Fans of the long-running hit series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia have plenty to be excited about as Season 17 returns to FXX and the eagerly awaited Season 18 is already lining up. Charlie Day, one of the show's iconic stars, recently opened up about the future of the irreverent comedy, sharing insights on the current season’s creative energy and the team’s plans moving forward.
Rob McElhenney, who stars as Mac and is also a co-creator of the show, boldly declared Season 17 "the best season of 'Sunny' ever." That’s no small claim given the series’ storied history since its debut in 2005. While fans might debate that assertion with good-natured passion, the consensus is clear: the cast and crew are invigorated by the new episodes.
Charlie Day revealed that when he entered the writers' room for Season 17 in 2024, he did so with the mindset that it might be his last opportunity to contribute to the show’s writing. "I did," Day admitted in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I mean, I knew that there was an offer for a season 18 as well, and I knew that we all had discussed most likely wanting to do it, but I personally went into the writers' room last year as if it was my last chance to be in the writers' room. Fortunately, I think we're lining up everybody and we're going to come back for season 18." Beyond that, the future remains uncertain, but the creative spark of this season has rekindled the team’s enthusiasm. "Beyond season 18, I don't know, it could quite possibly be the end. But I think there was something about writing this season and having David and John Cherin back in the writers room, and having Rob Rosell and David Hornsby and a little bit of some of the old gang back, and then having some of these episodes work so well was exciting in a way that reinvigorated everybody. So we'll see how long we can keep it going. But one season at a time."
Season 17’s theme, "The Gang Embraces the Corporate Era," dives into how greed and the modern American Dream have overtaken the beloved Paddy’s Pub. The episodes explore how the gang exploits cross-network promotions to boost their market share, scapegoats one of their own to dodge public relations disasters, risks everything for a handshake with Saudi investors, bends laws through side hustles to pad their pockets, and even changes their personas to appeal to a wider audience. Despite their selfish antics, the show reminds viewers that beneath the chaos, The Gang craves love, respect, conditional freedom, attention, and even "unfiltered, slaphappy eroticism." This blend of biting satire and human complexity has kept the show fresh and compelling through nearly two decades.
Adding to the excitement this year is a unique crossover event with the acclaimed ABC comedy Abbott Elementary. The two-part event began in February 2025 with the "Abbott version," where Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Dee, and Frank appeared at Abbott Elementary to complete court-mandated volunteer hours after a wild incident involving dumping baby oil, tee-shirts, and a Tesla Cybertruck into the Schuykill River. Now, the "Sunny version" titled "The Gang Fks Up Abbott Elementary" has landed on Hulu, offering fans a wildly different and much raunchier take on the story.
Principal Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James, discovers footage revealing a side of the gang’s visit that sharply contrasts with what the Abbott staff witnessed. The episode is filled with the trademark irreverent humor that It's Always Sunny is known for, including shocking moments such as Janine Teagues, portrayed by Quinta Brunson, calling Dee a "total fking ct," a line that stunned viewers given the usually family-friendly tone of Abbott Elementary. Brunson herself warned fans of her show to brace for the stark tonal difference, joking that some might want to skip this episode due to its edgier content.
Rob McElhenney and Quinta Brunson promoted the crossover earlier in 2025, with McElhenney noting that while the "Abbott version" maintained the family-friendly tone, the "Sunny version" would be distinctly NSFW and full of surprises for fans of both shows. One particularly eyebrow-raising subplot involves Mac, Charlie, and Frank debating the merits of recruiting one of Abbott’s taller Black students to play basketball for their alma mater, referring to it as pulling off a "Blind-Side," referencing the 2009 film about a wealthy White family adopting a Black teenager to play football. The gang’s antics escalate from there, including an awkward and suggestive encounter with the teenager in a bathroom, showcasing the show's fearless approach to controversial humor.
Charlie Day teased that the ending of this "Sunny" episode will delight and surprise viewers, promising a payoff that rewards long-time fans. Both parts of the crossover—"It's Always Funny at Abbott Elementary" and "The Gang Fks Up Abbott Elementary"—are currently streaming on Hulu, where new subscribers can start with a 30-day free trial. Hulu’s basic plan costs $9.99 per month after the trial, with an ad-free option available for $18.99 monthly. For those interested in a broader streaming package, Disney+ offers bundles that include Hulu, with prices ranging from $10.99 to $29.99 a month depending on ad support and additional services like Max.
As It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues to push boundaries and reinvent itself nearly 20 years after its debut, the combination of fresh creative energy, bold storytelling, and unexpected collaborations like the Abbott Elementary crossover demonstrate why the show remains a staple of dark comedy television. Whether Season 18 will be the final chapter or just another wild ride remains to be seen, but for now, The Gang is back and as unpredictable as ever.
