As It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is now 14 seasons deep, the show has changed in so many ways, whether it’s newer characters taking center-stage, complete changes in character traits, or the bizarre group dynamic. And unlike other shows that last for such a long time, the series hasn’t dropped in quality and its longevity is one of the reasons it’s the best sitcom.
Though there might have been some huge things that have changed since the pilot episode, most of it is for the better. And as the show has been renewed for another four seasons, it’s only going to develop even more.
Dennis Smoking
In the pilot episode, Dennis can be found smoking in several scenes, but this was quickly cut out of the show not long after, and it’s led to several things that don’t make sense. In “America’s Next Top Paddy’s Billboard Model Contest,” Dennis explains that his body was chiselled by gods, and in other episodes he has been seen going to extravagant lengths to look perfect, including starving himself and dying his hair jet black. So it doesn’t exactly make sense that he ever smoked in the first place.
Charlie’s Ownership Of The Bar
Charlie actually doing his job is one of the reasons he’s the best Always Sunny character, as he is always found cleaning the pub. He is the janitor after all, and the most disgusting chores of the pub are referred to as “Charlie work.” However, he wasn’t always the janitor, as he co-owned the bar with both Mac and Dennis in the pilot, but in “The Gang Sells Out,” he sells his shares of the pub to his co-owners for, of all things, half a sandwich.
Mac Being Gay
There were never any signs of Mac being gay in the pilot episode, in fact, if anybody in the group was gay it was Dennis, as it was heavily insinuated that he slept with two gay men.
But as the show pressed on, jokes about Mac being gay became more prevalent, and though it only seemed like they were calling him that because he was such an “alpha male,” he finally comes out as gay in season 12, and it’s one of the best changes that show made.
Dennis Becomes Crazy
In the pilot episode, Dennis is just a down-on-his-luck jerk who owns one-third of an Irish pub that doesn’t make any money. However, as the series has progressed, Dennis has gradually turned in to an extremely short-tempered and abusive friend. He is even a suspect in a murder case in the episode “Making Dennis Reynolds A Murderer,” which is a parody of Netflix’s documentary Making A Murderer. There are so many signs that prove he is capable of such things, and there are many quotes that prove he’s a sociopath.
Mac’s Religion
With all of the gang having completely contrasting stances on political and economical subjects, of all the characters on the show, Mac is the most passionate when it comes to his beliefs. And that’s no more clearer than when it comes to religion.
There were no signs of Mac being even slightly religious in the pilot episode, but Mac now bases almost every decision he has on his Christianity. It’s even the focal point of “Mac Day,” the very best Mac episode.
Recurring Characters
One of the things that Always Sunny has become known for is it’s rotating cast of quirky, murderous, delusional recurring characters. Except for the McPoyles and Charlie’s perverted uncle Jack, none of the fan favorite characters were introduced until after the first season. Rickety Cricket was first introduced in season two, The Lawyer was first seen in season three, and Maureen Ponderosa didn’t even arrive on the scene until season six.
Frank Reynolds
With season one mostly focusing on Mac, Charlie, and Dennis, and Dee being a recurring cast member but not really having any great scenes at this point, the show was very much in its infancy. However, the advancement between season one and two wasn’t just incremental, but it was monumental. It was mostly thanks to the introduction of Frank Reynolds, as he brought so much more to the show and is responsible for some of the best episodes.
Dee Becomes Funny
Not only did season two improve thanks to Frank, but Dee is given much meatier scenes too. More of the dialogue was spent on hilariously insulting her, and the character gives it as much as she takes it, as some of her insults are the best of the show. The Dee train hasn’t slowed down in recent years either, as season nine’s “The Gang Broke Dee” is possibly the funniest episode of all time, as the character tries to make it as a comedian.
Dennis Gets Feelings
Being self centred is one of the ways he and Dee are alike, as neither one of them have ever cared about anyone more than they do about themselves, and they would especially never go out of their way to help the needs of somebody else. However, that all changed in season 12, when an old flame of Dennis’ walked back in to his life with a baby. Though he initially tried to escape having any involvement whatsoever, he finally succumbed to his feelings and agreed to help raise the child.
Emotional Scenes
One of the best things about Always Sunny and why it’s loved so much is because of the lack of emotions. Just like Seinfeld, which had the production rule of “no hugs, no learning,” Always Sunny has never been remotely emotional, and almost every single character is completely soulless. But that changed when Dennis came to his senses and agreed to raise his child. It even goes as far back as to when Mac came out as gay, as it was surprisingly emotive, even if he was standing next to the Ass Pounder 3000
