‘It’s Always Sunny’ is now the joint (and soon to be) longest running live action sitcom in American history, but if you had told me or anyone watching or involved in the show that this would be the case fifteen years after that first season, not one person would have believed you.
The season is incredibly low budget, shot in an almost documentary observational style with very gritty visuals, and features story lines so potentially offensive and controversial that you would imagine no show could get away with it, especially in the first season.
However, the two things that makes that really gripped me and made me instantly a big fan of the show is the really clever writing and the brilliant chemistry of the lead cast.
Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson all have much instant and natural comedic energy, and bounce off each other so well that it is often hard to take your eyes off the screen. Day in particular here really has a special and live-wire energy to him that feels entirely new and exciting.
As the seasons progress, the show becomes one of the most genuinely well written and hilarious American shows ever made, but for many the first season is the one you have to “get through” before it gets really good. However, don’t rule out some of the memorable moments from this first season.
Now time for season 2 and the appearance of a certain Mr. DeVito…
Rating = 3/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 