Why It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia was renewed for 4 more seasons

Let’s look at some reasons It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has outlasted so many series!

Yesterday, FX Networks announced via Twitter that It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been renewed for not just 1 or 2 seasons, but 4! Specifically, here’s what they had to say: “[Can] I offer you four more seasons in this trying time? [It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia] has been renewed through season 18, making it the longest-running live-action sitcom in TV history.”

That’s right: 18 seasons! Granted, other US series have lasted as long, or longer, but all of those are dramas or animated. So, in light of the news, let’s look at a few things that make this series special. Why was It’s Always Sunny renewed for 4 seasons?

On It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, it’s sort of a family thing

Obviously, we can expect to see plenty more from stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, and Kaitlin Olson, and it’s almost a family affair. Admittedly, that’s sort of a corny thing to say, but it’s not false.

In reality, Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson are actually married, even though they typically hate each other on the show (hopefully that doesn’t carry over into real life!). Much the same is true between Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis, who are married in real life despite their tenuous, dysfunctional relationship on the show.

It doesn’t end there, however. Glenn Howerton’s wife, Jill Latiano, was prominently featured in the notorious “D.E.N.N.I.S. system” episode, where the character of Dennis Reynolds (played by Howerton) unleashes his sociopathic nature on her. Additionally, It’s Always Sunny writers and producers John and Dave Chernin are also brothers.  The family angle also spills over into the characters, of course, as Dennis and Dee are biological sisters, and Frank Reynolds was long thought to be their biological father (and, oddly, Charlie has also suspected Frank of being his dad).

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has a brilliant cast and incredible fans

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 15 years since the gang first burst into our lives. What started as a casual idea has turned into a phenomenal success story for the FX network, thanks substantially to FX Networks chairman John Landgraf. Rather than canceling the show early on due to unimpressive ratings, Landgraf did the radical thing and gave it a better chance.

The added star power of Danny DeVito in season 2 helped grow their audience, and helped establish the FX brand as an innovative channel that takes chances (sort of like FOX back in the late ’80s through the ’90s).

It’s rare for a comedy to enjoy such a consistent track record of excellence. Fans tend to be loyal and proud of the groundbreaking humor and global impact It’s Always Sunny has made over the last decade-and-a-half, and look forward to more years of outrageousness and mischief.

This has also allowed the show’s stars to branch out in new projects, including Rob McElhenney’s new series Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet which has recently done a “safe, sterile, and legal” Mythic Quest quarantine episode.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has so many memes and quotable moments

This article could go on forever, but let’s just say it: The series’ biggest source of success is its characters, both as they are scripted and improvised during key moments. Frankly, it’s hard to narrow down the best quotes, but how about Charlie Kelly saying, “See, this is what I’m talking about. Illiteracy? What does that word even mean?” Then there are Frank’s stated funeral plans: “When I’m dead, just throw me in the trash.”

Situation-wise you have the rum ham, denim chicken, the implication, the Nightman, nightcrawlers, Frank’s toe knife (and his “fringe class” antics), the mystery of Pepe Silvia, Dee’s bad acting, Mac’s clashing beliefs, pervy Uncle Jack and his small hands, the always disjointed McPoyle family, and on and on.

The funny thing is, this list doesn’t include a fraction of the bizarre moments in the series. As the seasons stretch on, there will be an ever-expanding catalog of bizarre and uproarious moments, both to make us laugh and shake our heads in disbelief. Here’s to the next 4 years, and probably another 4 after that.

What do you think about It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia getting renewed for four more seasons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.