Not practical Jokers

'Impractical Jokers'Produced by NorthSouth Prods. Executive producers, Charlie DeBevoise, Mark Hickman, John Quinn, James Murray, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, Dork Wechter co-executive producers, Michael Addis, M. Blaine Hopkins supervisory producer, Steve Melcher comedy producers, Lou Perez, Julia Youthful director, P.J. Morrison. 30 MIN.With: John "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano.Cheerful stupidity could be harder to understand of computer looks, that is about as strong an endorsement as there's for "Not practical Jokers," TruTV's latest stab at bringing in the mainly male "Jackass" crowd with absolutely juvenile comedy. Inside a twist on the hidden-camera show, four men attempt to top one another with absurd challenges, taking turns feeding among the suffering pals outlandish items to say and do, then watching the silliness that develops. When not exactly festive, it's fitfully merry. Each person in the quartet -- John "Q" Quinn, James "Murr" Murray, Joe Gatto and Sal Vulcano, a comedy troupe referred to as Tenderloins -- is alternately put into a mundane setting, and also the others, utilizing a hidden earpiece, see the things they can pressure him to complete as they interacts with naturally baffled other people and bystanders. In a single sequence, they struggle to obtain passers-by to sign bizarre applications, for example one "to permit whites within the military" or the "Public bathroom masturbation act." In other people, they alternate acting like idiots while manning the counter at Whitened Castle or perhaps a large-supply yard. It's, basically, "Candid Camera," if Allen Funt were changed by four immature frat boys. Fortunately, the majority of the gags -- the notable exception being the final one, that involves fresh dog poop -- are harmless enough, or at best the dudes are lucky to not encounter anybody who hauls off and slugs them. There's something infectious, too, in just how much the 4 gamers seem to be taking pleasure in themselves, howling like lunatics at their friends' discomfort. Nobody is ever going to confuse "Not practical Jokers" rich in art, certainly, but as low-brow, micro-cost comedy poor TruTV's programming assets, it's really quite practical -- and from time to time funny. The next time, though, please hold (in other words, don't hold) the poop. Contact John Lowry at john.lowry@variety.com