By John Custodio

Historical drama. International scandals. American political commentary. The five worst people on television go to Ireland. “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” finished its 15th season, making it the longest-running American live action comedy. Unfortunately, it disappointed.

Following four now-middle aged losers and the disgusting and disgustingly rich Frank Reynolds (Danny DeVito, “Batman Returns”), the gang’s newest season centers around their usual antics as the absolute worst humans in both their native Philadelphia and the Emerald Isle of Europe. 

A bit atypical from their normal seasons, season 15 has more of a direct plot but with only eight episodes as opposed to a typical 15 to 18 episodes. “It’s Always Sunny” can be best described as a cross between “Seinfeld” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” with “Shameless,” if “Shameless” was actually well-written.

Of the season’s few episodes, maybe one or two were actually good. The main problem is “The Gang” is too clean physically, and the show seems to honestly be out of ideas. When “It’s Always Sunny” first started, creators Rob McElhenney (“Mythic Quest”), Charlie Day (“I Want You Back”) and Glenn Howerton (“A.P. Bio”), who play Mac, Charlie and Dennis respectively, were just three cheap, down-to-earth guys making a raunchy comedy with themselves as true scumbags. Now, all of the stars are rich and appear so, and no longer have a true edge to them that one expects focused on the worst bar in Philadelphia. The cast is too healthy-looking, too well-spoken and just out of touch with their sources. 

Often praised for being not “politically correct,” although the show is a clear parody and is not purposefully racist or anything, season 15 was just not raunchy enough. For example, in one episode, a monkey bartender is a central character and instead of using a real monkey or even positioning the cameras to imply the monkey is there, they used a CGI monkey. While it may seem like a trivial complaint, it simply is not funny to see a fake critter make drinks and attempt to poison the gang. “The Gang” simply is not as horrible anymore, actually supporting each other instead of constantly trying to one-up out of spite.

Hyped up in teasers and promotional images, the Ireland episodes prompt some laughs but were simply not good. Similar to the monkey issue, production money was simply too high and they looked bad. Drone shots of the gang on majestic cliffs or CGI car crashes rips the viewer from the typical dingy-lit Paddy’s Pub fans know and love and try to force them into a more plot-oriented show. The plot itself was nonsensical and could be accomplished anywhere, with Ireland only being used as a pretty backdrop. For example, in more than one episode, Charlie has actively hunted “leprechauns,” of course truly being little people, but the show seems to be afraid to take active risks now. 

However, some parts did truly shine, hinting at the gang’s involvement throughout the major events of 2021 and 2022 such as the Jan. 6 riot, presidential election, and Jeffrey Epstein events even if Frank claimed to only be on his island for the snorkeling, and “not any of the kid stuff.” 

It seems “It’s Always Sunny” is trying to stretch the show out for more time than it has, and is starting to go down the same road as “The Simpsons.” The only solution? One more legitimately good season, and call it quits. End the dirtbag comedy with a bang instead of an exasperated sigh of “they’re still going?”

Image from FX Networks via YouTube