It was announced this week that It’s always Sunny in Philadelphia, beloved cult series and self proclaimed ‘Seinfeld on crack‘, would be renewed for 2 more seasons. Having just wrapped up it’s 11th season on cable network FXX the projected 14th season will see the gang tied for the longest running live action comedy series in history. The record is currently set by The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet.
It’s the ‘little show that could’, originating from a $50 pilot written and shot by stars of the show Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton, the series has gone on to be a cornerstone of the FX line up. The show follows the dysfunctional owners of Paddy’s Pub, a run down Irish establishment in the middle of South Philadelphia. Twins Dennis and Dee, their high school friends and co-owners Mac and Charlie and their legal father Frank Reynolds (Danny Devito) make up the odd cast. Joining a group of misfit alcoholics and sociopaths, Devito was brought in at the beginning of the second season to provide star power. The antics of the friendship group range from self deluded to mentally and physically dangerous, with the odd episode about Kitten Mittens to hit viewers with the adorable vote. While tackling the tough issues in cleverly titled episodes such as ‘The Gang Solves the North Korea Situation’, ‘Gun Fever Too: Still Hot’ and The Gang ‘Finds a Dumpster Baby’ the series is somehow simultaneously one of the smartest and most ridiculous shows on television.
The show’s cult following is evident by it’s longevity however critically the series is continuously overlooked and overshadowed. The writers/stars have felt the cold burn of Emmy snubs year after year, penning the season 9 episode “The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award” as a homage to their rejection. A cherry on top of the perfectly crafted joke that is their lack of awards was their 2016 People’s choice award win. Though beating an array of respected comedy series’ the team was neither informed of their nomination or win, Rob McElhenney tweeting:
So raise a glass, here’s to Kitten Mittens, Chardee McDennis and many more seasons to come.