It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - The Controversial Comedy Sensation

Introduction to It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is an American comedy television series created by Rob McElhenney that first aired in 2005. The show follows "The Gang," a group of self-centered friends who run an Irish bar called Paddy's Pub in South Philadelphia. Some of the main characters include Charlie Kelly, Mac, Dennis Reynolds, Dee Reynolds, and Frank Reynolds.

Over the show's 15 seasons, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has developed a dedicated cult following and is often referred to as one of the best comedies on television. The show is known for its cringe humor, satirizing controversial topics, and poking fun at political correctness.

Origins of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

The idea for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia came from Rob McElhenney in 2004. He had the idea to create a Seinfeld-style show about a group of friends with flaws and dysfunctions. McElhenney recruited Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day to help develop the show, as he was friends with them from his time in Los Angeles.

McElhenney, Howerton, and Day shot their pilot episode on a digital camcorder for only $200. They eventually convinced FX executives to give the show a chance, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiered on August 4, 2005. The first season only had a budget of $450,000 for 6 episodes.

Characters on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Here are the main characters featured on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia:

• Charlie Kelly - Co-owner of Paddy's Pub who is dysfunctional, illiterate, and obsessed with "The Waitress." Played by Charlie Day.
• Mac - Ronald "Mac" McDonald, Charlie's childhood friend and pub co-owner. Deals with sexuality issues and often tries to demonstrate his toughness/masculinity. Played by Rob McElhenney.
• Dennis Reynolds - Co-owner of Paddy's Pub who is vain, narcissistic, and often manipulates women. Played by Glenn Howerton.
• Dee Reynolds - Dennis' twin sister who co-owns Paddy's Pub. She is often treated poorly by the gang. Played by Kaitlin Olson.
• Frank Reynolds - Dennis and Dee's legal father. A shady businessman who bankrolls the gang's antics. Played by Danny DeVito.

Other supporting characters include The Waitress, Artemis, Rickety Cricket, and McPoyles.

Notable Elements of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Here are some of the most notable elements that make It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia unique:

• Cringe Humor - The show is full of controversial and offensive humor that makes viewers cringe and laugh simultaneously.
• Satire - It satirizes many topics like racism, abortion, addiction, religion, politics, and consumerism.
• Running Gags - Recurring jokes like Charlie's illiteracy, the gang's narcissism, Dee being called a bird, and shouting "Wild Card!"
• Dysfunctional "Friendship" - The gang are terrible friends who constantly manipulate, undermine, and insult each other.
• Delusional Main Characters - All 5 main characters suffer from various delusions about themselves and the world.

Behind the Scenes of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is filmed on Stage 7 at NBC Studios in Los Angeles. The exterior shots of Paddy's Pub are shot at Starkman Building in Los Angeles.

Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Rob McElhenney serve as executive producers and writers for the show. The three of them write each episode together along with other writers in "The Always Sunny Writers' Room."

Over the first 8 seasons, the episodes were shot on tape. Starting in Season 9, it switched to digital. Shooting is done without live audiences and laugh tracks.

Danny DeVito joined the cast starting in Season 2 as Frank Reynolds. This helped boost the appeal of the show. Many big name guest stars have appeared on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia like Josh Groban, Sinbad, and The Rock.

The 15th and final season aired in 2021-2022. Prior to that, Seasons 13 and 14 had been ordered together in 2020. Over 150 episodes have aired so far.

Filming Locations in Philadelphia

While It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is mostly shot in L.A., they have done on location shoots in Philadelphia for exterior shots. Locations used include:

• Dave & Buster's Philadelphia - Used for exterior shots of Paddy's Pub
• The Irish Pub - Appears as another pub in "The Gang Goes to Ireland"
• Rex's Restaurant - Seen briefly in episode "The Gang Gets Racist"
• U.S. Bank Tower - Establishing shot of Philadelphia skyline
• Geno's Steaks - Exterior for "Philadelphia" restaurant gags

They've also shot on location in places like Atlantic City, New Jersey and Ireland for various episodes.

Impact and Legacy of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Over its 15 seasons, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has made a significant impact on TV comedy and developed a passionate fanbase. Some of its key influences include:

• Pushing boundaries of offensive/controversial humor on TV
• Inspiring more satirical comedies focused on unlikable characters
• Launching acting careers of Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson
• One of FX's first original comedy hits that put the network on the map
• Demonstrating a successful low-budget DIY production model
• Paying homage to its Philadelphia roots while shooting mostly in L.A.

The show has received generally positive reviews from critics throughout its run praising the cast's performances and tone. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is considered one of the defining sitcoms of the 2000s/2010s.

Even though the show is ending after Season 15, there are discussions of potential spinoffs set in the It's Always Sunny universe. The impact of Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, and Glenn Howerton's initial $200 pilot is likely to be felt for years to come. It cemented the show as one of the most iconic comedies of the 21st century.

FAQs

Why is the show called It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia?

The show is set in Philadelphia and "Sunny" refers to the narcissistic, cheerful obliviousness of the main characters who run Paddy's Pub. Despite their flaws, they maintain an optimistic, sunny outlook on life.

Who are the main characters on the show?

The main characters, referred to as "The Gang," are Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee, and Frank. Charlie and Mac have been best friends since childhood. Dennis and Dee are twins. Frank is Dennis and Dee's legal father.

What bar is used for Paddy's Pub?

The exterior shots of Paddy's Pub are filmed outside the Starkman Building in Los Angeles. Inside scenes are shot on a soundstage. Some on location shoots have been done in Philadelphia.

Is Danny DeVito in It's Always Sunny from the beginning?

No, Danny DeVito joined the cast in season 2 as Frank Reynolds. This helped boost the appeal and popularity of the show.

Why is the 15th season the final one?

After 15 seasons and over 150 episodes, the creators felt it was a natural endpoint. However, they have discussed potential spinoffs set in the It's Always Sunny universe.