'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' review

(Credit: Michael Becker / FX)

In the first three seasons of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," the boozed-up crew tackled more big issues than a "Dr. Phil" marathon, including homelessness, abortion, molestation, underage drinking, welfare reform and gun control. (Yes, it's a comedy.)

Who's that? Danny DeVito may be the only recognizable star of the bunch, but "Sunny" features four of the most talented (and underappreciated) actors on the small screen. The breakout star: Charlie Day (Charlie), the group's semi-literate "wild card"—a bartender with a serious hygiene problem who likes to sniff paint in his spare time.

Buzzed about: The "Sunny" crew has begun addressing increasingly controversial topics. In one early episode in the new season, the gang takes on racism, fratricide and torture—all while "solving the gas crisis." But with numerous references to a "rape van" and a long, distasteful waterboarding scene, "Sunny"'s edgy humor occasionally steps into Bad Tasteville.

The "ooh" factor: Fearless acting, sharp directing (courtesy in part to former "Wonder Years" star Fred Savage) and a confidence to let the script take the show places few others would dare to go.

The "eh" factor: This season, the production value may be better, and the set pieces may be bigger, but the defining scenes of the series still involve little more than the four principal actors sitting around the bar and saying horribly offensive things to one another.

The verdict: Newcomers may chuckle and reach for the remote, but devotees will be in "Sunny" heaven as soon as Dennis takes his shirt off for the first time.

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" premieres Thursday, September 18, at 10pm ET/PT on FX.

Add a comment