if a situation gets beyond a joke, it becomes extremely serious and worrying.
He's drunk more nights than he's sober these days - this has gone beyond a joke.
get beyond a joke
To become very alarming. Her illness has gotten beyond a joke now—the doctors say she's in critical condition.
get (or be) beyond a joke
become (or be) something that is serious or worrying. informal
2002Guardian The rogue animal is believed to have attacked at least six residents in the past week, and his antics are now described by residents as ‘well beyond a joke’.
be/get/go beyond a ˈjoke
be no longer funny; be serious: This has got beyond a joke! Open this door and let me out at once!The state of the roads in this country is beyond a joke.