FX's Record-Breaking 18th Season of 'It's Always Sunny' Is Finally on Its Way

The beloved sitcom is returning for an 18th season, making it the longest-running live-action comedy series.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The creators of the hit FX sitcom 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' have announced that production has begun on the show's 18th season, making it the longest-running live-action comedy series in television history. Series co-creator Rob McElhenney shared a photo on Instagram of a clapperboard signaling the start of filming, with a caption saying the gang is 'back in the kitchen.' The 17th season, which aired in 2022, was praised by critics as one of the show's best in recent memory.

Why it matters

The announcement of an 18th season for 'It's Always Sunny' is a major milestone for the long-running sitcom, which has built a devoted fanbase over nearly two decades on the air. The show's ability to continue producing new episodes and maintain its creative spark is a testament to the talents of its writing staff and cast, led by McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito.

The details

In his Instagram post, McElhenney shared a photo of a clapperboard marked 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia 18,' signaling the start of production on the new season. The show's 17th season, which aired in 2022, was praised by critics as one of the best in recent memory, with storylines that included Frank competing on a reality dating show, Mac and Dennis finding new careers as EMTs, and the gang revisiting one of their earliest plotlines.

  • The 17th season of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' aired in the summer of 2022.
  • Production on the show's 18th season has just begun, as indicated by the clapperboard photo shared by co-creator Rob McElhenney.

The players

Rob McElhenney

Co-creator and star of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' who shared the update about the start of production on Season 18.

Kaitlin Olson

Actress who plays Sweet Dee on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.'

Danny DeVito

Actor who plays Frank on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' and has praised the show's creative team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm looking forward to it. Who knows what they're going to do, because you never know. I mean, Charlie [Day] and Rob [McElhenney] and Glenn [Howerton] get into a writers room and, you know, it's probably like, in the Wizard of Oz, you know, but reversed, hurricanes on the inside of the room. They're on brooms. There's shit flying by them, ideas and all kind of crazy stuff. And they know anything they want to do to Frank, they can.”

— Danny DeVito, Actor (Collider)

What’s next

Fans will have to wait for more details on the specific storylines and hijinks that the 'It's Always Sunny' gang will get up to in the show's record-breaking 18th season.

The takeaway

The enduring popularity and creative longevity of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is a testament to the talents of its cast and writing team, who have managed to keep the show fresh and hilarious for nearly two decades on the air.