatto reminisced on the friendships he’s developed over the years with co-workers in his Instagram post. “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.”