The Gang is back—and this time, they’re crashing a different school district.
Season 17 of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia officially premieres on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FXX, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. After two decades of unhinged schemes and sociopathic antics, the longest-running live-action sitcom in U.S. television history is still pushing boundaries, and this season might be its wildest swing yet.
A Crossover 20 Years in the Making
To launch its new season, Sunny is teaming up with Abbott Elementary for a two-part crossover event that has already sparked massive buzz online. The first part, titled “Volunteers,” aired on Abbott Elementary back in January, where the Gang made a surprise appearance at the Philadelphia public school under the guise of doing community service.
That storyline will carry over into Sunny‘s premiere episode—titled “The Gang F*s Up Abbott Elementary”**—which dives headfirst into the predictable chaos that ensues when the narcissists from Paddy’s Pub attempt to “help” the school. Expect an explosive clash between the no-nonsense staff of Abbott and the morally void characters we’ve come to love/hate.
This is the first crossover in the show’s history and represents a major milestone not just for Sunny, but for serialized sitcom storytelling, blending the ultra-grounded tone of Abbott with the absurdist flair of Sunny in a way that few expected could work. But early reactions to January’s Abbott episode were overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the unexpected chemistry between the casts and the show’s ability to maintain both series’ distinct identities.
20th Anniversary Celebration with the Cast
In honor of the show’s 20th anniversary, the Paley Center for Media is hosting a major celebration on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the Directors Guild of America Theater in Los Angeles. The event will feature a red carpet, a screening of the Season 17 premiere, and a live panel with the entire main cast: Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito.
Fans attending can expect behind-the-scenes stories, fan Q&As, and a deep dive into how the show has evolved (and stayed defiantly the same) over the years. It’s a rare opportunity to see the Sunny crew reflect on two decades of dark comedy and creative freedom.
What to Expect From Season 17
Season 17 will include eight episodes, each packed with the kind of chaotic brilliance fans have come to expect. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the cast has hinted at episodes dealing with corporate greed, misguided charity efforts, addiction to AI tools, and a plot where Frank gets heavily involved in the influencer economy. In other words, classic Sunny, but with a modern twist.
Filming once again took place in Los Angeles with select scenes shot on location in Philadelphia. The writers’ room reportedly drew inspiration from recent headlines—expect some jabs at tech culture, celebrity rebrands, and a satirical take on the education system stemming from the Abbott crossover.
Is This the End? Not Yet.
Despite being on air since 2005, there’s no official end in sight. Glenn Howerton recently confirmed that the team takes things “season by season,” but enthusiasm remains high. Rob McElhenney has previously said they’ll keep going as long as they have fresh ideas—and as long as it’s still fun.
With its cultural legacy secure, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has now shifted into rare territory. It’s not just a show—it’s a living, breathing experiment in comedic longevity. And based on what we know about Season 17, the experiment is far from over.
Whether you’re a day-one fan or just discovering the series through its crossover antics, Season 17 looks like it’s going to be one for the ages.
Looking For Something To Watch In The Meantime? Try These Great Shows On Apple TV+
Once considered the underdog in the streaming wars, Apple TV+ has steadily carved out a reputation for bold, high-quality original programming. What started as a limited slate has grown into a deep catalog of prestige dramas, innovative comedies, and genre-bending sci-fi, making it one of the most exciting platforms for modern TV.
As of March 2025, Apple TV+ is home to several standout series generating buzz among critics and fans alike. From mind-bending thrillers like Severance to gritty crime dramas like Dope Thief, and fan favorites like Silo and Slow Horses, there’s something for everyone in Apple’s growing library of originals.
1. Severance
Severance isn’t just one of Apple TV+’s best shows—it’s one of the most talked-about series in recent memory. First premiering in 2022, it hooked audiences with its eerie, high-concept premise: a mysterious company surgically divides employees’ work and personal memories.
Led by Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette, and guided by Ben Stiller’s steady hand behind the camera, the show has earned Emmy wins and a loyal fanbase. Its chilling corporate aesthetic, unsettling tone, and deeply layered characters make it a psychological thriller with staying power.
The show’s brilliance lies in how it unfolds—slow, suspenseful, and relentlessly thought-provoking. It explores identity, autonomy, and the emotional cost of compartmentalization in the workplace. With sharp writing and striking visual storytelling, Severance is not just a show—it’s a conversation starter.
2. Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso isn’t just a feel-good comedy—it’s the heart of Apple TV+. Jason Sudeikis plays the endlessly optimistic American football coach who’s thrown into the world of British soccer, and the result is a show that somehow blends goofy charm with serious emotional depth.
Yes, it’s funny. But what elevated Ted Lasso to must-watch status was its willingness to dive into anxiety, grief, and self-doubt—without losing its warmth. The ensemble cast, including Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, brings real heart to each character’s journey.
The third season had its critics, but there’s no denying the show’s impact. It made kindness cool again. And while Severance may have surpassed it in viewership, Ted Lasso remains a cultural landmark in modern streaming comedy.
3. Dope Thief
Dope Thief is Apple TV+ at its grittiest. Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura headline this sharp, street-level crime drama set in Philadelphia, where two stick-up artists bite off more than they can chew by robbing the wrong people.
The series is raw and immediate, anchored by Henry’s magnetic performance as Ray—a complex character trying to find clarity amid chaos. The dynamic between Ray and Manny (Moura) gives the show its emotional core, with moments of humor and vulnerability cutting through the tension.
With Ridley Scott and Peter Craig executive producing, Dope Thief is as stylish as it is intense. It’s a show that doesn’t waste a second, pushing forward with sharp dialogue, tight direction, and an undercurrent of dread. It’s fast becoming a breakout hit for the platform.
4. The Morning Show
The Morning Show helped launch Apple TV+ with star power and drama. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon lead the cast in this high-stakes look inside a morning news program thrown into crisis mode.
The series dives deep into the politics of media, power, and accountability in the wake of a scandal, exploring the human cost of public image management. It’s messy, layered, and frequently explosive, with standout work from Billy Crudup as a charismatic network exec.
Though reactions to later seasons vary, the show remains one of Apple’s most visible hits. It’s prestige TV with real-world bite—and it continues to evolve in ways that reflect the turbulent media landscape it mirrors.
