It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia turns 20! An A-to-Z cheat sheet of the sitcom's best jokes and ...

Want the SparkNotes version of the longrunning sitcom about the Paddy's Pub gang? Here's your guide to all things &34;Sunny.&34; It's Always Sunny in Philadelph

Want the SparkNotes version of the long-running sitcom about the Paddy's Pub gang? Here's your guide to all things "Sunny."

*It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia *turns 20! An A-to-Z cheat sheet of the sitcom's best jokes and gags

Want the SparkNotes version of the long-running sitcom about the Paddy's Pub gang? Here's your guide to all things "Sunny."

By Derek Lawrence

I currently write about Fast & Furious, The Office, and Will Smith. One day, I will write Hitch 2.

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and James Mercadante

Published on August 4, 2025 08:00AM EDT

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Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald, Kaitlin Olson as Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds, Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly, Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds, and Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Credit:

The implication of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* becoming the longest-running live-action sitcom — with 17 seasons and counting — is that fans have a bottomless tap of material they keep coming back for another round.

Created by Rob Mac (formerly McElhenney, who also plays the character Mac), the Emmy-*deserving* series premiered 20 years ago on Aug. 4, 2005, introducing the world to a gang of morally bankrupt degenerates running the least successful bar in Philly, Paddy's Pub. And throughout the years, they've peeled back new layers of themselves (one is a bird lawyer; one is gay) and made plenty of joint core memories (Chardee MacDennis, anyone?). Needless to say, there is *a lot* to unpack.

To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary — with season 18 currently in the works — we've compiled an A-to-Z guide of some of *Sunny*'s most iconic callbacks and running gags.

A: Astley, Rick

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FXX

The popular internet trend of Rickrolling is predated by a 2005 *Sunny* episode, "Charlie Has Cancer," which shows Dennis Reynolds (Glenn Howerton) unapologetically stanning Rick Astley. In the episode, Dennis drives around in his car while jamming to Astley's hit track, "Never Gonna Give You Up."

More than a decade later, in the season 13 episode "The Gang Has New Wheels," Dennis brings things full circle by cruising in a *new* Range Rover bumping to the same tune.

Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day) may be illiterate, but that doesn't stop him from practicing what he calls "bird law." And in season 11's "McPoyle vs. Ponderosa: The Trial of the Century," he argues that the McPoyles' pet swallow was the culprit behind Liam's (Jimmi Simpson) eye injury at his wedding and proves he's the "best goddamn bird lawyer in the world."

As far back as season 8, Charlie's grasp of law is dubious at best; he's not entirely wrong when he tells Dennis he can't own a hummingbird as a pet: Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it's illegal to own many wild bird species without a permit. As he says, "Bird law in this country, it's not governed by reason."

C: Chardee MacDennis

Doll figurines on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Invented by Charlie, Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds (Kaitlin Olson), Mac, and Dennis, this so-called "Game of Games" is a drinking competition that they've unsuccessfully tried to sell to Mattel.

The rules are simple(ish): Two teams must complete three levels that test the mind (trivia and puzzles), body (physical challenges like the grape gobble), and spirit (emotional battery and public humiliation). And thanks to Frank (Danny DeVito), there's now a fourth, unofficial level — a horror round comparable with the board game Operation.

D: The D.E.N.N.I.S. System

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

Dennis has always considered himself quite the ladies' man, and in a season 5 episode, he discloses his creepy foolproof system to seduce any woman: "Demonstrate value," "Engage physically," "Nurture dependence," "Neglect emotionally," "Inspire hope," and "Separate entirely."

E: Emmys Snub

Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly and Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FXX

Despite its lengthy run, *Sunny* has been largely ignored by Emmy voters, earning just three nominations (all for stunt coordination) and no wins. The lack of awards success is parodied in the season 9 episode "The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award."

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Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

In a 2011 interview with The Wrap, McElhenney said that he thought it would be funny if the appearance-obsessed Mac put on weight for season 7. ("I'm not fat, I'm cultivating mass!") As *Sunny* was gaining momentum, he also pitched the idea that the rest of the cast should join him in bucking the typical sitcom trend of glowing up each season.

They all passed, but McElhenny committed, gaining 60 pounds — and plenty of cheap gags. By season 8, he had dropped the weight with zero on-screen explanation.

G: Green Man

Phillie Phanatic and Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly/'Green-Man' on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

In a city that gave the world the Phillie Phanatic and Gritty, high school Charlie decided to make a mascot of his own by drunkenly running around football fields in a green spandex suit.

His alter-ego as "Green Man" reemerges years later during an acid trip, and Charlie then sets his sights on mascot greatness — even going as far as attacking the Phillie Phanatic at the World Series.

H: "Hero or Hate Crime?"

Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald and Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FXX

After being confronted about his exercise bike, "the Ass Pounder 4000," during an arbitration over the rightful owner of a winning scratch ticket, Mac finally admits to his friends that he's gay in this season 12 episode.

It marks a major turning point in Mac's long, often non-linear journey toward self-acceptance — one he doesn't fully realize until later (see the letter "V").

I: Intervention

Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

In season 5, the gang decides Frank is no longer fun to drink with due to his increasingly out-of-control alcohol problem, so they stage an intervention with a therapist (Suzy Nakamura), which Frank mistakes for a roast. Their message doesn't land, since they're all drunk while hurling insults like "you're an a--hole" and "you are annoying," none of which qualify as solid constructive criticism.

J: Jersey Shore

Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

Speaking of meats, the comedy makes a rare trip outside of Philly to Dee and Dennis' favorite childhood vacation spot in "The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore."

The season 7 episode is notable for the debut of Frank's favorite beach snack — rum-soaked ham — but also features Dee's hair getting snatched up by a roller coaster; a boat full of young, tan/jacked Italian Americans rescuing Frank and Mac from the ocean; and a liquor store robbery shootout that Dennis and Dee somehow get caught up in.

K: Kitten "Mittons"

Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

In the market for an "elegant, comfortable mitten" for your pet? Well, after his sleep is disrupted by a cat scratching outside his apartment, Charlie invents the perfect solution. Thanks to Paddy's Pub's short-lived venture into product development, you can now silence the sound of tiny paws with this one-size-fits-all accessory (just don't ask about product testing).

L: Liberty Bell

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

The season 4 episode "The Gang Cracks the Liberty Bell" flashes back to tell the story of how "Patrick's Pub" was instrumental in giving the iconic symbol its signature mark.

Nate Mooney as Ryan McPoyle and Jimmi Simpson as Liam McPoyle on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Siblings Liam, Ryan (Nate Mooney), and Margaret (Thesy Surface) are the most notorious members of the McPoyle clan — an inbred, milk-loving family with a long-standing grudge against the gang.

While Liam once claimed the McPoyles had "legions of us thousands sturdy [who] once ruled this fine land" before syphilis wiped half of them out, the family still boasts a relatively large number of members, most of them committed to reclaiming their imagined empire.

N: The Nightman Cometh

Kaitlin Olson as Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds/'the Coffee Shop Princess,' Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds/'the Troll,' and Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly/'Dayman' on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Adapted from his previous songs "Nightman" and "Dayman," Charlie's rock opera was later turned into a real-life musical that the cast (and DeVito's wife, Rhea Perlman) reenacted around the country. While it is a success in that sense, the performance in the season 4 finale fails when Charlie's show-ending marriage proposal is declined.

O: "The Gang Runs for Office"

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

As if politics could get any dirtier, the group stakes its claim in the corruption game when Dennis and Dee run for comptroller in season 12's "Making Dennis Reynolds a Murderer." What ensues is an endless cycle of backroom deals and shameless bribes, even costing Charlie his beloved Garbage Pail Kids collection in a scheme that ultimately goes nowhere.

P: Paddy's Pub

Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly, Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald, Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds, and Kaitlin Olson as Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Once hailed as "the worst bar in Philadelphia," Paddy's serves as the headquarters for the gang's various high jinks, hosting such events as strip shows, modeling competitions, makeshift courtrooms, wrestling matches, and cult meetings (R.I.P. Ass Kickers United).

Q: Quantum Leap

Scott Bakula as himself on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FXX

When they experience classic body-switch movie tropes in season 12's "The Gang Turns Black," Dee's theory that they're dealing with a *Quantum Leap* situation gets tested by a run-in with the star of the NBC series, Scott Bakula, who is working as a janitor and wishing he could leap back to 1989 when he still hung out with Nash Bridges.

R: Rickety Cricket

David Hornsby as Matthew 'Rickety Cricket' Mara on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FXX

Introduced as a clean-cut priest with a longtime crush on Dee, Matthew Mara (*Sunny* writer David Hornsby) has since seen his life repeatedly ruined by the gang, from being lured out of the clergy by Dee and humiliated in their exploitative dance contest to getting dragged into their criminal antics. Now, he's unhoused and living with a drug problem.

S: Sweet Dee

Kaitlin Olson as Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

The lone woman in the gang, Frank's daughter and Dennis' twin sister is often the target of their jokes, especially when it comes to her romantic and professional failures, as well as her resemblance to a bird...

Would that make Charlie her lawyer?

T: Troll Toll

Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds/'the Troll' on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'.

Patrick McElhenney/FX Network/Courtesy Everett

In *The Nighman Cometh*, Frank belts his way through the now-iconic "Troll Toll" number as the off-key, loud-af troll guarding Dennis' "little boy," insisting the Nightman must "pay the troll toll to get into this boy's soul" (though his delivery famously makes it sound like "boy's hole").

Leave it to DeVito — the man has joked about his "troll foot" on social media ever since to fully commit to the bit. The song became such a fan favorite that the gang took the musical on a live tour in 2009.

U: Utley, Chase

Chase Utley as himself and Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Mac has one dream in life: to play catch with Chase Utley. He even wrote to the MLB star, declaring, "I am sure our relationship would be a real home run!" Mac's wish became McElhenney's reality in June 2019 when the actor caught the first pitch from Utley at a Phillies game.

McElhenney would encounter Utley on the field again in 2024, when instead of throwing a first pitch, McElhennery and Utley turned a ceremonial double play before a game with Phillie Bryce Harper.

V: "Varúð" by Sigur Rós

Kylie Shea as a ballerina and Rob McElhenney as Ronald 'Mac' McDonald on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

The season 13 finale, "Mac Finds His Pride," concludes with Mac coming out to his imprisoned father via a stunning five-minute rain-filled shirtless interpretive dance number to this song from the Icelandic rock band. Frank wasn't the only one tearing up.

W: The Waitress

Mary Elizabeth Ellis as the Waitress and Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FX

Played by Day's real-life wife, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, the woman of Charlie's dreams (and stalkings) — whose real name is unknown — has been romantically involved with all the male members of the gang at some point since the series debut.

X: Xmas Special

Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. FX

DeVito has said there's nothing he won't do for a laugh on *Sunny*, and that is on full display in the season 6 holiday special, "A Very Sunny Christmas," when the legendary actor emerges from a couch, naked and greased up — an unholy parody of a nativity scene — all because Frank was trying to spy on his ex-wife's fancy holiday party.

Y: Yuck Puddle

Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly on 'It's Always in Philadelphia'. FXX

No one at Paddy's is more dedicated to their job than Charlie. But no matter how hard the janitor works (as showcased in season 10's memorable "Charlie Work"), he's never been able to clean up the bar's biggest mess: a blob in the men's bathroom that seems to somehow both move and feed.

Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds, Kaitlin Olson as Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds, and Chad Coleman as Z on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. Patrick McElhenney/FXX

For a rich businessperson, Frank has some questionable hobbies. Among them are playing "Night Crawlers" with the adult man he shares a bed with (and who might be his son) as well as hanging out under the bridge with people like Z (*The Wire*'s Chad Coleman). And don't get us started on Z's jean shorts.

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Source: "AOL TV"

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