As a comedy, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia comes across as an extended, real-life Saturday Night Live sketch that keeps viewers in stitches over the characters' emotional duress. This paradox is precisely what has transformed the show into a tremendously satisfying piece of Americana to which audiences can readily relate. The cast reads like a Who's Who straight from the annals of human deviance:
Television situation comedies are renowned for their ability to blend sociopolitical issues with family/relationship dynamics and pepper the whole thing with humor. A moral or life lesson is often tacked onto the end but more than anything else, sitcoms are a way to get an inside look at typical events in the lives of typical people who face the same trials and tribulations. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one such program that appeals to a variety of watchers because of its unadulterated treatment of difficult topics and the refusal to bow to the pressures of conventional programming.
Perfect Blend
A most effective aspect of the show is how the writers inject levity at points where viewers may not expect it. This capacity for blending wit with an otherwise serious moment takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that draws upon their sense of shared commonality. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia succeeds at appealing to a wide audience who has gone through the many funny, painful, embarrassing or socially upsetting situations people endure.
An especially unique feature about this program, however, is that many difficult issues aren't neatly resolved by the end of the show. Viewers know this program is fictional yet they choose to immerse themselves into the fantasy of watching others experience pain, joy, regret and love knowing things will not always work out neat and tidy. This closeness to reality serves viewers well when they tune in to see the comedic tragedy of life as we know it. Analyzing It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia finds the human condition constantly in question: Is Man strong or weak, good or evil, redeemed or condemned, honorable or chicken-hearted? Indeed, this program represents all that is the human experience, a pertinent reason why it appeals so greatly to a limitless audience.
- Dennis, the vain, superficial and socially oblivious owner of Paddy's Pub who's primary objective in life is to be the focus of attention
- Dee, Dennis' twin whose creative, sensitive demeanor is the source of her emotional imbalance, insecurities and subsequent professional failures
- Mac, Paddy's co-owner and child of a broken home, raised by a father who was a convicted felon and bought friendship by selling drugs to appease his absent self-esteem
- Charlie, co-owner whose social persona and personal hygiene are equally as unpleasant from what is indicated as a combination of mental deficit and lack of father figure
- Barbara, mother of Dennis and Dee, as well as Frank's opportunistic ex-wife
- Frank, Dennis and Dee's manipulative yet legal father
- The alcoholic waitress
- Bonnie, Charlie's self-effacing mother who has terrible taste in men
- Ryan & Liam, the incestuous siblings
- Carmen the transsexual
The show is arguably one of the most metaphorically laden sitcoms since Archie Bunker taught America about intolerance in the irreverent All in the Family. Because these metaphors are easily identifiable to viewers as either past, present or possible events in their own lives, people are drawn to the show for its sense of true reality; while some of the storylines are more lighthearted, the majority delve deeply into the commonality of troubles, frustrations and disappointment that occur every day.
Life and Truth
Grappling with such real-life issues as gay rights, racism, abortion and myriad other hot-button topics, the program's larger meaning strives to reach audiences through humor about serious social concerns. Each episode revolves around a particular social ill whereby the human condition is openly under attack; in fact, human conflict is a primary component to the depth and breadth of these glimpses into man's flawed character.
Life and Truth
Grappling with such real-life issues as gay rights, racism, abortion and myriad other hot-button topics, the program's larger meaning strives to reach audiences through humor about serious social concerns. Each episode revolves around a particular social ill whereby the human condition is openly under attack; in fact, human conflict is a primary component to the depth and breadth of these glimpses into man's flawed character.
Television situation comedies are renowned for their ability to blend sociopolitical issues with family/relationship dynamics and pepper the whole thing with humor. A moral or life lesson is often tacked onto the end but more than anything else, sitcoms are a way to get an inside look at typical events in the lives of typical people who face the same trials and tribulations. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is one such program that appeals to a variety of watchers because of its unadulterated treatment of difficult topics and the refusal to bow to the pressures of conventional programming.
Perfect Blend
A most effective aspect of the show is how the writers inject levity at points where viewers may not expect it. This capacity for blending wit with an otherwise serious moment takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that draws upon their sense of shared commonality. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia succeeds at appealing to a wide audience who has gone through the many funny, painful, embarrassing or socially upsetting situations people endure.
An especially unique feature about this program, however, is that many difficult issues aren't neatly resolved by the end of the show. Viewers know this program is fictional yet they choose to immerse themselves into the fantasy of watching others experience pain, joy, regret and love knowing things will not always work out neat and tidy. This closeness to reality serves viewers well when they tune in to see the comedic tragedy of life as we know it. Analyzing It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia finds the human condition constantly in question: Is Man strong or weak, good or evil, redeemed or condemned, honorable or chicken-hearted? Indeed, this program represents all that is the human experience, a pertinent reason why it appeals so greatly to a limitless audience.
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