Impractical Jokers Season 9 - What We Know So Far

It's been nearly a year since fans were treated to a new round of antics from The Tenderloins. But thankfully, the long Impractical Jokers drought is set to come to an end in early 2021, when the hit TruTV series returns for season 9.

Like pretty much every other show on television, Impractical Jokers had to halt production during the pandemic, but in a December episode of the cast's Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party it was revealed that filming would soon resume. Fortunately for the fans, it seems that the comedy group has banked enough episodes for the show to return this winter since TruTV announced the premiere date in late 2020. Meanwhile, the guys will have plenty of time to finish filming the rest of the 26 episode season after season 9 gets underway.

While there is now a return date in sight for The Tenderloins' prank show, it's unclear what viewers can expect to see in the new season, although one thing is certain: Knowing this group of comedians, season 9 is sure to be cringeworthy and hilarious in equal measure.

Season 8 of Impractical Jokers ended in March 2020 after premiering in March 2019, so the wait between seasons has been substantial. Thankfully, the long hiatus is almost over. TruTV announced that season 9 will premiere Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 10/9c.

Meanwhile, new episodes of Impractical Jokers: After Party hosted by Joey Fatone will premiere directly after each episode ends, and include conversations with the cast and guests about the night's antics. And if you still can't get enough of The Tenderloins, season 3 of The Misery Index, which is hosted by The Good Place's Jameela Jamil and features the comedy group, premieres January 26, 2021 on TBS.

While fans wait for the various shows in the Impractical Jokers franchise to premiere, they can revisit their favorite pranks and dares from the early seasons to prepare for the hilarity to come. Currently, the previous eight seasons of the show, as well as the Impractical Jokers movie, are all streaming on HBO Max.

Lifelong friends Joe Gatto, James "Murr" Murray, Brian "Q" Quinn, and Sal Vulcano are all set to return for season 9. The guys have all known each since high school where they formed their successful improv group The Tenderloins in 1999. Since then they've made a name for themselves in the comedy circuit, and launched Impractical Jokers together.

Despite the pandemic, they're all back for another round of pranks and outrageous challenges. And as usual, the guys' pranks will largely be dependent on unsuspecting passersby in the streets of New York City and elsewhere. In the past, each season has also featured celebrity guests like Guy Fieri, Fatone, and Jeff Daniels, but given the extra precautions that all productions are taking, it's unclear whether season 9 will follow suit.

For now TruTV is keeping quiet about who may appear in the new season, but it seems likely that at least one or two celebrities will pop up over the course of the 26 episode season.

Truth be told, Impractical Jokers doesn't really have a plot in the traditional sense. Each episode involves The Tenderloins challenging each other to pull off an elaborate prank in public, while the other pranksters issue directions from afar. Generally speaking, the show's motto is "you refuse, you lose," which leads to losers facing punishments that are far more embarrassing than the actual pranks themselves.

Since an official season 9 trailer hasn't been released just yet, there's no telling exactly what kind of pranks the gang has cooked up for fans this time around. But viewers can rest assured that the jokes will be as sharp as ever — and the punishments will no doubt leave you covering your eyes.

During their downtime, the cast has been taking part in Impractical Jokers: Dinner Party, which largely just features them chatting, eating, and joking with one another. But they may also be mining their conversations for potential punishments and pranks, so viewers should definitely check out that show for potential season 9 hints.

For now, it's just good to know Impractical Jokers will return this February to serve up another round of laughs just when viewers need The Tenderloins' irreverence the most.