Watch This: "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia"

I think it's safe to say that by now, most everyone has heard of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia". It's blown up in the past few years as the one of the must-watch shows on TV right now, and you have at least one friend who's always telling you about it.

Still, there are plenty of people who don't sit down and watch at least an episode, let alone start to watch on a regular basis. Well I'm her to tell you that if you're one of these people...change. Fast. Read on for my argument as to why you should be watching "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia!"

I think there's a problem with the majority of TV programming today-especially comedy. Remember when the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) had GOOD sitcom style comedies like "The Drew Carey Show", "Boy Meets World", and, of course, the legendary "Seinfeld"? I was a kid during those times, but I still remember loving the hell out of those shows. What do we have now in that department? Crap like "Two and Half Men" which takes one joke ("A square single dad lives with his son and playboy brother...hijinks involving dating ensue!") and stretches it over however many seasons (if you know the actual number, please don't tell me...it's far too depressing to think about)

As a result, viewers today have to look to less-known networks like Comedy Central and FX for original, consistently funny comedy. One well known show that's helping the cause is of course Comedy Central's "South Park", which continues to be funny, thanks largely in part to a quick production schedule that allows writers to make ripe satire on current events.

But again, I'd like to point your attention to another show...It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.  The show tells the story of Dennis, Dee, Frank, Mac, and Charlie, AKA "The Gang"(pictured below), who own a bar in South Philly.

"The Gang"

This set up sounds like it's been done before, right? Wrong. A few determining factors that sets Sunny apart from other comedies and similar set ups:

1. No five-camera sitcom set up, no sound stages. Real locations.
2. No laugh track that kills any sort of comedic timing by forcing it
3. The bar isn't set up to be the central area where everyone hangs out (a la Cheers). Rather, it's a set up for the area, and for the characters.
4. Most importantly-The characters are all terrible, self-interested people. That's right. Keep in mind though, this doesn't make them likable-we still find ourselves cheering for them in our sick way.

This last one is what can really make the show. Sunny has been described (and I believe this was even an official tagline at one point) as "Seinfeld On Crack". And it's true, really. Take for example an episode called "The Gang Finds A Dumpster Baby". Mac and Dee come upon a baby in a dumpster behind their bar, and immediately set about either finding it's parents or giving it away. That is, until someone on the street comments that it could be in Gerber commercials.

Next thing we know, Mac and Dee are a casting agency, trying to sell the baby for some easy money. When the agent tells them there are too many white babies in commercials, they offer to make the baby tanner in order to play a Mexican baby...and then actually go to a tanning salon and try to have it done.

They're appalled they can't legally put this baby in a tanning bed.

Meanwhile, Charlie and Frank become dumpster divers, and even hoarders of sorts, as they raid dumpsters all around Philly and bring the junk home to their tiny apartment. In the meantime, Dennis originally sets up to join a group of hippies trying to protect a tree after being inspired by "An Inconvenient Truth", but eventually decides he will instead hatch a scheme to sleep with the leader's girlfriend while he is stuck guarding the tree overnight.

So, as you can tell, this show isn't afraid to be a little politically incorrect-and the result couldn't be any more funny. Few shows on TV actually have the cojones to tackle subjects like abortion, race, and gay marriage...and do so in such a hilarious, politically incorrect manner. They don't pull many punches.

If that isn't enough to persuade, the cast is amazing, and has the best chemistry of any group on TV, hands down:

Glenn Howerton plays Dennis as a smart but incredibly narcissistic guy, always calling people out for their stupidity when he's not talking about how blasted his pecs are. 

Kaitlin Olson plays Dee as a woman who just wants to find a good guy, though she has trouble given how incredibly self-centered she can be. She's the constant butt of everyone's joke.

Rob McElhenney plays Mac, the quasi-meathead of the group who never wears sleeves and is always looking for the next badass or extreme thing.

Charlie Day plays Charlie, the "Kramer" of the group. He's illiterate, loud, and is always the last of the group to catch on with ideas. He's also the best character.

Danny DeVito plays Frank, in what I think is he best acting role ever. He's lude, un-apologetic, and often times a bit insane (he's known to mis-fire a handgun he carries with him)

The bottom line is, this is one of very very few shows on TV that will keep you coming back each week and each season to laugh your ass off. It's funny as hell, it's original, it stays fresh and never loses steam. So stop reading this and go watch it!

Check out this clip, featuring Charlie and Mac