It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17 only has eight episodes, and there are multiple reasons why.It’s Always Sunnyseason 17’sepisodes have seen varying reviews case-by-case, but the show evidently maintains the core of its humor, proven by titles like “The Gang Gets Ready for Primetime.”
It’s Always Sunnyseason 17’s endingcomes with a rather emotional note, honoring the late Lynne Marie Stewart, who played Bonnie Kelly in almost every season of the show. The season also ends with Frank’s marriage to Samantha, leaving questions about their future. Unfortunately,there won’t be any more episodes this season.
The shift inIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’sepisode count happened years ago, beginning with season 15, which was released in 2021. The show has actually fluctuated its episode count fairly frequently over twenty years and seventeen seasons, for various reasons.
The longest, consistent stint ofIt’s Always Sunnywas between seasons 8 and 14, where seven seasons in a row all had ten episodes. Before that, seasons 1 through 7 never had the same number twice in a row. That’s all to say that this series changing its format isn’t entirely unprecedented.
It’s Always Sunny’seight-episode count does, of course, follow a recent trend with prestige TV shows. So many shows have taken to the eight-episode format, which has sparked a divisive response from audiences, particularly due to the often two-year gaps between seasons, which has been the case forIt’s Always Sunnysince season 15.
This is a trend that began during COVID and was perpetuated by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, and it’s lingered in Hollywood TV productions. As forIt’s Always Sunny,reasons could range from FX’s budget constraints to the cast wanting to pursue other projects.
TheIt’s Always Sunnycrew have become massive stars over time. Rob McElhenney, in particular, has multiple business interests and is a writer, producer, and star on other TV shows. The rest of the cast have pursued other movies and shows, including Charlie Day’s directorial debut,Fool’s Paradise, and Glenn Howerton’s award-nominated role inBlackberry.
It’s Always Sunny Season 17 Is Still Longer Than Season 1
Despite being shortened to eight episodes, these recent seasons aren’t actually the shortest in the show’s history. Season 1 only had seven episodes back in 2005, although that was essentially a test-run for the series to see how it performed.
While I can certainly understand viewers wanting more ofIt’s Always Sunny, let’s attempt to remember that this is the longest-running live-action sitcom of all time. The fact that we’re still getting new episodes is unbelievable, and it’s totally fair that the cast wants to pursue other creative outlets.
