'Impractical Jokers' Prep for #LivePunishment With Crash Course in High Wire Work
The jokers behind TruTV’s Impractical Jokers have hit upon a unique way to celebrate 100 episodes’ worth of crazy dares and punishments. On Sept. 3, each member of the New York-based quartet will put their balance (and vertigo) to the test by striding along a high-wire that’s been stretched five stories (that’s almost 60 feet) in the air above a NYC streets. To up the fear factor even further, the guys will be performing this dare on live television, while host Howie Mandel observes the action from the safety of the ground.
A stunt like this obviously requires a fair amount of preparation. Enter Ringling Bros. Circus superstar Bello Nock, who gave the Jokers — Joe, Sal, Brian, and James — a crash course in wire work. This exclusive clip provides a glimpse of their training sessions, as they learn to balance their bodies and steady their hearts. “This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” says James (aka Murr), before going on to add, “You’re going to see a grown man turn to jelly.”
At least his transformation will be for a good cause. As part of the 100th episode festivities, each Joker will be walking for a specific charity: Sal will be repping Doctors Without Borders, Joe is putting his life on the line for Daniel’s Music Foundation, Murr’s donation will go to Make-a-Wish, and Brian (aka Q) pledges his charitable allegiance to the Stephen Siller Foundation. The amount of the individual donations will be determined by how far each man walks; viewers can predict who will emerge with bragging rights via Twitter, by tweeting #TeamMurr, #TeamQ, #TeamSal, or #TeamJoe during the live telecast. Just to be safe, you might want to tweet #TeamDontFall too.
Impractical Jokers airs its 100th episode on Sept. 3 at 10 p.m. on TruTV.
