It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Five selfish friends run a neighborhood Irish pub in Philadelphia, where ordinary problems quickly spiral into bigger messes because of their poor judgment and selfish instincts. Episodes start with a simple conflict, like money troubles, romantic snafus, or a work hiccup, and the group responds with increasingly reckless schemes. Their confidence in their own cleverness constantly clashes with reality, producing awkward confrontations, legal headaches, and social humiliation. The show's humor comes from characters refusing responsibility, escalating absurd plans, and the way small mistakes snowball into chaotic, uncomfortable situations. It stays unapologetically mean.

Premiering in 2005, the series was created by Rob Mac and built around a core ensemble including Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob Mac, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito. It developed a cult following through steady seasons and streaming.

Over its long run the show has earned numerous television nominations and industry recognition, with critics often praising its writing and the actors' chemistry. While awards haven't defined its reputation, those nods acknowledged the series' influence on modern TV comedy and ensemble performance. It received occasional craft nods from guilds.

The series pushed sitcom boundaries with its blunt, amoral humor, producing memorable scenes that show up in memes and fan references. It helped normalize antihero ensembles and encouraged riskier, more satirical approaches to comedy on television, influencing writers and creators who wanted darker, edgier laughs.

Audience ratings reflect steady appreciation, with a vote average of 8.282/10 from 1255 votes. Critics praise its dark, absurd humor and tight ensemble timing, while viewers respond to recurring themes of selfishness, moral ambiguity, toxic friendship, and satire of everyday adult failures, and it remains divisive in places.