About this Video

• Video Title: Charlie Day On The Origin Of “It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia” | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend
• Channel: Team Coco
• Speakers: Charlie Day, Conan O'Brien (implied)
• Duration: 00:10:17

Introduction

This Team Coco video features Charlie Day discussing the origins of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The conversation explores Day's comedic background, his initial struggles as an actor, and the creative process behind the show's conception and success, including the pivotal role of Danny DeVito's involvement.

Key Takeaways

• Charlie Day's early career struggles: Day initially pursued acting, experiencing rejections and playing minor roles before finding success. He notes the challenges of breaking into the industry and the eventual decision to create his own content.
• The creation of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The show's creation stemmed from a desire to bypass the traditional acting route and create opportunities for themselves. They were inspired by the low-budget aesthetic of shows like The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
• The importance of a pilot and subsequent revisions: Day recounts making a "terrible" pilot, revising it, and creating additional episodes before securing a deal with FX. The show's initial success was limited until Danny DeVito's involvement brought it to wider attention.
• The show's longevity and success: The show has run for 16 seasons, breaking or tying records for the longest-running multi-cam sitcom. Its success is attributed, in part, to the unique conceit that the characters never age.
• The role of Danny DeVito: Danny DeVito's involvement was crucial in getting the show picked up and ensuring its long-term success.

The transcript states that Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton, along with Charlie Day, were all working and struggling to find acting work in their 20s. They collaboratively decided to create It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia together, shooting a pilot, then a second and third episode, before shopping the show around to producers and eventually getting it picked up by FX. Rob McElhenney's impatience was also a catalyst for them actively seeking meetings and pitching the show.