truTV Announces Expanded Commitment to the “Impractical Jokers” Television Series Plus Production of a Full-Length Movie
Top-Rated Original Series Extended with New Episodes Committed Through 2019; Feature-Length Film in Production with Funny Or Die Producing & Chris Henchy Directing
truTV today announced an extension of its wildly-successful Impractical Jokers franchise with a commitment for an eighth season of the top-rated series and the start of production on the brand’s first-ever feature-length film, which will be directed by Chris Henchy and produced by Funny Or Die. This news builds on the longstanding relationship between the comedy network and James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, Joe Gatto and Sal Vulcano – also known as The Tenderloins – four lifelong friends and comedians whose hilariously outrageous hidden-camera dares and punishments have created one of cable’s longest-running and top-rated original comedies. Fueled by an authentic relatability and millions of passionate fans, Impractical Jokers has translated its television success into an international, multi-platform and experiential franchise that includes massive social reach and engagement, sold-out live shows and fan events, an annual themed cruise, a growing retail and consumer product business, and – launching this summer – a museum installation.
“The Jokers’ authentic friendship and genuine relatability has endeared them to millions of fans around the world, creating one of the most original brands in all of television,” said Chris Linn, president of truTV. “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership we’ve developed with the guys throughout the years, and the growing, multiplatform success of the Impractical Jokers brand.”
The Tenderloins added: “We’re as surprised as anyone that four dudes from Staten Island have been allowed to make a TV show for as long as we have, so the idea of making this movie is absolutely mind-blowing. We love working with Chris Linn, Marissa Ronca, Simmy Kustanowitz and the entire truTV family and we look forward to expanding and growing our partnership until they realize, truly realize, what they’ve gotten themselves into. None of this is possible without our amazing, talented and overly-dedicated TV crew, our crack team of reps and, most importantly, our dedicated fans. And now to work with Chris Henchy and the Funny Or Die team, we feel like we’re making the movie with a similar brand of good people.”
The Impractical Jokers Movie – Produced by Funny Or Die and Directed by Chris Henchy
At long last, Impractical Jokers will make its way to the big screen, as the brand’s – and truTV’s – first-ever full-length feature film goes into production this spring. Produced by Funny Or Die and directed by Chris Henchy (Daddy’s Home, Eastbound & Down), the film tells the story of a humiliating high school mishap from 1992 that sends the Impractical Jokers on the road competing in hidden camera challenges for the chance to turn back the clock and redeem three of the four. The film is produced by Gatto, Murray, Quinn, Vulcano, Henchy and Funny Or Die’s Jim Ziegler. Executive producers include Marissa Ronca on behalf of truTV, Jack Rovner and Funny Or Die’s Mike Farah and Joe Farrell.
“I’m very excited to be working with truTV, Sal, Joe, Quinn and Murray,” said Henchy. “They’re talented, hysterical guys and I’m thrilled they asked me to direct their movie – unless this is all an elaborate practical joke by you guys, Funny Or Die and truTV – then well done, my friends.”
The Impractical Jokers Television Series – New Episodes Commitment Through 2019
As part of this extension, truTV has committed to a 26-episode eighth season of the Impractical Jokers television series, which will ensure new episodes premiere on the network through 2019. This will bring the total number of episodes and specials ordered to 237, with the series’ milestone 200th episode slated to premiere in 2019. In each episode of Impractical Jokers, Sal, Joe, Q, and Murr challenge each other to say or do something, and they have to do it. If they refuse, they lose. At the end of every episode, the biggest loser must endure a punishment of epic proportions.
truTV’s longest-running series, Impractical Jokers is currently in its seventh season on air and, since its debut in 2011, has consistently been one of cable’s biggest hits. Each episode averages more than 1.7 million total viewers and 1.2 million adults 18-49 in live +7 data. The series ended 2017 as the #3 ranked original cable comedy among adults 18-34, and the #4 original cable comedy among adults 18-49. The Jokers have also amassed a massive social audience with nearly 5 million fans across social platforms and 1.2 billion social impressions garnered in 2017. The series also launched in syndication in fall of 2017, with episodes currently airing seven days a week in more than 90% of the country through a partnership with Trifecta Entertainment & Media.
The Impractical Jokers television series is produced by NorthSouth Productions with Charlie DeBevoise, Pete McPartland Jr., Gatto, Murray, Quinn, and Vulcano serving as executive producers. New episodes of Impractical Jokers air on Thursdays at 10:00pm ET/PT on truTV.
Impractical Jokers Cruise – Third Annual Cruise Sets Sail February 6-10, 2019
Following a sold-out second voyage of their high seas party in 2017, the Impractical Jokers have again partnered with Sixthman, the industry leader in festivals at sea, to launch the third annual Impractical Jokers Cruise. Sailing February 6 – 10, 2019 from Tampa to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas aboard the Norwegian Pearl, cruisers will once again experience four days of laughs, sun and fun on vacation alongside Sal, Joe, Q, and Murr. While sailing the Caribbean alongside their comical captains, cruisers will be treated to a packed schedule of onboard activities and entertainment, including a live performance by The Tenderloins, Q&A sessions, a live podcast taping and activities, and more to be announced soon.
Impractical Jokers: Homecoming – The Staten Island Museum Exhibit Opens July 12, 2018
Opening this summer, the Impractical Jokers: Homecoming exhibit at the Staten Island Museum will give visitors a front row seat to iconic objects, costumes, and behind-the-scenes clips and stories from the hit television series. With its official opening set for the evening of July 12, 2018, and running from July 13, 2018 through March 17, 2019, the guys return to the shores where it all began with this original exhibition that will explore the Jokers’ journey from the halls of Staten Island’s Monsignor Farrell High School, to regional college tours, a hit television show, and sold out performances at Madison Square Garden – NYC’s largest indoor arena. (truTV)
Stay tuned as we now monitor the renew/cancel status of Impractical jokers Season 9…
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