Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is TV's longest-running live-action sitcom

Actors Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito and Charlie Day act during a dance scene on the set of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" in 2007 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Michael Buckner
/
Getty Images
Actors Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito and Charlie Day act during a dance scene on the set of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" in 2007 in Los Angeles, Calif.

The gang breaks a record!

With the debut of its 15th season this week, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia just became the longest-running live-action sitcom in U.S. TV history, FX said.

"So, raise that snifter and cheers: To Sunny!" the TV channel said. "Yes, it burns a little, and that's what you want."

The show snags first place after being tied with ABC's The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, both of which had had 14 seasons on air, according to multiple outlets.

It's Always Sunny debuted in 2005 and stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and veteran actor Danny DeVito.

The irreverent, dark comedy follows the five maladjusted owners of Paddy's Pub in South Philly and their offbeat antics. The show promises even more depraved humor in its record-breaking 15th season.

"This is a season that sees The Gang try to exploit pandemic aid, sidestep cancel culture, evade criminal justice, reflect on their origins, and reconcile their identities and homeland roots," FX said.

The first and second episodes of the 15th season premiered on FX's partner channel FXX on Wednesday.

Internationally, the title of longest-running sitcom goes to Last of the Summer Wine, a BBC comedy than ran for 37 years and 31 series and ended in 2010, according to Guinness World Records.

The record for longest-running animated sitcom is held by The Simpsons, which is in its 33rd season.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.