On Aug. 4, 2005, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” debuted on FX. It’s like “Seinfeld” taking place in a bar with a younger, bolder cast who more grossly exaggerate the American way of life. Think “Seinfeld” meets “Jackass” blended with a bunch of John Stewart’s “The Daily Show”-type humor.
I remember stumbling across the show one random night and being instantly hooked. The show was hilarious and featured all the elements of a great American comedy: sarcasm, cheap shots and a little backhanded wit thrown together with muggings, beatings and blatant steroid abuse.
At first glance, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” appears to be a mindless comedy devoid of any social or political implications.
But it is ultimately a drastic representation of American society that exposes our flawed logic and dated philosophies.
Though greatly exaggerated, the characters’ emphasis on overtly manipulating others for selfish motives illustrates how our media’s perpetuation of a market-driven society has contributed to the destruction of our reputation worldwide.
The gang and their escapades represent the worst elements of American culture, including ““ but not limited to ““ apathy, selfishness, materialism, racism, sexism and imperialism.
By outright mocking the constructs that define our decision-making process, the show is able to shed light on a failing system. The essence of “It’s Always Sunny” is in its ability to make laughable our irreverence for society.
In its third season, it has become much more direct in its willingness to spoof the pressing issues of the day. While the first two seasons played mainly on the gang’s silly ideas and self-centered approach to life, the third season has openly put comedic spins on the current public discourse pertaining to issues such as global warming, feminism, media corruption and North Korea.
The show mocks American values by highlighting the blatant hypocrisy that has come to define American culture.
One episode was a prime example of the fact that our society typically makes decisions based on self-interest.
Dennis does not care about the environment, let alone saving a tree; all he cares about is his hurt ego. The very same episode sees Charlie mocking Dennis over his newfound passion for the environment by referring to the issue as “global heating” and joking that the earth is “magically getting hotter.”
The entire episode is riddled with critiques that depict Americans’ lack of commitment to civic involvement and their affinity for taking the easy road in life.
Though recent history shows a major decline in the value of our media, specifically in regards to television programming, shows like “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” prove that individuality and creativity are still relevant components of American culture.
And while TV remains saturated with programming of little educational value, the recent success of progressive programs like “The Daily Show,” “The Colbert Report” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” are reason to be optimistic.
This show is easily one of the most important television shows ever created, as it emphasizes the importance of education and public debate, evidenced by the gang’s frequent societal misinterpretations due to lack of subject knowledge.
Aside from HBO’s “The Wire,” I cannot think of a program more socially and culturally aware. A naturally progressive show, it is important if only for the fact that it allows Americans the chance to laugh openly about their own misguided attitudes toward life and the pursuit of happiness.
Asencio is a fourth-year political science student and an intern at URB magazine.