TV News

For the first time ever, a cable network, Comedy Central, has syndicated a sitcom from another cable network, FX in this case.  Comedy Central has purchased the syndication rights to the bizarre and riotously funny It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia series from FX Channel.  The deal will begin with a limited run beginning next summer, and then beginning in 2011 the long-term deal will take effect which will include the currently airing fifth season of the show, and the already picked up sixth and seventh seasons which will air first on FX before being syndicated to Comedy Central.  This will bring a grand total of at least 84 episodes as part of the syndication deal.

Behold, our new 2nd home on Comedy Central!

Steve MacDonald, EVP, General Sales Manager, Basic Cable of Twentieth Television said, "Crossing a series from one hugely successful cable brand to another speaks volumes to the show's loyal viewers and skyrocketing ratings. Greg Meidel, President of Twentieth Television and I are thrilled that COMEDY CENTRAL will place 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' beside the network's strong slate of cutting-edge programming; further elevating this hilarious series and introducing a unique cast of characters to new audiences."  While I agree wholehearted with almost everything MacDonald says here, it still seems a bit unclear as to what other shows on Comedy Central would make a good pairing with It's Always Sunny.  The show has a unique and edgy style (to say the least) and its tough to imagine anything currently on Comedy Central benefiting from this show.  However, based on the timelines involved, it certainly gives Comedy Central some time to develop new shows around this idea.  And there's little doubt that Sunny's viewers will be loyal and follow this show to Comedy Central to see past seasons.

Still, this is fantastic news for a show with such great and humble beginnings.  For those not aware, It's Always Sunny began whenMcElhenney, Howerton, and Day shot the pilot on a hand-held digital camera and edited it on a personal home computer for the economical price of just $200.  Once FX picked the show up the pilot was re-shot and became what it is today.   The show has really gone from cult classic to bonafide hit, increasing in ratings in each of its five seasons.  So far this year the ratings have posted significant gains of +62% among Men 18-34, +55% among Adults 18-49, +51% among Adults 18-34 and +40% in total viewers versus its fourth season. For 2009-to-date among all scripted basic cable series, It's Always Sunny ranks #3 in delivery of Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34.  Below is a  brief description of the show from the Comedy Central Press Release.

Crude, controversial, outlandish, and downright hilarious, "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" premiered on FX on August 4, 2005. The half-hour series, starring Charlie Day, Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito, is currently in its 5th season and features the cast as self-centered owners of Paddy's Irish Pub in Philadelphia who will do just about anything, no matter how reprehensible, in an attempt to better their own situation. Serious issues such as racism, abortion, underage drinking, molestation, gun control, cancer and death somehow weave their way into the cockeyed universe of "The Gang." The characters are experts on every subject but actually possess expertise in nothing at all. They often use revisionist history to bolster their self-worth, which contrasts sharply with the true reality of their lives.

Source: Comedy Central