The Origins Of 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' Are Still Fascinating

In the entertainment industry, the pipeline from “trying to make it” to “successful,”
differs from person to person. Some people get lucky. Someone else might make all the right moves and never reach their goals. Then there are the nepo babies. Either way, if you want to “make it,” many things need to line up. That was certainly the case for It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

Charlie Day, one of the leads and co-creators of the show, appeared on Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend this week. While there, he told the age-old story of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s origin. The show was shot on the cheap, on a handheld camera, and passed around Hollywood. Eventually, it found a home.

To be fair, the gang did already have moderate success. They were all working actors who had agents and managers. They had people to get them into the room, which is worth its weight in gold. The worth of having someone who can get you in a room is oft overlooked when the aforementioned nepo babies are defending themselves. Having an “in” is everything.

The fascinating aspect of Sunny’s beginnings is that they did find a home, were picked up for a season, and then threatened with cancellation unless they could get a star attached. That star was Danny Devito. What followed was a match made in television heaven.