Written by cecilia

Are you familiar with Frank, Charlie, Mac, Dennis and Dee? If not, you’re missing half of your life, really. They are the members of ‘The Gang’, a group of wicked underachievers who manage Paddy’s Pub somewhere in South Philadelphia. They are arrogant, deceitful, greedy, corrupt, antagonistic and usually entangled in very scandalous and controversial issues – exactly why you’ll love them!

The members of the gang are not the typical characters you encounter in most television series. They go beyond the norm – the creators of the show were not afraid to take the risk by being unconventional. If you are old-fashioned, you might find the show offensive. Their episodes usually tackle situations that most shows would  steer clear of – and this is also probably the reason why they are one of the most popular and highest-rating television series.

Interested enough? Read on:

• Paddy’s Pub – It is a poorly-managed, dirty and shabby bar in South Philadelphia. Paddy’s Pub is owned and managed by ‘The Gang’ – and this is the place where most of the action happens.

• The Gang – consists of Charlie, Mac, Dee, Frank and Dennis. However, Frank’s character was not introduced until the 2^nd season so he wasn’t really considered as a part of The Gang. When he entered the scene, it became unclear whether Frank was the head of The Gang or not a member at all. Also, Dee is not considered as a member by anybody, except by herself.

• Mac – is the debonair (and self-absorbed) member of The Gang, a co-owner of Paddy’s Pub. He is a tough guy and a master of karate (sort of), who always wears sleeveless shirts just to boast his muscles.

• Dennis – has a Narcissistic Personality Disorder and an anorexic at times. He is also a co-owner of Paddy’s Pub and Mac’s roommate. He is conceited and loves to seduce women.

• Deandra or ‘Dee’ – is the only compassionate member of The Gang (if she’s in the mood). She hates herself most of the time, because most people in her life basically treats her like garbage, especially her father Frank and her twin brother Dennis. Her dream is to be a Hollywood star.

• Frank – is known by everybody as a first-rate dirt bag. He is a pessimist, a woman-hater and a corrupt gambler who raised Dennis and Dee. He shares a filthy apartment with Charlie, and the two of them have a rather weird and complicated relationship.

• Charlie – is a co-owner/toilet boy of Paddy’s Pub. Famous for his being ignorant, Charlie does not let his illiteracy and ignorance to prevent him from writing, composing and directing a musical ‘The Nightman Cometh’.

The characters in this TV series are immature – they do all the crazy things that most (if not all) of us can only dream of doing. Since the show usually deals with present moral topics such as greed, drinking, lying, smoking, sex and drugs and they use strong and foul language most of the time, it is not recommended for 16 years old and below. Honestly, I had a culture shock on my first dose of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. If you are the conservative type, be prepared – but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. The comedy is dark and adult in nature and the characters are not admirable at all. Nonetheless, it is a very hilarious series and soon, you’ll just find yourself laughing your heart out while watching Frank, Dennis, Mac, Charlie and Dee in their despicable antics.

It was created and developed by Rob McElhenney (Mac), Charlie Day (Charlie) and Glenn Howerton (Dennis) and it is just one of the reasons why it is indeed always sunny in Philadelphia.

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