Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Comedy's Enduring Success
What's the secret to Always Sunny in Philadelphia's phenomenal and unprecedented run as the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history? A new book and recent interviews shed light on the enduring appeal of this FX comedy, diving into the reasons behind its success and the positive atmosphere surrounding the show.
Debuting in 2005, Always Sunny in Philadelphia has captivated audiences for sixteen seasons, with a seventeenth season recently released. Kimberly Potts, a pop-culture journalist, explores the sitcom's journey in her book, "It's (Almost) Always Sunny in Philadelphia: How Three Friends Spent $200 to Create the Longest-Running Live-Action Sitcom in History and Help Build a Network." The book delves into the show's origins, its rise to fame, and the key factors that have contributed to its lasting popularity.
Potts' work helps viewers understand the heart of the show, examining its unique appeal and the chemistry between the cast and crew. What makes this offbeat comedy so consistently engaging?
The Secret Sauce: Positivity and Good Times on Always Sunny
According to Potts, the defining factor in Always Sunny in Philadelphia's success is the genuine enjoyment everyone involved experiences on set. Speaking with ScreenRant, she emphasized the positive environment, noting that cast members, writers, and crew all a sense of camaraderie and happy memories.
“The thing that stands out most is overall is just how much everybody has a good time on the show," Potts said. "Going there as a guest star, one of the recurring actors, the crew, the writers, they all just like they tell me something and laugh as they were telling it, because they were clearly thinking back on some happy memory."
In an industry often plagued by negative stories, Always Sunny in Philadelphia stands out for its consistent positivity. This unique aspect contributes significantly to its longevity and appeal.
“But it becomes a job. Even if it's your dream job, at some point," Potts explains. "But no one ever had a bad thing to say. And that's pretty unusual about a show that's gone on that long... I think part of the reason we accept so much [the Gang's] behavior and find it funny is we allow ourselves to because we have spent 20 years getting to know the real humans behind them, quite a bit — off and on and in other projects. And so we trust that they're nothing like the characters. It's okay to laugh at their hijinks on camera. I think there is complete positivity surrounding this show, and I think that's a big part of its longevity.”
Does this positive atmosphere translate to the screen, creating a more enjoyable viewing experience for the audience?
More Seasons on the Horizon
The show's journey is far from over. With the seventeenth season now streaming, and plans already underway for Season 18, Always Sunny in Philadelphia shows no signs of slowing down. The first two episodes of Season 17 were released on July 9.
The co-creators, Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, and Glenn Howerton, along with Danny DeVito, remain integral to the show's ongoing success. Their dedication and talent have helped maintain the show's unique brand of humor and its connection with audiences.
DeVito revealed that production for Season 18 is slated to begin at the end of January, assuring fans that there is plenty more to come from the gang.
The enduring success of Always Sunny in Philadelphia can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a positive and collaborative atmosphere, the dedication of its creators and cast, and its unique brand of comedy that continues to resonate with viewers.