It’s been over a decade since four best friends from Staten Island started throwing each other into the line of fire for our amusement. We’ve seen them sniff strangers, fail at job interviews, and get tattoos they’ll regret until they’re 90. But lately, things feel different. If you’ve been following Joe, Q, Sal, and Murr, you know the "Fab Four" dynamic isn't what it used to be. The laughter is still there, sure, but the lineup has shifted in ways that left fans scrambling for answers.
Honestly, it’s kinda weird to see the show without Joe Gatto’s "Larry!" screams echoing through a park. When Joe announced he was leaving Impractical Jokers back in late 2021, it felt like the end of an era. People thought it was a prank. It wasn’t. He cited personal reasons, specifically his divorce from his wife, Bessy, and a need to focus on his kids. But as 2026 rolls around, the story has evolved into something much more complex than a simple "family first" exit.
The Real Reason Joe Gatto Left the Group
For a long time, the narrative was clean. Joe was the family man, he needed to co-parent, and he was stepping away to find himself. And he did—sort of. He and Bessy actually reconciled in late 2023, which made fans hope he’d pop back into the show full-time. But that didn't happen. Instead, 2025 brought a wave of headlines that nobody saw coming.
Allegations of "poor judgment" and inappropriate behavior surfaced, leading Joe to briefly step away from the public eye. He didn't just hide, though. He entered an inpatient facility to work on himself, canceled his tour, and took a hard look at his life. He eventually returned to the stage, but the bridge back to the TV show seemed effectively burned. He’s gone on record saying he’s "so removed" from the series now that returning just wouldn't feel right. It’s a bummer, but it’s the reality.
Where is Joe Gatto Now?
If you’re looking for Joe in 2026, you won't find him on truTV. You’ll find him on a comedy club stage. He’s leaned heavily into his solo stand-up career. He’s currently touring cities like Huntsville and New Brunswick, telling stories about his life and his dogs. He also released a comedy special called Messing with People on Hulu. It’s a different vibe. It’s less about the hidden cameras and more about the man behind the persona.
Sal, Murr, and Q: Can the Show Survive as a Trio?
When Joe left, everyone wondered if Sal Vulcano, James "Murr" Murray, and Brian "Q" Quinn could keep the lights on. They tried. Season 11 and 12 moved to TBS, and the format shifted to include celebrity guests like Brooke Shields and Joey Fatone filling the "fourth chair" gap. It’s been… okay.
Sal is arguably the one who has flourished the most outside of the main show. He’s built a massive podcast empire with shows like Hey Babe! and Taste Buds. He’s essentially become the "cool kid" of the Staten Island group, deeply embedded in the New York stand-up scene. He’s touring 2026 with a solo act that feels much more polished than his early Joker days.
Murr’s Business Brain and Q’s Quiet Success
Then you have Murr. James Murray has always been the business-minded one. While he’s still getting punished on TV—like that time he had to be a server at Delmonico's and stall customers forever—his real focus has shifted to Impractical Productions. He’s producing horror films like Don't Move and adapting his thriller novels for the screen. He’s basically trying to become the next big producer while still letting people shave his eyebrows off for ratings.
Q, or Brian Quinn, is the soul of the group. He’s still doing his thing with the Tell 'Em Steve-Dave! podcast and running his brewery. He’s always seemed the most "normal" of the bunch, probably because of his history as a firefighter. He’s the glue that keeps Sal and Murr from killing each other when the cameras aren't rolling.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Beef"
Social media loves a good fight. There have been endless rumors about "bad blood" between Joe and the remaining trio. Fans look at their Instagram follows like they’re analyzing the Zapruder film. "Why didn't Sal like Joe's post?" "Is Q mad at Joe?"
The truth is much more boring. They’re still friends. They just aren't "work friends" anymore. Imagine working with your best friends for 20 years. You’re bound to want a break eventually. Joe even showed up at a live show in late 2024 to say hi. There’s no secret war; there’s just a group of middle-aged men who have grown in different directions.
The Future of Impractical Jokers
Is the show ending? Honestly, maybe. There’s been talk in early 2026 about whether the brand is "tainted" by the various headlines and allegations. Murr has faced his own set of internet rumors, and Sal and Q are doing so well solo that they might not need the show anymore. But as long as people want to watch four (or three) guys embarrass themselves for a paycheck, the Jokers will probably find a way to stay on our screens.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you've been out of the loop, here is how you can keep up with Joe, Q, Sal, and Murr today:
- Catch Joe Live: If you want that classic Joe energy, look for his solo tour dates. He’s hitting comedy clubs across the U.S. in early 2026. Just don't expect a hidden camera bit.
- Follow the Podcasts: To get the "real" versions of these guys, skip the show and listen to Hey Babe! (Sal) or Tell 'Em Steve-Dave! (Q). That’s where the actual banter happens.
- Watch the New Format: Season 11 and 12 are available on TBS. It’s a different show, but the punishments—like Murr’s "Bad News Bares" segment—still hit that cringe-comedy sweet spot.
- Read Murr’s Books: If you like thrillers, Murr’s novels like Awakened are actually pretty solid. It’s weird seeing "The Ferret" write serious horror, but it works.
The era of the four best friends on a Staten Island boardwalk might be over, but the individual careers of Joe, Q, Sal, and Murr are just getting started. It's a reminder that even the strongest bonds change over time, especially when they're forged under the pressure of millions of viewers and a decade of public embarrassment.