Danny DeVito: The Unlikely Saviour of It's Always Sunny

It's a tale as bizarre and brilliant as the show itself. The beloved, long-running FX sitcom, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a series that has consistently pushed the boundaries of comedy, owes its very existence to a surprising intervention from a Hollywood icon: Danny DeVito. While the show is now synonymous with the chaotic antics of the 'Gang,' it was a precarious venture in its nascent stages, teetering on the brink of cancellation. It wasn't a sudden surge in popularity or a clever plot twist that secured its future, but rather the strategic, albeit initially resisted, addition of the diminutive yet larger-than-life actor.

The journey of 'It's Always Sunny' began with a shoestring budget and a bold vision from its creators. Filmed on a tight budget, the first season was a testament to independent filmmaking spirit. The show premiered on FX, a network still finding its footing in the comedy landscape. Without established comedic lead-ins or significant marketing muscle, the early episodes aired on Wednesday nights, a challenging slot for a new series. The initial reception was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Following the first broadcast, the creators received a stark reality check from the network president himself, John Landgraf.

The Network's Ultimatum: Add DeVito or Face the Axe

As revealed by co-creator and star Rob McElhenney in a candid interview with Stephen Colbert in February 2020, the network's response was blunt: 'Nobody watched the show.' FX, lacking a substantial marketing budget to promote the fledgling series, saw a potential lifeline in a familiar face, a star power that could draw eyeballs. Their suggestion was simple, yet to the creators, deeply unsettling: bring Danny DeVito onto the cast. Landgraf, who had a pre-existing relationship with DeVito, believed his star power was the key to the show's survival.

McElhenney, however, was initially resistant. He, along with the other creators, had poured their hearts into crafting a unique comedic chemistry within the core cast. Their fear was that introducing a seasoned movie star, even one as respected as DeVito, would disrupt the delicate balance they had achieved. "We said no," McElhenney recalled. "I said no thank you. We don't want Danny DeVito." He elaborated, emphasizing that it wasn't a personal slight against DeVito, whom he greatly admired. "It's nothing personal against Danny DeVito. I grew up watching Danny; he's a legend, he's incredibly funny and we love him. We thought we had something really special, and we really thought that maybe bringing a movie star on would ruin the chemistry."

A Pivotal Decision: Saving the Show at Any Cost

The network's response to this creative apprehension was firm. Landgraf presented a stark choice: either incorporate DeVito into the cast or face immediate cancellation. Faced with the very real possibility of their show disappearing after just one season, the creators had to make a difficult decision. The desire to preserve their creative vision clashed with the primal need for the show to simply exist. The turning point came with McElhenney's pragmatic realisation. "And [Landgraf] was like, 'okay, well, then we're going to cancel the show.' And I said, 'Get me Danny DeVito! As quickly as possible!'" This dramatic U-turn underscored the fundamental truth of television production: the show itself, and its continued broadcast, ultimately trumps even the most cherished creative chemistry. As McElhenney later quipped, "The only thing more important than chemistry on a TV show... is the TV show."

DeVito's Impact: From Guest Star to Integral Cast Member

Danny DeVito joined the cast in the second season, taking on the role of Frank Reynolds, the depraved and endlessly wealthy father of Sweet Dee Reynolds. His arrival was not merely a cameo; it was a transformative addition. DeVito's comedic timing, his fearless commitment to absurd and often offensive humour, and his palpable chemistry with the existing cast – particularly with Charlie Day, who plays Charlie Kelly – injected a new level of energy and unpredictability into the series. Frank Reynolds quickly became a fan favourite, his outlandish behaviour and morally bankrupt decisions providing a constant source of hilarity and propelling the show's comedic momentum.

The immediate impact of DeVito's presence was evident. The show gained critical attention and a growing audience, largely attributed to his star power and the way his character seamlessly integrated into the existing dynamic. DeVito didn't just fill a role; he amplified the show's unique brand of dark, satirical comedy. His willingness to embrace the most outrageous storylines and characters solidified 'It's Always Sunny' as a show that was unafraid to go to extreme comedic lengths. This allowed the original cast to explore even more outlandish scenarios, knowing that DeVito's seasoned performance would anchor the absurdity.

The Legacy of Frank Reynolds

Over the seasons, Frank Reynolds evolved from a disruptive element to an indispensable pillar of the show. His relationship with Charlie, often depicted as a twisted father-son dynamic, became a central comedic engine. His wealth and lack of moral compass allowed for plots involving outlandish business ventures, bizarre social experiments, and hilariously misguided attempts at parental guidance. DeVito's performance consistently earned praise, demonstrating his incredible range and comedic genius, even within the confines of a character who is, by all accounts, a terrible person.

The success of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is a testament to the creators' vision and resilience, but it's also a powerful narrative about the impact of a well-placed star. Danny DeVito's decision to join the show, and his subsequent commitment to the role, not only saved 'It's Always Sunny' from an early demise but also elevated it to legendary status. The show, now entering its fifteenth season, holds the record for the longest-running live-action sitcom in American television history, a remarkable achievement that would likely have remained a pipe dream without DeVito's crucial involvement.

Comparing Early FX Comedies

To truly appreciate the gamble FX took and the impact of DeVito, it's helpful to consider the context of FX's early comedy programming. At the time 'It's Always Sunny' premiered, FX was actively trying to establish itself as a destination for edgy and unconventional comedy. The network had a mixed bag of early successes and failures. Let's look at a hypothetical comparison:

This comparison highlights that while FX had other successful comedies, 'It's Always Sunny' faced a more precarious start, making DeVito's inclusion a truly pivotal moment. Unlike shows that launched with a clearer path to success or a built-in star appeal from the outset, 'Sunny' needed an external boost, and DeVito provided it with immense comedic force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When did Danny DeVito join 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'?
Danny DeVito joined the cast in the second season of the show, which premiered in 2006.

Q2: What character does Danny DeVito play?
He plays Frank Reynolds, the wealthy and morally bankrupt father of Dee Reynolds.

Q3: Was the show intended to have Danny DeVito from the start?
No, the creators initially resisted the network's suggestion to add DeVito, fearing it would disrupt the show's existing chemistry. He was brought in as a solution to prevent cancellation.

Q4: Did Danny DeVito save the show from cancellation?
According to Rob McElhenney, the network threatened to cancel the show if DeVito wasn't added. His inclusion is widely credited with securing the show's future and contributing significantly to its long-term success.

Q5: How has DeVito's character impacted the show?
Frank Reynolds quickly became a fan favourite and an integral part of the show's comedic fabric. DeVito's performance brought a new level of absurdity and depravity, enhancing the show's unique humour and allowing for more outlandish storylines.

Q6: Is 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' still airing?
Yes, 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is still airing. The upcoming fifteenth season was set to air sometime in 2021, and the first fourteen seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

In conclusion, the story of Danny DeVito joining 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is a fascinating insight into the often unpredictable world of television production. What began as a Hail Mary pass from a network desperate to keep a promising show alive, transformed into one of the most iconic and enduring partnerships in modern comedy. DeVito's willingness to embrace the show's audacious humour and his unparalleled comedic talent proved to be the perfect ingredient, not just for survival, but for unprecedented success, cementing his legacy as the unlikely saviour of Paddy's Pub and its infamous inhabitants.

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