Glenn Howerton Reveals Why He Almost Left ‘It’s Always Sunny’ After Season 11

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Actor Glenn Howerton, known for his role in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” discusses why he came close to leaving the show. The series premiered on FX back in 2005 and is now airing on FXX. With season 17 set to debut on July 9, it holds the title as the longest-running live-action sitcom in history. Alongside Rob McElhenney, Howerton was a co-developer of the show, also contributing as a writer and executive producer.

ScreenRant attended a 20th anniversary celebration and season 17 premiere event where the cast of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” appeared at the Paley Center. During this gathering, actor Rob McElhenney (Howerton) shared his reason for nearly leaving the show. Apparently, he was worried that the show had reached its peak after season 11 and was concerned about it running for too long, as well as feeling constrained by it.

As a dedicated fan of sitcoms, I can tell you that when it came up about possibly moving on, McElhenney and Day both expressed their desire to stick around. Contrary to rumors, he didn’t want to depart the show to work on A.P. Bio, which aired from 2018-2021. However, during seasons 13-14, he wasn’t involved in the writers’ room. McElhenney further shared that they kept writing Howerton into the storyline, hoping he would return, and luckily for us, that wish came true.

Howerton clarified that his decision to leave wasn’t due to having other commitments, contrary to popular belief. People seem to believe he went off to work on AP Bio or similar projects. However, he informed the team even before the start of season 12 that he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. He expressed concerns that they might have reached their peak, and admitted feeling anxious about the length of time they had spent working together.

I hadn’t found a way to balance my career ambitions beyond the show and spread myself out yet. I was eager to explore other opportunities, and as a result, I started feeling somewhat constrained. To be honest, it wasn’t that I didn’t value the show; I always did. But I began to wonder if perhaps there could be some changes, indeed.

Later on, they expressed their reluctance to part ways. To which I responded, “Alright, if that’s what you want.” Following that, I enrolled in AP Bio. In seasons 13 and 14, I returned as an actor, but I didn’t participate in the writing process during those seasons.

McElhenney: Essentially, we persisted with the project, understanding that it would be a long-term struggle. We figured if we simply remained committed to it, the allure of Sunny would inevitably draw him back. And that’s precisely what transpired. We just kept working on it and kept involving him, and eventually, we thought he’d agree to return. And indeed, that’s what occurred.

If any of us were to depart, it would disrupt the balance we have established. Essentially, we are like a finely tuned mechanism where each part is crucial. Removing one piece wouldn’t ensure the same functionality. It’s not about singling out anyone as a vital part; rather, it emphasizes that all parts are essential for the machine to function optimally and for the magic to truly shine.

What This Means For It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

The Show Doesn’t Show Signs Of Slowing Down

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, I find myself in awe of the enduring popularity of this groundbreaking series that started as a modest production and has now become an integral piece of our pop culture landscape. The journey of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has been nothing short of remarkable, elevating not just its own status but also catapulting the talented cast members into prominence in the entertainment industry. Despite their individual successes, they continue to grace our screens with their hilarious antics on this beloved sitcom.

The show’s release pattern was similar to what we now consider standard, as most series in its early days aired about 22 episodes per season. When it first started airing two decades ago, the number of episodes varied, with only seven in the first season and as many as 14 in the sixth. However, since season 15, each subsequent season has had eight episodes.

Although each television season requires a substantial amount of time for production, many actors have been part of other thriving films and series, particularly during the latter stages of the show. With episodes that remain sharp, humorous, and occasionally heartfelt, let’s hope the experience remains rewarding for those involved. Given the increasing popularity of the show, it seems unlikely to conclude anytime soon.

Our Take On Howerton Almost Quitting

It’s Understandable To Want To Go Out On Top

It can be accurately stated that Howerton is correct in his assertion that the show would significantly struggle without Dennis or any of the other main characters. The inclusion of Danny DeVito in the cast during season 2 had a profound impact on the series, making it hard to conceive of its existence without its essential ensemble players.

His near decision to leave, due to fear that the series might have reached its best point, reflects his commitment to preserving the program’s excellence. Many shows either prolong their run and suffer a decline in quality or get abruptly cancelled. The fact that Howerton desires the show to end with a strong finish under their control underscores his devotion to the quality of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

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2025-07-04 04:00