It's Always Sunny Star Reveals Decade-Long Anxiety Almost Led to Exit
For over a decade, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been a comedic powerhouse, delivering consistently hilarious and often shocking storylines. But behind the laughter, one of the show's stars, Glenn Howerton (who plays Dennis Reynolds), admits to experiencing significant anxiety as the series entered its second decade. In a recent interview, Howerton revealed a 'big worry' about the sitcom that nearly prompted him to leave the show.
The worry, as Howerton explained, stemmed from a fear of the show becoming stale or predictable. After so many seasons, the challenge of consistently generating fresh, outrageous material felt immense. He confessed to feeling 'anxious' about maintaining the show's unique brand of dark humor and pushing boundaries without alienating the audience. “There was a period of time where I felt a lot of anxiety, especially when we hit season 10, 11, 12 – that stretch,” Howerton stated. “You start to question everything.”
Howerton's concerns weren't about the show's success or ratings; rather, they were about the creative integrity of It's Always Sunny. He wanted to ensure that the show continued to evolve and surprise, both the viewers and the cast. The pressure to live up to the show's reputation and consistently deliver high-quality comedy was a heavy burden.
The actor credits the show's writing team and the collaborative spirit among the cast for overcoming this hurdle. The writers consistently found ways to subvert expectations and introduce new, bizarre scenarios. The core cast—Howerton, Charlie Day, and Rob McElhenney—maintained a strong commitment to the show's chaotic energy and willingness to take risks.
“We’re all really protective of the show, and we’re all really proud of it,” Howerton added. “And we’re all willing to fight for it, and make sure it stays good.”
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has proven its staying power, and Howerton’s honesty about his anxieties provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of a beloved comedy. It highlights the dedication and constant effort required to maintain the quality and originality of a long-running television series. The show's continued success is a testament to the talent of its creators and performers, and their unwavering commitment to delivering hilarious, unpredictable television.
The series recently concluded its 16th season and shows no signs of slowing down, proving that even with years of success, the challenges of creative innovation remain a constant – and sometimes anxiety-inducing – part of the process.