The iconic comedy show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” holds the record for the longest-running live action sitcom ever produced, thanks in part to its clever storytelling and a unique brand of morally questionable yet endearing absurdity that no other program can match. Unlike many long-lasting shows where characters undergo significant transformations, “Sunny” stands out by keeping its core group relatively unchanged. The only exception is Charlie Kelly’s character, Mac, who has experienced some dramatic shifts, both in his personality and physical appearance.
Indicated paths from the outset? Indeed, yet there’s no denying he underwent the most significant transformation among all characters. Can you ask for evidence? These ensuing episodes provide it.
1) “Mac and Charlie Die” (Season 4, Episodes 5 & 6)
Generally speaking, among fans, the episodes titled “Mac and Charlie Die” are often considered as some of the finest examples from the series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” For Mac, this duology stands out because he gets a brain injury that leads to frequent memory loss and an unusual fixation on a wedding dress purchased from a pawn shop.
In the movie “Mac and Charlie Die,” Mac’s character embodies the classic Mac from the era, becoming more evident when he snaps out of his mental fog with some stimulants. He exhibits an unjustified overconfidence, fears the disapproval of a father he longs to impress, and is utterly dismissed by a mother who shows him both indifference and disdain (as humorously portrayed in a scene where she’s asleep at her own son’s funeral).
2) “Mac Fights Gay Marriage” (Season 6, Episode 1)
In this rephrased version:
Contrary to some speculations, the removal of certain episodes from streaming platforms related to the show “Sunny ” doesn’t stem from the character portrayed by Brittany Daniel. The question of whether it is right or wrong to pull episodes from any series, particularly those that intentionally offend while making thoughtful points like “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and “South Park“, can certainly spark a lively discussion. However, the main point here is that Brittany Daniel’s character isn’t the cause behind these removals.
In the early stages of the show, Mac had a complex relationship with Carmen, who is a transgender woman. This relationship may have hinted at Mac’s future struggles with his sexuality and eventual coming out. It’s also worth noting that Carmen was someone whom Mac deeply cared for and lost. When she got married, it visibly affected him, even though he expressed his feelings through his faith, which has always been a challenge for his repressed homosexuality. Ultimately, he felt disappointed that his affection wasn’t reciprocated by her.
3) “Mac and Charlie: White Trash” (Season 6, Episode 5)
Mac consistently boasts about possessing extraordinary physical abilities, yet fails to provide evidence. The motivation behind this continuous boasting is primarily seeking validation from his friends. For example, his “Project Badass” videos, showcased in Season 4’s episode “Mac’s Banging the Waitress,” are an attempt to gain their approval.
In my opinion, Season 6’s “Mac and Charlie: White Trash” is a standout episode that finds our dynamic duo stuck at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool. Over the course of the series, Charlie has often faced skepticism from his friends regarding his grandiose claims. Yet, in this instance, it seems like he’s been one step ahead, setting up Mac for a challenge. He dares Mac to execute a backflip, given that he’d boasted about his abilities and the pool’s surrounding walls could potentially provide assistance. However, it appears that our man is either unwilling or unable to fulfill this dare.
4) “How Mac Got Fat” (Season 7, Episode 10)
While “How Mac Got Fat” is an excellent Dennis Reynolds episode, its main purpose is to delve into, or more precisely, unravel the story of how Mac became overweight. Similarly, much like the rest of the gang, Mac struggles with taking responsibility for his actions, and he seems to be the most evasive among them. In his perspective, his weight gain is entirely due to the influence of his peers.
In this episode, it’s clear that Mac hasn’t developed a stronger sense of self as he gets older. The reason for his weight gain was to build up muscle so he could resemble the man he claims is his avatar. However, as Dee points out, he’s never looked like that before, and gaining weight won’t make a difference in that regard.
5) “The High School Reunion” (Season 7, Episodes 12 & 13)
Season 7 highlighted Rob McElhenney as the actor who was ready to delve deep into character development by undergoing drastic changes in his physical appearance. However, it wasn’t just during Season 7 that McElhenney/Mac opted for significant weight gain; this wasn’t a one-time occurrence.
Apart from the standout aspect of this character, there were other significant introductions this season as well. For instance, in the two-part finale, “The High School Reunion,” we discover his first name – a revelation that brought Dennis great joy: Ronald McDonald.
6) “Mac Day” (Season 9, Episode 5)
Mac yearns constantly for recognition, an unfulfilled need that stemmed from his parents’ indifference towards him; they showed no concern whether he thrived or perished. Unfortunately, the companions he grew up with and continues to associate with in adulthood are apathetic towards him, viewing him much like his parents did.
In this situation, it’s clear that Mac tends to overdo things excessively, and this is particularly noticeable on his special day. However, instead of respecting everyone’s feelings, he insists on imposing his perplexing ideas upon others. To make matters worse, he invites his cousin, affectionately known as “Country Mac,” who manages to win the Gang’s love and admiration. The growing annoyance in Mac, culminating in his abrupt command to “begin buttering up some people,” is quite amusing. This ninth season episode marks a significant moment for the group, as they openly discuss among themselves that Mac appears to be gay.
7) “The Gang Goes to Hell” (Season 11, Episodes & 9)
Title “The Gang’s Journey to Paradise” presents a two-part storyline where the focus is significantly on Mac compared to other characters. This storyline marks the ultimate confrontation between Mac’s religious beliefs and his repressed homosexuality. Intriguingly, Mac invites his companions on a spiritual voyage – a Christian cruise. It is during this cruise that he discovers an unexpected truth: two of the fellow church members are in a same-sex relationship.
In the initial scenes, he candidly informs the two men that the rumble in the distance is divine applause and disapproval at their kiss, which appears to help him accept not only their relationship but also his own identity. By the close of the first chapter of this two-part series, he reunites with his group, openly revealing himself. However, by the end of the second chapter, he retreats back into hiding, albeit momentarily exposing himself for a brief period.
8) “Hero or Hate Crime?” (Season 12, Episode 6)
In “The Gang Goes to Hell: Part Two,” Mac might have temporarily hidden his truth, but he didn’t dwell there for too long. A $10,000 scratcher ticket was the catalyst for him to openly declare himself and maintain that stance. This scene presents a touching development for the character as he appears to be accepting himself more fully. He seems to be finding some measure of personal tranquility. However, the scene is somewhat undermined by the fact that he’s standing in front of a bike adorned with an adult toy, but despite this, it remains a significant step towards growth and self-understanding.
9) “Mac Finds His Pride” (Season 13, Episode 10)
Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, and Glenn Howerton have been part of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” since its debut, with Howerton co-creating the series. However, at the core, the show belongs to Rob McElhenney. The initial concept originated from him, which he later developed with Howerton. This project is deeply personal to him, perhaps even more so than his joint ownership of Wrexham A.F.C. He pours all his energy and essence into it.
The depth at which the show handles homosexuality becomes especially clear during the climax of Season 13’s finale, “Mac Finds His Pride.” Rather than making light of Mac’s sexuality, it’s his character that is often the target of jokes among his friends. It’s not so much his gay identity that he struggles with, but rather accepting and embracing who he truly is and who they all know him to be. Brian McElhenney, the actor portraying Mac, has stated that he has always been a part of the LGBTQ+ community, given that both his brothers are gay and his parents separated after his mother came out as a lesbian. This episode sheds light on why Mac is so torn about his sexuality. His Catholic upbringing plays a role, but primarily it’s his fear of coming out to his father that holds him back. In this episode, he doesn’t express this truth through words, but instead through an elaborate, moving dance. Although Mac’s father initially rejects this revelation, Frank steps in as a new source of support and affirmation for him – a role model who offers more validation and encouragement than the criminal figure who contributed to his conception.
10) “The Gang Texts” (Season 14, Episode 5)
In Season 13, Mac underwent a physical transformation, more as a bid to gain his friends’ appreciation (“Do you guys think I’m cool?”), but it didn’t change the fact that he remained the target of their humor. Regardless of his appearance, Mac continues to be the subject of his companions’ jokes.
Essentially, it’s clear that the change within Mac is most noticeable due to his own actions. In later seasons, he seems less confident, failing to assert himself as effectively as before against others. This is particularly evident in his attempts to get his friends into texting, where he consistently falls short and becomes even more subdued when they point out his failures.
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2025-06-12 00:43