Is Joey Fatone replacing Joe Gatto on Impractical Jokers? Or will the empty spot in the Tenderloins
be filled by someone else? Want to know what other celebs may be in the running? Keep watching.
In December 2021, Joe Gatto of Impractical Jokers announced he would depart the long-running TruTV
series. Unfortunately, this was no practical joke, and the remaining cast members have
pushed forward without their long-time friend by their side, pranking unsuspecting victims.
Gatto had been on the show since its founding in 2011. Along with his pals Brian "Q" Quinn, James
"Murr" Murray, and Sal Vulcano, the four would venture forth, usually in New York City, where
they would make fools of themselves in public, making people uncomfortable in the process.
"My wife was a rat."
"And I'm her little cheese boy."
"Now, currently I'm her little cheese boy."
It was all in the name of good fun, and the gang certainly produced numerous laughs over the years,
both for themselves and the millions of viewers watching at home.
Starting partway through Season 9, Joe Gatto left the series,
and the remaining cast members have ventured forth without their friend.
In his place, they've brought on various guest stars, including comedians Eric André
and Colin Jost. The situation begs the question of whether someone will enter the fold to replace
Gatto for good. Here's everything we know so far about a prospective Gatto replacement.
Finding a new joker to join the ranks of the show would be no easy task.
They would have to find someone who vibes well with the current cast members
and has no problem making a fool of himself in public. As it turns out,
the guys already had someone in that wheelhouse in the form of former *NSYNC singer Joey Fatone.
He's appeared on numerous episodes and specials over the years, having no problem getting in on
the action himself. Fatone even hosts the aftershow Impractical Jokers: After Party,
which sees the guys break down their favorite moments from episodes
as well as offering bonus content to viewers. It's obvious he has a lot of fun on the show,
but would he make a good permanent co-host to take Joe Gatto's spot?
"A lot of the, uh, a lot of the stuff I learned on the 'Dog Whisperer' works for her."
Fatone was actually asked about such a development at the Fandemic Dead 2022 panel in Atlanta.
He was questioned as to whether he would consider replacing Joe Gatto permanently on the show.
He responded coyly but honestly, saying,
"Heck, yeah! ... I'd love to, but it's Joe. Joe is the man on that one; let's be real.
All of them are, but he had no fear whatsoever. That dude did not care,
and he's good at it. He's really good at it. So yeah, I'll probably come out and do stuff."
So, if Fatone wouldn't do the show full-time, who would be next in line? There are a ton of
noteworthy comedians out there who would likely love the opportunity to pal around with the
Jokers. However, Gatto brought something special to the proceedings. For starters,
the four of them had been friends for years prior to getting a show, and you can't fake that kind of
chemistry. Gatto also became well-loved throughout his time on the prank show for his boldness and
willingness to do everything and anything for a laugh. That's why it may not come as much of a
surprise to hear there are no plans to include a permanent fourth host on the show any time soon.
James Murray did an interview with Staten Island Advance where he was
asked about Gatto and the prospect of replacing him.
While Murray explained how the show was definitely different, he elaborated,
"He's irreplaceable, so we didn't even try to replace him. That's the idea;
since he's such an integral part of the heart of the show,
he can't be replaced; he won't ever be replaced. There will never be a fourth member like that."
Since his departure, the show has instead opted for one-off celebrity co-hosts, but it sounds
like that'll be the system they implement for the foreseeable future. Murray went on to say,
"The show is still hysterical. It's different, it'll always be different,
but it's still hysterical, and I'm just glad to still be doing it with my best friends."
Anyone who's watched the most recent episodes knows all too well how funny the series has
remained, so while viewers hold out hope for Gatto's return, at least they have plenty of
hilarious guest star antics with the rest of the crew to tide them over.
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