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Entertainment • TV series

Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is an American hidden-camera prank and improv comedy television series that premiered on truTV in 2011.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Impractical Jokers is an American hidden-camera prank and improv comedy television series that premiered on truTV in 2011. It stars members of The Tenderloins—James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and formerly Joe Gatto—who challenge one another to perform public dares, with the episode loser facing a punishment. In 2024, new episodes moved from truTV to TBS, while truTV continued airing reruns.

Premise

The series follows four comedians as they compete in hidden-camera challenges designed to embarrass one another in public. The format combines improvisation, prank comedy, and reality-competition elements.

Cast and production

The core cast consists of The Tenderloins members James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and formerly Joe Gatto. The series is produced by NorthSouth Productions.

Broadcast history

Impractical Jokers premiered on truTV in December 2011. In March 2024, new episodes were moved to TBS, while truTV continued to air reruns.

The series became a long-running and widely recognized comedy franchise. Related works include specials and a 2020 feature film based on the series.

Key facts

  • The series features longtime friends from the comedy troupe The Tenderloins.
  • Each episode centres on public challenges completed under hidden cameras.
  • The participant who loses the most challenges is given a punishment.
  • Joe Gatto left the series in December 2021.
  • New episodes moved to TBS in March 2024 after a truTV programming overhaul.
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Canadian context

The series has been broadcast in Canada through cable and specialty television carriage of U.S. comedy channels and has a Canadian audience among viewers of imported comedy and reality programming.

Frequently asked questions

What is Impractical Jokers about?
It is a hidden-camera comedy series in which four comedians challenge one another to complete public dares and tasks, with the episode loser receiving a punishment.
Who are the main cast members?
The core cast has been James Murray, Brian Quinn, Sal Vulcano, and Joe Gatto, who left the series in 2021.
When did Impractical Jokers first air?
It premiered on truTV on December 15, 2011.
What network airs new episodes now?
New episodes moved to TBS in 2024, while truTV continued reruns.
What kind of show is it?
It is a hidden-camera, prank, improv comedy series with reality television elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impractical_Jokers
    Supports: Premiere date, genre, cast, production company, network move to TBS, Joe Gatto's departure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tenderloins
    Supports: The Tenderloins membership and association with the series.
  3. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2029180
    Supports: Series type, country of origin, language, original broadcaster, cast, production company, number of seasons/episodes.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Impractical_Jokers_episodes
    Supports: Episode count and specials as of 2026.