FYW Blog Week 14: Response to Impractical Jokers

Impractical Jokers is a show I’ve never gotten into, and I’m not quite sure why. A few of my friends are really into it, but now after watching these clips, I might have to start watching it more often. Out of all those videos, I found the stalk and text to the most amusing. I found them so funny that I even took to YouTube to watch the rest of them. The punishments are also hilarious, because these guys are absolutely insane. They also must be dedicated to their show, because I would never get piercings or tattoos like that just to be funny. I definitely agree that superiority theory is very well represented in their humor. You’d have to think most people viewing the show would feel to superior to these guys, as chances are they wouldn’t do many of the stupid things they do, nor would they subject themselves to such debauchery and embarrassment. The incongruity theory is also prominent though too. The four guys do a lot of pranks that are pretty absurd, and I think that is part of the reason it is so funny. Benign violation theory also seems to be relevant as well. For example, the stalk and text videos are simultaneously benign and violating towards the innocent people they are using to prank, yet they don’t cross the line. While the concept of the punishments is really funny, I can’t say enjoyed watching them get their nipples and belly button pierced. On the other hand, the tattoos were absolutely hilarious, I just couldn’t imagine being in there shoes and being willing to do these things. All in all, the show is really funny because it utilizes so many of the humor theories, yet I am very grateful I don’t have such reckless friends.

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