When Does It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Get Good?
While the first season is fine, the show absolutely nails its consistent style once Danny DeVito joins the series in season two. While we don’t think you should skip the first season, give this series at least until the second season before making a judgement call. Throughout the show’s run there are ups and downs, but most seasons have some highlight episodes that make the journey through its library of seasons worth it.
What Fans Say:
Fans of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia frequently celebrate its unapologetically dark humor and bold approach to taboo topics. The series is praised for its consistency over an exceptionally long run, with many fans marveling at how the main cast—Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito—keeps delivering hilariously chaotic performances. The show’s self-awareness and willingness to push boundaries have garnered a loyal following that appreciates its satirical take on societal issues and dysfunctional relationships. The chemistry among the core cast and the absurd, escalating situations are often cited as highlights, with episodes like “The Nightman Cometh” and “Chardee MacDennis” becoming iconic in television comedy.
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What Haters Say:
Detractors of the show often criticize it for being too crude or offensive, arguing that its humor can cross the line into tastelessness. The characters’ extreme selfishness and immorality can be off-putting to some viewers, making it difficult to empathize with or root for them. Critics of the later seasons argue that the humor occasionally becomes repetitive or overly reliant on shock value. While fans see the show’s boundary-pushing nature as a strength, some perceive it as trying too hard to be edgy without offering meaningful substance.
Does the Show Fall Off in Quality at Any Point?
With over 15 seasons and counting, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has remarkably maintained much of its comedic edge. However, some fans note a slight dip in quality around Seasons 11 and 12, with claims that certain episodes feel less inspired or recycle old ideas. The introduction of more serialized elements and character development has also divided the fanbase, with some appreciating the evolution while others miss the pure chaos of earlier seasons. Despite these criticisms, the show’s later seasons have still delivered standout episodes, proving its staying power and adaptability.
Aggregated Critic Commentary:
Critics have consistently praised It’s Always Sunny for its fearless approach to comedy and its ability to reinvent itself over time. The show’s longevity and influence on modern sitcoms are often highlighted, with its mix of absurdity and sharp social commentary earning it a unique place in television history. However, some critics echo concerns about unevenness in the later seasons, though the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
| Season | Rotten Tomatoes Score | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 85% | 8.0 |
| Season 2 | 90% | 8.2 |
| Season 3 | 100% | 8.6 |
| Season 4 | 97% | 9.0 |
| Season 5 | 100% | 9.2 |
| Season 6 | 95% | 8.8 |
| Season 7 | 93% | 8.7 |
| Season 8 | 90% | 8.5 |
| Season 9 | 89% | 8.4 |
| Season 10 | 91% | 8.6 |
| Season 11 | 86% | 8.2 |
| Season 12 | 88% | 8.1 |
| Season 13 | 91% | 8.3 |
| Season 14 | 89% | 8.2 |
| Season 15 | 94% | 8.5 |
Overview of the Show:
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiered on FX in 2005, introducing audiences to “The Gang,” a group of morally bankrupt friends who own and operate Paddy’s Pub, a run-down bar in Philadelphia. Created by Rob McElhenney, who also stars as Mac, the show’s low-budget first season quickly garnered a cult following, leading to the addition of Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds in Season 2, which propelled the series to new heights.
The show is characterized by its unrelenting satire, tackling topics like politics, religion, addiction, and societal norms with a level of irreverence rarely seen on television. The Gang’s toxic dynamics—from Dennis’ narcissistic schemes to Charlie’s bizarre antics—serve as a vehicle for comedy that’s as outrageous as it is biting. The series’ longevity is a testament to its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots, offering a blend of absurd humor and unexpected poignancy.
Season Highlights:
Season 1: The debut season introduces viewers to the world of Paddy’s Pub, with a focus on The Gang’s morally questionable schemes. While the production quality is lower, episodes like “The Gang Gets Racist” showcase the show’s willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on.
Season 2: Danny DeVito’s arrival as Frank Reynolds injects new energy into the series. The season explores Frank’s descent into depravity as he joins The Gang’s misadventures, such as faking cancer to exploit charity events.
Season 3: This season solidifies It’s Always Sunny as a comedy juggernaut. Highlights include “The Gang Gets Invincible,” a hilarious parody of Invincible, and “Sweet Dee’s Dating a Retarded Person,” which showcases The Gang’s signature lack of decorum.
Season 4: Widely regarded as one of the best seasons, Season 4 delivers fan-favorite episodes like “The Nightman Cometh,” a musical extravaganza, and “Who Pooped the Bed?” The season balances absurdity with sharp writing.
Season 5: The show’s creativity peaks with episodes like “The Gang Hits the Road” and “The Gang Reignites the Rivalry.” Themes of self-sabotage and absurd ambition dominate the season.
Season 6: From Mac’s weight gain to Charlie’s relationship with “The Waitress,” this season delves deeper into character quirks. Standout episodes include “Mac’s Big Break” and “A Very Sunny Christmas.”
Season 7: Frank’s “Pretty Woman” parody and “Thunder Gun Express” are just two examples of the season’s boundary-pushing humor. The Gang’s dysfunction reaches new heights.
Season 8: This season offers gems like “Charlie Rules the World,” a satire on online gaming, and “The Gang Gets Analyzed,” which provides insight into The Gang’s fractured psyches.
Season 9: The Gang experiments with new formats, including “The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award,” a meta-critique of the show’s Emmy snubs.
Season 10: Episodes like “The Gang Beats Boggs” and “Charlie Work” showcase innovative storytelling, with the latter praised as one of the series’ finest.
Season 11: The season leans into surreal humor with episodes like “Being Frank” and “The Gang Goes to Hell,” exploring The Gang’s escalating absurdity.
Season 12: Musical numbers and social satire define this season, with highlights like “The Gang Turns Black” and “Hero or Hate Crime?”
Season 13: Mac’s coming out and his powerful dance performance in “Mac Finds His Pride” offer a surprising emotional depth alongside the usual chaos.
Season 14: The show continues to experiment with episodes like “The Janitor Always Mops Twice,” a noir-inspired homage.
Season 15: Exploring international adventures, this season takes The Gang to Ireland, proving that even after 15 years, It’s Always Sunny still has fresh stories to tell.
Similar Shows:
- Arrested Development — A similarly dysfunctional group dynamic with sharp, fast-paced humor.
- Curb Your Enthusiasm — Dark, awkward comedy centered on a deeply flawed protagonist.
- South Park — Another irreverent show willing to tackle controversial topics.
- The League — A comedy about a group of selfish friends and their misadventures.
- Rick and Morty — While animated, its dark humor and chaotic storylines parallel It’s Always Sunny.
If You Liked These, You’ll Like This Show:
- BoJack Horseman — A satirical look at flawed characters and their interpersonal drama.
- The Office (US) — While more structured, it shares awkward humor and interpersonal chaos.
- Trailer Park Boys — A mockumentary-style comedy about lowlifes with grand schemes.
- Eastbound & Down — Danny McBride’s character-driven comedy.