‘People think their way is right because they’re offended’: Inspired Unemployed respond to controversial routine

Jack Steele and Matt Falcon, of The Inspired Unemployed, have responded to criticism over a contentious skit about consent that sparked backlash.

EXCLUSIVE: Even though they’ve spent the past two years writing the modern-day how-to manual on playing practical jokes in TV show The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers, Jack Steele and Matt “The Falcon” Ford say they are only just getting better at reading the room.

“Cancel culture now is ridiculous,” Steele says. “It’s pretty hard to do anything, because everyone has a voice and an opinion, and comedy is so subjective.

“People think their way is right, but that’s just because they’re offended.”

Since appearing online in 2019, the pair known as The Inspired Unemployed have amassed more than 5 million followers on social media for their loveable larrikin videos and posts.

In 2023, they added housemates Dom Littrich and Liam Moore to their troupe to front the Australian version of (Impractical) Jokers, a series in which the foursome’s escalating prank battles result in hilarious, cringe-inducing encounters with the unsuspecting public.

Matt Ford and Jack Steele of The Inspired Unemployed. Picture: Getty Images

Although the show’s blend of Punk’d and Candid Camera can be challenging, the team say they are serious about making sure their silliness lands right.

“You try to calculate [the risks] before you go in, even when you’re in the ideas room,” Steele says.

“You’re always trying to deep-dive it and think, ‘OK, how will people react? Are we pushing it too far? Is the joke on us enough?’ And if not, then we pull back.”

Wearing uniforms to act as anything from sales assistants to yoga instructors, and shooting in the outer Sydney suburbs instead of in the CBD, staves off being recognised as famous comedians.

“Young ones tend to be more onto it,” Ford says of their attempts to fool people by blending in. “Older ones are a bit easier to get.”

And easier to anger. In April 2024, well-known media personalities Antoinette Lattouf, Clementine Ford and Yumi Stynes hosted a free Sydney event called Love Unboxed, billed as a conversation on relationships.

Liam Moore, Matt Falcon, Jack Steele (front) and Dom Littrich. Picture: The Binge Guide

Matt Falcon is dating influencer, Sarah Ellen. Picture: Instagram

In truth, it was a set-up for a season two gag, with the three women in on the ruse. Introduced as a special guest to offer a male counterpoint, Steele spouted whatever his three mates fed him via an earpiece, including comments such as “I think chicks dig consent”.

Although Steele was the butt of the joke, the stunt received intense backlash and was cut from the show.

“It was a punishment of mine, so I had no idea what I was going into,” Steele says. “I just played it as it comes, and obviously it didn’t play great.”

Ultimately, Steele and Ford say their schtick has never been about denigrating women or humiliating people.

“We have an exactly 50/50 female and male following, which translates into the show,” Steele notes.

“I guess that’s who we are. We all grew up with sisters, and we’re not too male-dominated in our life.”

Matt and Jack, far right, with F1 driver George Russell (centre) at a Tommy Hilfiger event in 2024. Picture: News Corp Australia

By chance, their show’s new season launches in line with Men’s Health Week (June 9-15), which focuses on helping men and boys lead healthier, happier lives. The timing resonates with Steele.

“We always talk about our emotions and if we feel insecure or vulnerable, happy or down or whatever,” he reflects.

“We get a lot of messages, particularly from women, saying, ‘You’ve helped my husband or boyfriend talk for the first time [about their feelings]’, which is really nice to hear.”

To that end, the pair won’t let one headline-grabbing misstep dent their confidence.

“Every day, we’re surprised people go along with some of the things we’re doing,” Ford says, smiling.

“We’re not qualified in anything [we pretend to do]. But if you just own it, people believe it.”

Season 3 of The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers premieres at 9.40pm on Monday on Network 10 and 10Play, with all episodes available to stream on Paramount+.

Read the full cover story with The Inspired Unemployed in today’s The Binge Guide, via The Sunday Telegraph (NSW), Sunday Herald Sun (VIC), The Sunday Mail (QLD) and Sunday Mail (SA).

For more from Stellar and the podcast Something To Talk About, click here.

Originally published as ‘People think their way is right because they’re offended’: Inspired Unemployed respond to controversial routine