Parents' Guide to

Impractical Jokers

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Hidden-camera prank show has laughs, language, innuendo.

TV truTV Reality TV 2011
Impractical Jokers Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 21 parent reviews

kaylaliiz
kaylaliiz Adult
October 27, 2021
age 14+

parents..

Y’all realize the rating is TV-14? You’re five year old obviously shouldn’t be watching. I absolutely hate the “Karen’s” over here berating the show and calling it horrible because they don’t know how to read ratings. The show is one of my favorites. It’s meant for adults, bye Karen’s
2 people found this helpful.
BKel
BKel Adult
July 6, 2019
age 18+

Nope

No way I want my kids watching this and thinking this kind of behavior is ok. I spend my time teaching my kids that we should care about others. I am doing my best to teach them to encourage and lift others as well as being willing to put others ahead of ourselves. This show couldn't be any further from that message.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 21 parent reviews

What's the Story?

IMPRACTICAL JOKERS is an unscripted, hidden-camera show featuring the members of the comedy troupe the Tenderloins, who perform crazy pranks on unsuspecting strangers. Comedians and best friends Brian "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, Joe Gatto, and Sal Vulcano take turns performing practical jokes in public places. While the rest of gang feeds the designated prankster instructions through a hidden earpiece, he must successfully complete an awkward stunt as often as possible. Hidden cameras let the other guys watch -- and laugh. From trying to hug people in a bowling ally to randomly scooping mashed potatoes onto restaurant patrons' plates, each comedian does his best to follow instructions without dying of humiliation. The cast member who completes the least number of successful pranks must perform one final, embarrassing stunt.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (21 ):
Kids say (41 ):

Impractical Jokers features lots of awkward moments as the comedians engage in weird behavior or repeat lines that range from silly to offensive. But, thanks to the talented and experienced cast's ad libbing and comedic timing, there are some genuinely funny moments. The reactions of unsuspecting people will make you chuckle, too.

Some of the humor can be a bit risqué, but ultimately the antics are designed to challenge the cast rather than poke fun at their victims. Teens and adults who like hidden-camera shows will find something here to like.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about practical jokes. Why do people play pranks? When is playing a prank funny, and when does it go too far? Should playing a joke on someone include humiliating him or her?

  • What makes hidden-camera prank shows entertaining? Is it fun to laugh at the people playing the jokes? Or are we supposed to laugh at their victims?

  • Should stereotypes ever be used as a way of being funny, even if they're not meant to be taken seriously?

TV Details

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