The wait for more chaos at Paddy’s Pub is finally over as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 has officially started production. The gang is back together on set, and this time they are doing something that directly responds to what viewers have been saying for years.
Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito are all returning for another round of the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history. But the big news is not just that filming has begun. It is how the show is addressing a criticism that has followed the series for the past several seasons.
Production Is Officially Rolling For Season 18
McElhenney confirmed the news on social media with a simple but effective post. He shared a photo of a clapperboard sitting on a stove set with the caption “Back in the kitchen” . The image confirmed that cameras are now rolling on the FXX comedy after months of planning and scheduling.
The timing matches what DeVito told Collider back in July 2025. The actor had revealed that production would start at the end of January . A Charitybuzz auction listing from September 2025 also pointed to filming dates between February 12 and February 28, 2026, on the Fox lot in Los Angeles . That timeline lines up perfectly with the current updates.
This production start comes after Season 17 wrapped up in July 2025. The previous season received generally positive reviews, but fans noticed something different about the cast’s approach to the show this time around.
The One Issue Fans Have Complained About For Years
If you have followed It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for a long time, you probably remember the mixed reactions to certain seasons. Season 13 in particular sparked strong opinions among longtime viewers .
The main complaint centered on two things. First, Glenn Howerton (Dennis Reynolds) had a reduced role due to his work on other projects. Second, the show brought in guest stars like Mindy Kaling to fill the gap . Many fans felt the chemistry was off and that the episodes lacked the sharp, chaotic energy that made the show famous.
User reviews from that time show just how strongly people felt. One review on IMDb stated, “Mindy Kaling is not funny in this episode and I’m puzzled as to why she would even be included” . Another review on Metacritic mentioned, “New writers have been used that don’t seem to understand the characters” . A different comment read, “The first 12 series are some of the best TV in the history of mankind. Series 13 is trash. Skip it” .
The criticism was loud and clear. Fans wanted the core five characters together. They wanted the original chemistry. They did not want guest stars taking over or storylines that felt disconnected from what made the show special.
How Season 18 Is Solving The Problem
The latest updates from the set show that the show’s creators listened. The Season 18 filming news confirms that all five main cast members are present and working together.
McElhenney posted a comparison photo showing Mac, Charlie, and Dennis from Season 1 standing next to their Season 18 selves. They are all wearing tuxedos in both photos. The caption read, “Great news, the tux still fits. Season 1 —> Season 18” . This simple post proves that Howerton is fully back in action. There is no reduced role this time.
The clapperboard from the set also listed Todd Biermann as the director for the first episode . Biermann has directed multiple episodes of the show before, including fan favorites from previous seasons. Keeping the creative team consistent matters to fans who felt the writing shifted in earlier seasons.
By bringing the full gang back together from the start, Season 18 is already addressing the biggest complaint viewers had. No guest stars filling in. No missing characters. Just the original five causing trouble like they always have.
Danny DeVito Is Back Despite Age Concerns
One worry that came up in fan discussions was Danny DeVito’s age. The actor will turn 82 later this year . Some viewers expressed concern about whether the show could continue with him in the cast.
DeVito put those concerns to rest with his comments about returning. He told Collider that starting a new season is “something that you look forward to because it really is so much fun” . He also mentioned how much he loves working with the cast, including Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Artemis Pebdani.
His presence on set during the February 2026 filming dates proves that age is not slowing him down. Fans can expect Frank Reynolds to be just as disgusting and greedy as ever.
Kaitlin Olson Opens Up About The Show’s Longevity
Olson recently appeared on the Dear Chelsea podcast with Chelsea Handler and discussed what it feels like to still be making the show after nearly 20 years .
She joked that “It’s getting weird. Like… a few years ago, it was exciting. We’re like, ‘Oh, we’re breaking records.’ And now it’s like, ‘Well, now we’re just old and weird’” .
But she also made it clear that she has no regrets. Olson met her husband, McElhenney, on the show. They have two kids together. She called it “the best thing that ever happened to me” .
Her comments reflect the honest, self-aware tone the cast has always maintained. They know the show is unusual. They know it has lasted longer than anyone expected. But they also know when something is working.
Fan Reactions To The Season 18 News
Online reaction to the production update has been mostly positive. Social media saw a flood of excitement after McElhenney’s post went up . Fans quoted classic lines and shared clips from earlier seasons.
But some discussions on platforms like midwest.social show that not everyone is fully convinced yet . One user wrote, “It stopped being funny about 10 seasons ago imo” . Another commented, “I loved always sunny but it really started dropping off around seasons 12 / 13 and it just isn’t that great anymore” .
However, several users pointed out that Season 17 was a return to form. One comment said, “Have you tried season 17? A lot of people consider it the best season in years and a return to form” . This suggests the show has already been trending in the right direction.
The fact that the full cast is together for Season 18 gives fans hope that the momentum will continue.
What To Expect From The New Episodes
FX has not announced a specific release date yet. The network has historically given the creative team flexibility with scheduling . Based on past patterns, Season 18 could arrive later in 2026.
The previous season began filming in early fall 2024 and launched in July 2025 . If the same timeline holds, viewers might see new episodes by the end of this year or early next year.
No plot details have been revealed. The show has built its reputation on fearless writing and unapologetic humor . Season 17 leaned into topical satire and character-driven absurdity. Season 18 will likely continue that approach.
The cast has balanced It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia with other high-profile projects over the years. McElhenney also runs Wrexham A.F.C. with Ryan Reynolds and stars in the documentary series about the team . Day has appeared in major films like the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. Howerton starred in Blackberry and other projects. Yet they all keep coming back to Paddy’s Pub.
That commitment matters to fans. When the cast clearly enjoys working together, it shows on screen.
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The Historic Run Continues
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia debuted in 2005. It is now celebrating over 20 years on television . No other live-action sitcom has lasted this long.
The show was renewed for Seasons 15 through 18 back in 2020 . That means this current season has been in the works for years. The cast and crew have had plenty of time to develop ideas and plan the episodes.
Season 18 has not been renewed for another season yet . But if the episodes perform well and the cast stays interested, there is no reason the show cannot continue. DeVito’s age is a factor, but he shows no signs of stepping away.
For now, fans can relax knowing that the gang is exactly where they belong. The cameras are rolling. The cast is together. And the show is fixing the one thing viewers complained about most.
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