It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Seasons 1 & 2 Reviews

• Absolutely hysterical

  
  By AJKWF4W7QD4NS on 2007-07-30
  Who says the sitcom is dead? Not since Arrested Development has a sitcom been this truly hysterical and quick paced that you don't know what to expect next. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, originally premiering on the FX network in 2005, revolves around four friends: Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), and his sister Dee (Kaitlin Olson); all of whom own and run an Irish bar in downtown Philadelphia. They get into all kinds of crazy hijinks through misunderstandings and just plain bad judgement, ranging from being mistaken as a gay bar to Charlie lying about having cancer. Yes, there's nothing really wholly original about the show's premise, but it remains hysterically funny throughout. The second season of the show finds Danny DeVito joining the cast as Dennis and Dee's father, who isn't the sanest of the bunch either. This DVD set compiles the first two seasons of the show, and is definitely worth picking up for viewers who turned it when it first premiered, as well as newer viewers who may be anxiously awaiting the upcoming and long awaited third season of this very funny show.
  
  

• Slob comedy crafted with wit and intelligence

  
  By AS558SNWF1DXG on 2007-09-09
  Anybody can make a comedy about a gang of hard-drinking idiots who get into amusing situations. But it takes genuine perspective and brains to make that kind of humor work on more than one level, to make it pay off with any kind of irony, to make it say something about culture and society and that old cold cruel finger of fate.
  
  Time and again, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" pulls off those mean feats.
  
  Perfect example: Upon learning that his elementary school classmates were possibly molested by their gym teacher, one of the characters is thrown into a crisis of self-esteem, essentially: Why was the coach attracted to the other kids and not him? He was a much cuter kid than they were ... wasn't he???
  
  Much like Ren and Stimpy used to change size and proportion depending on their surroundings, the boys and girl of "Sunny" alternate in their thought processes between brain damaged and strangely elloquent -- but since it's usually in the service of making a cultural or political point, it's a device that works really well.
  
  "Sunny" is easily one of the best sit-coms on the air right now. The masses who continue to mourn the loss of "Arrested Development" would do well to turn their attention to this underseen little gem.
  
  This is a potent blend of high- and lowbrow -- a kind of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" centered around a quartet of boozy brats, or "Friends" with a more realistic amount of toxicity and "pushing 30 desperation."
  
  The dialogue flows like good improvisation and the plotting is always clever and more complicated than you'd expect (in that respect it even one-ups "Curb" whose twists can be viewed from a mile away [though that's admittedly part of "Curb's" charm]). Plus the acting is surprisingly natural and the leads have an atomic-clock degree of comic timing; DeVito, who joined in the second season as the main siblings' ne'er-do-well dad is infinitely better than he might've been and a reminder of what a shrewd comedian he can be; and I, for one, sincerely hope we see a lot more of the great Jimmi Simpson and Nate Mooney, who play the mind-boggling McPoyle twins, in S-3.
  
  Added to which, "Sunny" features one of my favorite television opening credits sequences ever. Even when I watch it on DVD, I never fast forward past it.
  
  

• Funniest Show On TV

  
  By A2GUJUBT7CNLVR on 2007-07-31
  Its the show you and your friends wish you wrote. Laugh Out loud funny. I'm psyched i can finally get the DVD's so i can delete the 2 seasons off my tivo.
  
  

• Seinfeld + Arrested Development + South Park = Sunny

  
  By A1DMO83YPFON6C on 2007-06-15
  It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is seriously one of the most hilarious shows on television today. Imagine this: the friends with time to spare from Seinfeld, the witty dialogue and plot pacing of Arrested Development, and some of the most offensive stuff around (perhaps second only to South Park), and you get this show.
  
  Buy it now (or when it comes out), you won't regret it.
  
  

• Please enter a title for your review

  
  By A2KEKPMI3WQMPA on 2007-08-20
  Self-consciously bad acting, like watching a table read, like they're completely apathetic to bringing their characters to life or playing a scene with any believability, which robs the vaguely comedic banter of it's already limited potential to be engaging. It's a lot like Stella in that regard. I suppose what they do could be considered "comedy troupe acting", all actors just speaking in slightly exaggerated versions of their own voice. Characters call each other "dude", seemingly in tribute to the the slacker goofball characters in Bill And Ted and Dude Where My Car, but they aren't very slackery, goofballish, or otherwise posessing much personality at all.
  The show's most definitive feature is it's endearingly low production values and anything-goes writing, but it makes little use of the potential in this style, generally basing content around tv news topics and plot points that have more relevence to filmmaking conventions than everyday life. The sheer unrelatability of most scenarios and character choices makes any Seinfeld comparison unfounded, and next to South Park any claim of envelope pushing is laughable. The end product is basically what you'd expect if you got any bunch of "alternative" minded comedians together and gave them one day per episode to make a season. With the proviso that none of the comedians have much natural charisma.
  
  
• Easily the funniest show on television.
  By A7MQDGTE2DUKW on 2007-06-19
  This comedy series definately isn't for everybody. It's a completely different species than "Two and a Half Men" or "War At Home". This is a thinkers comedy series in that the jokes come fast so you really have to pay attention, but the reward is gut-busting laughs. The charactures are very well defined, as well as the group dynamic (the "gang") so you are immediately sucked in. They have spent a lot of time writing for Season 3, so buy this set and gear up for a new quality season!
  
  
• Lowbrow comedy thankfully leaves nothing sacred
  By ANOBZWKE25SBY on 2008-08-25
  Take equal parts "Arrested Development" and "Seinfeld" and add in a little "South Park" and you have "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
  
  Not since the departure of "Arrested" has there been such a narcissistic group of characters. In fact, these folks make the Bluth bunch seem downright nice. FX's lowbrow comedy features a trio of friends who co-own an Irish pub - Dennis, Mac, and Charlie (who also co-created and write the series). Adding some estrogen to the mix is Dennis' twin sister Dee, an aspiring actress. They leave nothing sacred and no taboo safe from scorn. Like the Seinfeld gang, they are equal opportunity offenders - other races, religions, elderly, and even the disabled - each is treated with the same nihilistic disdain.
  
  Whether the gang is trying to "altruistically" give teens a safe drinking haven, fighting over who's the sexiest man candy to their suddenly all male-clientele, coaching a team of at-risk youths in a basketball league, tossing flaming poop bombs into neighboring businesses, changing sides while cruising for hot chicks in a pro-choice/life rally, "banging" an inappropriate partner, or running for office hoping to resign with a bribe, each episode is pure comic genius. And the casting of swarthy and height challenged Danny DeVito as the twins father (who'd much rather be a buddy) in the second season is an inspired choice.
  
  Touted as Seinfeld on crack (and two characters even experiment with it to secure unemployment benefits), no character is more put upon then Charlie. Like Kenny from South Park, many of the episodes are devoted to putting him in harm's way ("Charlie Gets Crippled; Charlie Got Molested; Charlie Gets Cancer"). He is the underdog that has an on-going attachment to the unnamed waitress and a history with the creepily incestuous McPoyle siblings. If you like lowbrow humor (and apparently I do), this show is guaranteed to keep you laughing and tuning in to repeated viewings. I still cannot believe what they managed to get past the censors!
  
  © TJ Vest, August 2008
  
  
• Amazing writing
  By A20IVTCVNR0VSN on 2007-07-12
  This series is sooo funny, and doesnt get enough credit that it should. The acting and writing are great, and I hope they continue the series.
  
  
• FFFfffiiiinnnnnaaaaalllllllllyyyyyyyyyy
  By A3N5O6UXDGQF3O on 2007-07-25
  IMO, this is one of the funniest shows ever to be on television. Definitely on the same tier as The Simpsons and Arrested Development. A little R-rated perhaps, but in a good way.
  
  
• Hilarious with a capital H
  By A2FMKWSLBF786S on 2007-09-20
  On my cable plan I dont get to see the FX channel, which is the channel for this series on cable. Rather, I saw a promo for the 3rd season (look for it with youtube searching for danny devito and fred savage.) It was so funny that it nudged me to buy the 1st two seasons and I dont regret that purchase in the least. Im not one to buy whole seasons of series. But this one really fits my sense of humor. The comedy is pretty low brow, the characters are selfish, bottom of the barrel with little redeeming qualities. And the laughs come easily. Reminds me of what a bunch of drunks would come up with as they riff on different subjects. No holds barred, vulgar as all hell, outrageous like Family Guy meets Arrested Development. Devito isnt really the standout. The other four actors are the draw. At times it remains so over the top that you might get tired of it. But overall, the series is a great diversion. Fantastic show that will never win an emmy.
  
  
• Finally It's Being Released!
  By A32RVETPA2T6IT on 2007-09-03
  It seems like I have waited forever for them to release this show on DVD. This is the best comedy series on TV. If you have not seen this show definitely check it out, I will be buying the DVD set the same day it is released.
  
  
• Funniest show on TV
  By A3A615NAXP27UE on 2007-09-08
  Thought this show didn't really attract me at first, I'm hooked now. It's absolutely hilarious and without a doubt the funniest show on TV right now. Devito is gold.
  
  
• Over the top outrageous comedy--every episode ingenius
  By A1KHLPZ415EZ1P on 2007-09-17
  Best sit comedy of last few years!Guaranteed laughter and hysterics!
  
  Like an over the top modernized Seinfeld...characters and show really push the envelope on very serious topics to generate laughter.
  
  Danny Devito has not shined a smuch since TAXI. The other relatively unknown characters are magnificent espec as ana esemble cast.
  
  Best money I ever spent!
  
  
• SILLY BUT AMUSING
  By A2LGWPNE6N1QNT on 2007-10-06
  What more can be said? It's about ridiculous one dimensional characters in ridiculous situations and entire cast is unaware. After awhile it becomes repeative and I'm not going to watch it further. This was enough.
  
  
• Laugh Out Loud Hilarious!!!
  By A31KC4FJS6ELMP on 2007-07-12
  In my opinion, this show is the most underrated comedy to ever hit TV and is quite possibly the funniest cable show out there. South Park watch out, cuz there's a new crude comedy on its way! Fans of South Park and Family Guy will love this show! If you haven't seen it you are missing out. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DVD!!!
  
  
• The gang loves it
  By A13PRW21QPZTXA on 2007-08-30
  This is one of those rare finds, the kind of off-the-beaten-audience-path find that you stumble on and then get to share with your friends. It will win no awards, and it doesn't deserve them. It's just a really funny show.
  
  I would also like to point out that the only naysayer so far actually used the word "slackery". I think it was an earnest attempt to take himself and the banal offerings of the F/X channel way too seriously.
  
  
  
  
• Irreverent and funny
  By A31RRC3LYBO7QU on 2007-09-08
  This series is touted by some critics as being the working man's Seinfeld. I say it's funnier and less formulaic to boot. The characters also live in apartments that they'd be able to afford and every set looks comfortably broken-in.
  
  The fearless writers will tackle any subject matter with hysterically inappropriate humor. I'm certain there would be an outcry from conservative groups to axe this show if it weren't so neatly tucked away on FX. Worth seeing, worth owning, can't wait for more!
  
  
• Best Comedy Show Ever
  By A1JHU4951WA1GO on 2007-10-10
  It's Always Sunny is the most raw comedy out there.Even though it is done on a low budgetthe humor is classic. I recomend anyone who likes the show to buy the DVD set. Way worth the it...
  
  
• My new favorite guilty pleasure
  By A18BBAGN3R6SKP on 2007-10-12
  I have to admit I love this show. There are parts in these first two seasons where I laughed so hard that I hurt. What I really love about the show is how none of the main characters are sympathetic. At first I thought Sweet D. might be the moral center, but nope she is just as narcissistic as the rest of the gang. I think this is the truly ballsy aspect of this show. To create a show where all the main characters have absolutely no endearing qualities whatsoever is a big risk since most shows want to hook viewers by having them identify or empathize with the characters, but this show goes the opposite way and gives you a cast that the viewer can actually feel good about rooting against.
  
  These characters are losers who are destined to go nowhere and see there lives degenerate into alcoholic self-destruction, but somehow they have made that funny. If the characters were sympathetic at all then we wouldn't be able to watch them fail and tear each other down episode after episode. If they actually succeeded or their machinations didn't blow up in their faces then our sense of justice would be thrown off. This show walks a very fine line and walks that line very well.
  
  This show isn't going to be for everyone. Those (like me) who love this show will never be able to explain why to those who don't like it. I think to truly love this show one has to have a bit of nihilistic streak with in themselves. I hope the gang can walk this fine line for many more seasons to come.
  
  
  
• Hillarious.
  By A2WRQ2TAE87IYE on 2007-07-30
  This series is the funniest show I have ever seen. The 2 season set is a must-have for all Sunny fans. This show is priceless.
  
  
• BEST SHOW SINCE SEINFELD.
  By ANBSAWWALWRIK on 2007-08-09
  What can I add to the praise that's already been heaped here? Did you ever think someone would produce a comedy with plotlines centering on the main characters getting hooked on crack just to get public on assistance? Join the pro-life movement-solely to hit on a hot chick? Make an Islamic terrorist tape to threaten off a potential muslim neighbor whose taking over their bar? Use a friend's cancer as an excuse to get a date with a girl? You'll laugh yourself silly...even the promos for Season 3 are profane take-offs on the P.C./Mac commericals. Politically incorrect in every way possible, the closest thing to National Lampoon's no-sacred-cow humor in it's glory days.
  
  
• Best show since Arrested Development
  By A37K7QB9W6EFYY on 2007-08-20
  A+ I love this show, just buy it already.. "Go for it, go for it!"
  
  
• funniest show ever
  By A17O0Z5SD3VYLT on 2007-08-23
  This has to be the funniest show on tv right now. I've been waiting a very long time for the boxsets to come out because FX never show reruns. The casts is great, especially season 2 when they got Danny Devitto. This show is kindda like Seinfield but a lot funnier. The writing is great and the whole cast is hilirilous.
  
  
• The best show on TV
  By A3DTFC93QBQ18R on 2007-08-23
  In the tradition of Seinfeld and Arrested Development comes ASIP -- simply the most brillant comedy on TV. Set in the diverse small city of Philadelphia, "the gang" finds itself in unthinkable situations. The show has amazing talent and hits a perfect cord with todays random black humor generation. Its basically Seinfeld on crack. LOVE IT!
  
  
• NUMBER 1 COMEDY ON TV!!!
  By A90A13IK45RPM on 2007-08-26
  If you haven't heard of Sunny, buy it or rent it, I don't care. From episode 1 this show is amazing. The incorporation of De Vito on season 2, gave the show the market sparkle it needed. If you like sarcasm and cynicism, this will be your favorite show ever!
  
  
• Laugh
  By A1K75RN3PXAXLP on 2007-08-26
  Out Loud Laughing several times per episode. Similar to Seinfeld in that characters are only concerned with extremely superficial and shallow self -centered notions. Also lots of random comedy too, like songs and oddly connected chains of events. Top notch comedy. If you can't laugh at this show you are likely a stiff and probably don't laugh very often nor have many friends.
  
  
• Do you like to Laugh
  By AFPX5YIDT9RBX on 2007-09-05
  This show is so funny and sick. Only FX would allow a comedy of this caliber. I love all the shows on FX. This is a must have for your collection. Can't wait for Season Three - Finally.
  
  
• Almost As Good As Curb Your Enthusiasm
  By A39XRZ0XV0XX4C on 2007-09-07
  This show is almost as good as CYE. That is saying a lot. Both are tightly plotted and wickedly funny. When Sunny was airing on TV, my biggest complaint is that they had to cram too much plot in during last few minutes. CYE had the benefit of a full 30 minutes on HBO without commercials. Now with this show on DVD, the problem is solved, somewhat. Regardless, I'll be watching Season Three on TV soon!
  
  
  
  
• ONE OF THE MOST PERFECT TV SHOWS I'VE SEEN IN AGES....
  By AFEN54UGJQOK9 on 2007-09-14
  
  I can't begin to start yabbering about what the shows about. It rules though. Show for show, this thing is great. I think that everybody should sit down and watch these.
  Danny Devito doesn't join until season two, but he hasn't lost a bit of his edgy humor.
  This show is one that I know, for making me burst out laughing at inappropraite times, somewhere the day after watching them, because some twisted image pops into my head.
  Every character is hillarious. I recall an article a way back that called the show "Seinfeld on crack." It's even better than that, in my opinion.
  
  Five brilliant stars.
  
  
• consume early and often
  By A34TY3WYI6Y884 on 2007-09-23
  Highly underrated, underexposed, show that delivers everything you could ask for in a comedy series. Highly recommend for anyone who loves drinking...
  
  

• It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 3
• Flight of the Conchords - The Complete First Season
• 30 Rock - Season 1
• The Office - Season Three
• Arrested Development - The Complete Series (Seasons 1, 2, 3)