Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is, in a word, iconic. In terms of both longevity — I believe the show debuted a year before M*A*S*H premiered on CBS— and quality — the long-running series continues to deliver banger after banger after 15 seasons — this beloved beacon of sitcom debauchery is unrivaled. The show has gifted viewers with countless memes, a medley of weird, spectacular musical moments, and a collection of words and phrases inscrutable to anyone silly enough to be unfamiliar with the show’s unique bacchanalian charms (Pepe Silvia, salt the snail, wild card, Rock, Flag, and Eagle, fork-stabbed, and so many more).
One of the many reasons the show’s cultivated such a vibrant, passionate fanbase is the fact that the majority of viewers grew up with the series, myself included. Which is why it’s my duty as a longtime fan to sing the praises of the newest addition to the Sunny family: The Always Sunny Podcast.
Now let’s talk about the podcast. Can we talk about the podcast, please? I’ve been dying to talk to you about the podcast all day. If you love It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the show’s companion podcast is as must-stream as it gets. Produced by Sunny writer/executive producer Megan Ganz and hosted by Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day, the show is, ostensibly, a look back at the first 14 seasons of the show, with each episode of the podcast covering a specific episode of the series. Each installment is like discovering a new episode of It’s Always Sunny. The podcast is a critical success due to a variety of factors, but the main reason The Always Sunny Podcast is such a joy to listen to is the same reason the series has been a beloved staple for over 15 years: chemistry.
Listening to an episode (or watching an episode… you fucking creep) is like stumbling upon a fascinating DVD commentary track. It’s just three friends hanging out and shooting the breeze about the random bullshit du jour, and, occasionally, sprinkling in some behind-the-scenes tidbits about their wildly popular TV show. Do I enjoy hearing about the nuts and bolts of the creative process? Absolutely. But I also relish the opportunity to hear stories about Rob peeing the bed during his early courtship with Kaitlin Olson and Glenn pontificating about how chewing is a “massive waste of time and energy.”
Simply stated: The Always Sunny Podcast is pure joy. Silly, wonderful joy.
Some TV podcasts are specifically created for diehard fans, but The Always Sunny Podcast is the rare audio journey that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. If you’re looking to augment your It’s Always Sunny rewatch, you can’t go wrong with Apple TV+’s Mythic Quest (starring Rob McElhenney and created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and McElhenney) and Peacock’s A.P. Bio (starring Glenn Howerton). Both shows are sensation sitcoms that embody the raucous ethos of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
New episodes of The Always Sunny Podcast premiere Mondays on iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
