It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiastars Charlie Day and Danny DeVito discuss when the series may come to an end. Debuting in 2005, the series is the longest-running live-action sitcom of all time. Day also serves as an executive producer and writer of the show with Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton.It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17debuts on FXX on July 9.
In an interview with theLA Times, Day and DeVito were asked how long the show would continue to run. Day notes that they are contracted for another year, butdoes not know if the show will be renewed beyond season 18. He also clarifies that maintaining the quality of the show is important, and that when planning for a new season, they ask if “westill have it in us?” DeVito hopes that the network will pick up the series beyond the following installment.
Day: Look, we have a contract with FX up to 18 seasons, and all of us feel as though we can do that. So that’s at least one more. Beyond that, I’m not sure they’ll ask for more seasons, so next year could be it.
DeVito: Yeah, they might have some kind of mental defective thing happen to them between next year and not ask for another bunch. That’s always the case. Then also, maybe, they might want to pay us more.
Day:Who knows? But this far in the run, I think Rob and Glenn and I, at least in terms of having to sit and write them, really sort of just say each year: Do we have it in us? Do we think we can do a good job? That has to do more with the people that we’re working with. If we can get the band together and have all the musicians that we want, then we’ll attempt to make some music, to use a bad sort of analogy.
What This Means For The Future Of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The Show May Be Coming To An End
Having a series run for eighteen seasons is an impressive feat, and even harder to maintain a high level of quality.It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiahas been on the air for 20 years, with countless shows being picked up and cancelled in the intervening years.
As the show has been a staple of television for so long at this point, acancellation would come as a surprise. Even with the cast ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiabeing part of other successful movies and shows during its run, the main cast has always returned.Howerton nearly quitIt’s Always Sunny, even leaving as a writer for seasons 13-14, but ultimately stayed on as an actor.
There’s also the question of howIt’s Always Sunnycould end. The series is primarily made up of standalone episodes, and the characters' motivations typically revolve around various schemes. The show has had emotional episodes, but given howThe Gang is made up of horrible narcissists, being too sincere would feel disingenuous.
Our Take On Day & DeVito’s Comments
Hopefully The Show Gets Renewed For Season 19
If the series does come to an end, hopefully it’s because the creative team decides to end it on their own terms. Holding themselves to a high standard and wanting to stay actively engaged in the storytelling play a huge part in why the show has been a success.
While news of a renewal or cancellation likely won’t be coming any time soon, as there are still two more seasons to air, hopefully,It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphiawill return for season 19.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Cast
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
