By Tom Sams
Weirdly, I’ve been watching a lot more American television than British television recently. Doing so, I’ve managed to discover some cult TV shows that have zero audience in my native England. I’m sure our foreign readers will agree that it’s usually pretty difficult to ignore some American shows, but some of them really do slip by the radar, more often than not it’s down to the fact that they’re broadcast on unknown, crappy channels (such as Channel 5).
Weirdly, I’ve been watching a lot more American television than British television recently. Doing so, I’ve managed to discover some cult TV shows that have zero audience in my native England. I’m sure our foreign readers will agree that it’s usually pretty difficult to ignore some American shows, but some of them really do slip by the radar, more often than not it’s down to the fact that they’re broadcast on unknown, crappy channels (such as Channel 5).
Nevertheless, thanks to the powers of Netflix, I have been watching a show for a few months now entitled It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which I’m going to briefly outline for you now.
IASIP is one of the longest running sitcoms in America. Currently airing on FX (alongside Louie and Archer), it stars Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Oslin and Danny DeVito as Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee and Frank respectively. They own and operate an Irish themed bar in Philadelphia. Collectively, they are known as “The Gang”, and are a bunch of depraved underachievers who are possibly some of the worst human beings to ever appear on national television.
The program shows five detestable people go through such issues as racism, homophobia, patriotism, gun control, religion and countless others (and on some occasions it can become incredibly dark), yet you still feel for the characters. You can relate to these guys and still get a kick of the jokes and situations. It breathes brand new life into the standard sitcom format. As the show grows on, not only does the humour get better, but the characters get more and more deplorable. Strangely, even though none of them are likable, it’s actually quite easy to empathise with them, so we really enjoy their crackpot schemes, their alcoholism as well as their horribleness.
IASIP is one of the longest running sitcoms in America. Currently airing on FX (alongside Louie and Archer), it stars Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Oslin and Danny DeVito as Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee and Frank respectively. They own and operate an Irish themed bar in Philadelphia. Collectively, they are known as “The Gang”, and are a bunch of depraved underachievers who are possibly some of the worst human beings to ever appear on national television.
The program shows five detestable people go through such issues as racism, homophobia, patriotism, gun control, religion and countless others (and on some occasions it can become incredibly dark), yet you still feel for the characters. You can relate to these guys and still get a kick of the jokes and situations. It breathes brand new life into the standard sitcom format. As the show grows on, not only does the humour get better, but the characters get more and more deplorable. Strangely, even though none of them are likable, it’s actually quite easy to empathise with them, so we really enjoy their crackpot schemes, their alcoholism as well as their horribleness.
Some of the most intelligent gags come from this sitcom, including an entire episode devoted to the idea of gay marriage, which basically includes Frank and Charlie getting married so that they enjoy the “benefits” of married life - primarily tax related - with Frank stating, “So it’s just two dudes getting married; huh, now it doesn’t seem gay at all”.
Unfortunately, I cannot do this show justice simply by relaying quotes on you. Some of the humour is dark, some is controversial, some is straight up stupid, but just so you can get a little gist of it you ought to watch the following clip involving Dennis, Dee and Charlie… talking about cats.
Unfortunately, I cannot do this show justice simply by relaying quotes on you. Some of the humour is dark, some is controversial, some is straight up stupid, but just so you can get a little gist of it you ought to watch the following clip involving Dennis, Dee and Charlie… talking about cats.
What I love about this show is that it just ruins the traditional sitcom. In shows like Friends, they all get on really well, have great jobs, many relationships, they don’t talk about anything more taboo than sex and as the seasons progress (and their paycheques increase), they get more and more attractive. It is quite literally the opposite on IASIP. This show is about a bunch of losers, which most of us are so it certainly makes it easier to relate to. In fact, in season seven, Mac suddenly gets really fat, because it just adds a new dimension to the show, and showcases the opposite of most other studio sitcoms.
Do yourself a favour and watch this show immediately. If you’re sick to death of laugh tracks and predictable punch lines, then IASIP might be the comedy show for you. The show only gets better with time, and for those of who you only recognise DeVito (didn’t you see Horrible Bosses?), he doesn’t pop along till season two. You’ll grow to love all of the characters anyway.
Do yourself a favour and watch this show immediately. If you’re sick to death of laugh tracks and predictable punch lines, then IASIP might be the comedy show for you. The show only gets better with time, and for those of who you only recognise DeVito (didn’t you see Horrible Bosses?), he doesn’t pop along till season two. You’ll grow to love all of the characters anyway.
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