The Enduring Satire of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
The upcoming eighteenth season of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is set to launch on August 17th, solidifying its title as the longest-running live-action comedy in American television history. The series, which first aired on FX in 2005 with the episode 'The Gang Gets Racist,' was created by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day. It centers on the morally questionable antics of Mac, Dennis, Dee, and Charlie at Paddy's Pub. Through cringe-worthy humor, the show tackles topics such as racism, homophobia, and vaccine skepticism. Despite facing low ratings and receiving three Emmy nominations, it has thrived amid corporate shifts and garnered critical praise. The new season will explore themes of MAGA culture and nostalgia, including episodes like 'The War on Alcohol.' Danny DeVito joined the cast in season two, adding to its comedic appeal.
Key facts
- Eighteenth season premieres August 17th.
- Longest-running live-action comedy in American TV history.
- Premiered in 2005 on FX with 'The Gang Gets Racist'.
- Created by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day.
- Set in Philadelphia, but filmed mostly in L.A.
- Danny DeVito joined in season two as Frank.
- Five episodes removed from streaming in 2020 for blackface.
- Only three Emmy nominations, all for stunt coordination.
- FX head John Landgraf championed the show.
- The show has been compared to 'Peep Show' and 'South Park'.
Entities
Artists
- Rob McElhenney
- Glenn Howerton
- Charlie Day
- Kaitlin Olson
- Danny DeVito
- Malcolm Barrett
- Carol Kane
- Danny Glover
- John Landgraf
- Ellen Gray
Institutions
- FX
- FXX
- Hulu
- Disney
- Twentieth Century Fox
- NBC
- HBO
- Channel 4
- Philadelphia Daily News
- The New York Daily News
- Variety
- The New Yorker
Locations
- Philadelphia
- United States
- Los Angeles
- New York City