For fans of irreverent comedy, the news couldn’t be sweeter: Danny DeVito is officially returning as Frank Reynolds for the highly anticipated eighteenth season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The update, confirmed on February 17, 2026, comes at a pivotal moment for the long-running FXX series, as the future beyond Season 18 remains uncertain. Still, with DeVito’s post-Jumanji schedule aligning perfectly, the creative team is poised to deliver another wild ride at Paddy’s Pub—possibly one for the record books.
DeVito’s return has always been more than just a casting update; it’s a signal that the core ensemble, including Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Kaitlin Olson, remains intact, ready to unleash the show’s trademark blend of dark humor and rapid-fire banter. According to Filmogaz, DeVito’s availability follows his wrap on Jumanji: The Next Level, a milestone that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson celebrated on social media. Johnson wrote, "That’s an official Jumanji wrap on the one and the only, Danny DeVito. To work with you, and learn from you has been an honor ~ and to call you my friend, will always be a privilege. Thank you, brother for your anchoring heart and JOY throughout our Jumanji franchise. Let’s tell more stories together." Johnson even joked, "ps, please keep smilin' and please keep exfoliating the top of your head."
With DeVito’s film commitments behind him, all eyes turned to the Always Sunny set. McElhenney and Day confirmed via social media in early February that cameras had started rolling for Season 18. Meanwhile, Kaitlin Olson wrapped her own project—the second season of ABC’s High Potential—just in time to rejoin the gang at Paddy’s. Olson’s Instagram post hinted at her excitement, and fans took it as a sign that the entire cast would be back together soon.
Behind the scenes, the production schedule has been carefully orchestrated. In July 2025, DeVito told Collider, "We start at the end of January. We’re going to go again next season. We just talked about when we’re going to start. And it’s something that you look forward to because it really is so much fun. I love these guys and Kaitlin [Olson] and Mary Elizabeth [Ellis] and Artemis [Pebdani], and everybody that’s on the show. And Lynne [Marie Stewart], we miss." DeVito’s mention of Stewart, who played Charlie’s mother, Bonnie Kelly, and passed away earlier in 2025, added a bittersweet note to the new season’s preparations.
The production’s momentum is also visible in charity circles. According to a Charitybuzz listing for Emily’s Entourage, an exclusive set visit is scheduled between February 12 and February 28, 2026, on the Fox lot in Los Angeles. The actual date may shift depending on filming needs, but the window offers a rare glimpse into the show’s tightly managed calendar and the excitement surrounding its return.
Yet, as much as this season is about celebration, it’s also tinged with questions about the series’ future. Olson addressed the elephant in the room during a January 2026 appearance on Chelsea Handler’s podcast, Dear Chelsea…. Handler remarked that being on a show for seventeen seasons was "crazy" and "like two lifetimes of television." Olson responded, "It’s getting weird. Like… a few years ago, it was exciting. We’re like, 'Oh, we’re breaking records.' And now it’s like, 'Well, now we’re just old and weird.'" Olson has repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for the series, saying, "I have zero mixed feelings about it [Always Sunny]. I met my husband. I’ve got two kids. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me. But also, you don’t want to overstay your welcome. You know what I mean? So, at what point am I like, 'I should probably Irish exit. Should I just leave the show and not tell anyone?'"
The uncertainty about what happens after Season 18 has fueled rampant speculation among fans and critics alike. According to Filmogaz, with the current contract covering only this season, the production may be gearing up for a grand finale. That could mean more celebrity cameos, callbacks to fan-favorite jokes, and storylines designed to reward longtime viewers. Names like Carol Kane, Kevin Hart, and Maria Bamford have been floated as possible guest stars, while fans have even joked about surprise appearances from action icons to shake up the show’s formula. Whether these wishes will pan out is anyone’s guess, but the excitement is palpable.
DeVito’s influence on the show—and on the entertainment world more broadly—extends beyond his on-screen antics. In a revealing interview with IGN Nordic, acclaimed actor Jared Harris recounted a formative encounter with DeVito during an audition for a film DeVito was directing in the early 2000s. Harris recalled, "Good luck, kid, because you’re going to need it." When Harris asked for clarification, DeVito explained, "A successful actor is a recognizable actor. You are trying to start from scratch every single time you appear in a role. You have to hope that one day it will catch up with you."
That advice, Harris said, was a turning point. While Harris didn’t land the role—DeVito’s early-2000s directorial projects included Death to Smoochy (2002), Duplex (2003), and Queen B (2005), none of which featured Harris—the lesson stuck. Harris has since built a reputation for memorable performances in shows like Mad Men, The Crown, Chernobyl, The Terror, and Foundation. It’s a testament to DeVito’s impact, not just as a comic force, but as a mentor and industry sage.
Social media, as expected, erupted with enthusiasm at the news of DeVito’s return. Longtime viewers expressed relief and excitement, with many declaring that the show simply wouldn’t be the same without Frank Reynolds. The production, for its part, is keeping details on episode count, guest casting, and plotlines close to the vest, but the energy is unmistakable. As Filmogaz put it, "Confirmation of DeVito’s involvement will accelerate preproduction planning and give the writing staff room to craft episodes that capitalize on the ensemble’s chemistry."
As the gang reconvenes at Paddy’s Pub, the stakes have never felt higher. Whether Season 18 marks the end of an era or simply another chapter in the show’s storied run, one thing is clear: with Danny DeVito back in the mix, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is set to deliver the kind of chaotic, hilarious, and heartfelt moments that have made it a television institution for nearly two decades.