Full Breakdown
Filming for Season 18 of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* Underway
2/12/2026, 9:39:18 AM
Overview of the Current Production Status
Filming for the 18th season of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* has officially commenced, as confirmed by co-creator Rob McElhenney and co-star Charlie Day through social media posts. McElhenney shared an image of a clapperboard on set with the caption "Back in the kitchen," indicating the start of production. This follows a previous announcement by Danny DeVito, who stated in July 2025 that filming would begin at the end of January 2026.
Background and Context
*It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* is one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history, having completed 17 seasons. FX Networks renewed the series for four additional seasons in 2020, ensuring its continuation through season 18. The show has received critical acclaim, with seasons 15 and 16 achieving perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes, while season 17 maintained an impressive 84%.
Key Figures Involved
The main cast includes Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito. Each actor has expressed their commitment to the series, with Olson reflecting on the show's significance in her life, stating, "I have zero mixed feelings about it... It's the best thing that ever happened to me." However, she also acknowledged the challenges of continuing a long-running series, suggesting that there may come a time to "Irish exit" from the show.
Filming Schedule and Future Prospects
The filming for season 18 is expected to take place in Los Angeles, with a special opportunity for fans to visit the set and meet Olson, with proceeds benefiting Emily's Entourage. This experience is scheduled for February 12 to February 28, 2026, although dates may change based on the filming schedule. The release date for the new season has not yet been announced, but given the production timeline of previous seasons, it is conceivable that season 18 could premiere later in 2026.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the new season, there are ongoing concerns about the show's longevity, particularly regarding DeVito's age, as he will turn 82 later this year. Olson has noted the shift in perception surrounding the show's long run, stating, "It's getting weird... now we're just old and weird." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about how the series can maintain its relevance and quality as it progresses into its later seasons.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the production updates have been largely positive, there is no confirmation yet regarding a potential 19th season, leaving fans uncertain about the future of the series beyond season 18. The lack of a renewal announcement adds pressure for the upcoming season to perform well.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Back in the kitchen,” — Rob McElhenney, Co-Creator and Star
- “It's the best thing that ever happened to me," Olson added.” — Kaitlin Olson, Star
As *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* embarks on its 18th season, the production team and cast remain optimistic about the future while grappling with the realities of a long-running series.
