10 BEST It's Always Sunny Episodes You NEED to Watch!

Despite being the longest-running live-action sitcom ever made, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” can be considered an unlikely contender due to its unique and niche appeal. Interestingly enough, this long-running sitcom has never won an Emmy award, which is quite unusual for a series of such longevity. In fact, it has only been nominated three times, not for Outstanding Comedy Series, but for stunt coordination. This goes to show that shows that buck tradition and take risks in their storytelling don’t always receive the same level of recognition as those that adhere to more conventional sitcom formulas.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is undeniably one of the most cleverly crafted TV shows ever to grace our screens. Some might even go so far as to claim it’s the funniest show ever made – provided you can tune into its unique humor. These following episodes are prime examples of its significant allure.

Here are the 10 best episodes of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

10) “The Gang Exploits a Miracle” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Sunny Season 1 showcases some impressive moments, but it’s clearly a fledgling series. From the start, though, it was evident that It’s Always Sunny had ambitions to challenge norms, and it did so in unconventional ways. However, something was amiss, and that missing piece was Danny De Vito. When wealthy scumbag Frank Reynolds joined the cast during Season 2, it provided a plausible means for the gang to finance their antics. Yet, the standout scheme of Season 2 (one of the series’ strongest years) is undeniably their exploitation of a water stain that faintly resembles the Virgin Mary.>

In its prime, “Sunny” showcases an instance where the group takes advantage of a seemingly divine event. A lucrative opportunity arises that most people would deem unethical, but this band of misfits doesn’t hesitate to seize it. The scenes featuring Mac and Charlie pretending to be fake priests are classic. Remarkably, they aren’t motivated by money; instead, they’re engaged in a playful competition to outdo each other. Despite Charlie being the less religious of the two, he emerges victorious in this amusing power struggle. This exchange showcases some of the finest banter the series has to offer.

9) “The Nightman Cometh” (Season 4, Episode 13)

In the initial stages of Season 4, the series has begun to take bolder steps, as can be seen most clearly in “The Nightman Cometh,” where the characters perform an extremely amusing play within the show itself.

In a fresh, conversational tone: Season 4 offers some top-notch standout episodes like “The Gang Tackles the Gas Crisis,” “Mac Gets Romantic with the Waitress” and “Mac and Charlie’s Farewell,” but the most remarkable episode might be “The Nightman Cometh.” While it may not be ideal for first-time viewers, it certainly is a must-watch. What sets it apart is that it led to an entire live stage production tour.

8) “The Gang Gives Frank an Intervention” (Season 5, Episode 4)

If you’re new to “Always Sunny” and want a standout episode as an introduction, I’d recommend “The Gang Gives Frank an Intervention.” This episode provides a comprehensive view of all the characters and offers a tantalizing glimpse into one of the show’s many appealing aspects: Danny DeVito’s unbridled performance.

Another way to phrase it could be: One memorable moment from the series is a particularly humorous scene involving Frank, who stumbles through a suburban neighborhood while intoxicated, rambling about his plans to “be with Aunt Donna.” Unseen by the audience until then, Mac has been walking beside him all along. When Mac suddenly appears on screen and speaks up, it startles Frank tremendously.

As a whole, Season 5 is generally considered the show’s finest, boasting standout episodes such as “The Gang Takes a Road Trip,” “The Gang Fights for Troops,” “Paddy’s Pub Introduces Kitten Mittens,” “Mac and Dennis Split Up,” and “The D.E.N.N.I.S System.” Each of these episodes are true gems in the series.

7) “The Gang Buys a Boat” (Season 6, Episode 3)

At its finest, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” shines when the gang embarks on a seemingly straightforward venture, but due to their personal flaws, the simple plan spirals out of control into a complete mess. This is perfectly encapsulated in the episode titled “The Gang Buys a Boat.” Frank and Charlie become fixated on catching oysters, while Dennis and Mac focus on keeping the boat clean while they party. Meanwhile, Dee strives to avoid resembling a cheap car salesman’s inflatable figure during her dancing. Additionally, Dennis has dreams of having romantic moments on the boat, believing it would be effortless due to certain implications.

In a slight decline from the exceptional quality of Season 5, Season 6 had its shining moments such as “Mac and Charlie: White Trash” and “Charlie Kelly: King of the Rats.” The season is significant because it was filmed in high definition for the first time. However, none of its other excellent episodes possess the scene where Dennis clarifies the meaning of “implication” to Mac, a scene that alone makes “The Gang Buys a Boat” stand out as the best episode of Season 6.

6) “The Gang Gets Trapped” (Season 7, Episode 9)

Similar to Seasons 2 and 5, Season 7 is considered one of the strongest in the series ‘Sunny’. A significant contributing factor to its success is likely the fact that Matt Shakman, a highly-skilled director, helmed every single one of its 13 episodes. If you’re familiar with television, you might recognize Shakman from episodes on larger shows such as ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Succession’, ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’, or all parts of ‘WandaVision’ (not to mention the upcoming ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’).

Among all the memorable episodes from the series, “The Gang Gets Trapped” stands out as one of the absolute best for me. After seven years, it’s clear that the gang has grown introspective, and this episode beautifully showcases each member exposing the other’s unique, irritating quirks. Crammed inside a suburban closet, they find themselves in a precarious situation, fearing that their hosts, who they suspect are from the South, might hitch them up to two horses and send them running in opposite directions.

5) “Mac Day” (Season 9, Episode 5)

As a diehard film enthusiast, I must admit that no other season quite matches the rollercoaster ride that is Season 9. On one hand, we had absolute gems like “The Gang’s Fruitless Quest for an Award,” “The Enforced Isolation of Pals,” and the heartwarming “Mac’s Day.” These episodes were truly top-notch and worthy of any cinephile’s attention.

However, the season wasn’t without its misses. There were moments when the storyline seemed to falter, leaving us hanging for something more substantial. But then again, that’s part of the charm of being a fan, isn’t it? The anticipation and excitement of waiting for those standout moments amidst the not-so-great episodes. That’s what makes the journey worthwhile!

Everything regarding “Mac Day” is hilariously ironic. Mac is a dependent character initially, so when the day meant for him turns out to be overshadowed by his cousin, “Country Mac,” (Seann William Scott from American Pie), the escalating distress of Mac becomes more and more captivating. Adding to this, the last scene hinting at Frank Day’s arrival is a classic moment.

4) “The Gang Beats Boggs” (Season 10, Episode 1)

An essential aspect that makes Sunny captivating lies in the habit of the gang frequently indulging excessively in alcohol. Essentially, their activities revolve around drinking and arguing, constantly switching between the two. The idea of them engaging in such behavior on a crowded plane thousands of feet above ground is an intriguing premise (even though it didn’t succeed as well when the series attempted it again).

In the episode, there are several noteworthy scenes. For example, the repeated references to the movies “Executive Decision” and “Passenger 57,” Dee’s persistent lack of understanding about who Wade Boggs is, Charlie’s surprise at learning that the man is still alive, and Dennis’ hurried and incorrect description of the most attractive woman on the plane.

3) “Mac & Dennis Move to the Suburbs” (Season 11, Episode 5)

The show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has consistently shone due to its skillfully chosen supporting characters, like the late Lynne Marie Stewart as Charlie’s Mom, but what truly captivates audiences is watching Mac, Charlie, Dennis, Dee, and Frank engage in their frequent disagreements. Intriguingly, these characters are so richly developed that a 22-minute episode can not only endure, but flourish, even when it centers around only two of the primary five characters.

Example: “Instead of dwelling in their urban Philadelphia abode, Mac and Dennis opt for relocating to the suburbs. This shift means they’re now confined to each other’s company more than ever before. The aftermath? A surge in ‘Mac’s signature macaroni and cheese’ (made from simple boxed mixes), a pet casualty, and Dennis feigning ignorance to the persistent smoke alarm that’s driving Mac up the wall, figuratively and literally.

2) “Hero or Hate Crime?” (Season 12, Episode 6)

Similar to the upcoming episode “Hero or Hate Crime?”, “Sunny” proves its impact by arranging the characters in a panel setup. This way, they’re all gathered at one spot, compelled to face not only external challenges but also their personal shortcomings and inner struggles.

Instead of “But ‘Hero or Hate Crime?’ has an advantage over the following entry and Season 14’s ‘Thunder Gun 4: Maximum Cool,’ not because it was the first, but because it truly delved into its own progressive transformation – examining what is still acceptable today versus what was once unacceptable, and offering insights into how we might approach things in future.”

“While ‘Thunder Gun 4: Maximum Cool’ also made an appearance this season, ‘Hero or Hate Crime?’ stands out due to its thoughtful exploration of societal evolution – comparing what is now considered acceptable versus what was once deemed unacceptable, and encouraging us to think about future considerations.

1) “Time’s Up for the Gang” (Season 13, Episode 4)

As a film enthusiast, I must say, it’s impossible to create a series about questionable behavior that thrives in the wake of the “Me Too” movement without eventually addressing this cultural shift. And boy, did ‘Sunny’ handle it brilliantly! The gang is gathered at a conference aimed at refining the practices of Philadelphia’s shadiest bars, a list that includes Paddy’s Pub (though the whole event turns out to be a façade). This setup provides an excellent opportunity to confront each character with their past dubious actions. The plot takes a humorous turn when Dee bursts into the room, shouting “Time’s Up, Time’s Up, Time’s Up!” while holding a soda, just moments after Dennis wonders who could possibly be enjoying this situation.

Towards the end of Season 12, it appeared as though Dennis’ actor, Clenn Howerton, might be leaving the show. With “A.P. Bio” demanding a significant portion of his time, viewers pondered how the group could continue without their most psychopathic member. However, it turned out that they didn’t necessarily need him. A large part of Season 13 features Howerton, and even in episodes where he’s missing, there’s so much happening that his absence isn’t immediately noticeable. By the next season, he was back in full force. Among the top three episodes of the season are those with Howerton’s involvement, such as “The Gang Escapes” and “The Gang Solves the Bathroom Problem.” On the other hand, “Charlie’s Home Alone,” and “Mac Finds His Pride” were among the less favored episodes without his presence.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia is streaming on FX-Hulu.

2025-05-10 06:32

10 BEST It’s Always Sunny Episodes You NEED to Watch!