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Actor, writer, and producer, Glenn Howerton, known best for his portrayal of Dennis Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philidelphia, reveals the show’s title evolved from an A-Ha song. With over 15 hilarious seasons, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia fans couldn’t imagine the title to be anything else.

Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Charlie Day posing together on set of 'Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia'.
Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Charlie Day, ‘Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ | Michael Buckner/Getty

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia’ gang doesn’t like the show’s title

During the episode, Charlie Wants an Abortion of the It’s Always Sunny Podcast, hosted by Glenn, Rob McElhenney, and Charlie Day, the gang discusses the show’s name and why they believe It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a terrible title.

Glenn tells the viewers, “It shouldn’t be ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, because that’s insane. It’s a terrible, terrible title. It’s too much of a mouth full.”

Glenn revealed that he, Rob, and Charlie had a bet to see who would come up with the best name for the show. During the podcast, Rob confirmed that they were offering $200 to the person who came up with the best title for the show. Rob admitted, “And we didn’t go with the best one. You can make the argument we went for the worst one.”

Glenn Howerton reveals the show’s title evolved from an A-Ha song

So how did the gang come up with the iconic title, It’s Always Sunny in Philidelphia? Glenn revealed that the DIY pilot they made for the show was titled “It’s Always Sunny on TV,” which they agree worked for the vain characters they were portraying in the pilot.

Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day filming a scene for 'It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia' in Philadelphia, PA.
Glenn Howerton, Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney, and Charlie Day, ‘It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’ | Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

He explained, “I was at the gym. I was at Crunch gym on Sunset Boulevard.” Post-workout, Glen was stretching when an A-Ha song came on shuffle that gave him an idea.

“There was a song that came on was ‘The Sun Always Shines on T.V.'” Glenn continued, “I just remember thinking, that’s a good title for the show, ‘It’s Always Sunny on TV’ or some version of that.” Charlie chimed in,” ‘It’s Always Sunny on TV’ is a good title, ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ is not.” Glenn agreed, “It doesn’t make sense. We just changed the words.”

‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia’ was almost called ‘Jerks’

During the search to find the best name for the show, there was a list of titles. On the top of the list for alternative titles for the iconic show was “Jerks”. Glenn said, “Why didn’t we go with ‘Jerks’? We thought it was too reductive? Too cute?”

Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Rob McElhenney, and Glenn Howerton on the set of 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'
Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Rob McElhenney, and Glenn Howerton, ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ | Patrick McElhenney/FX
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Rob revealed, “But this stupid title won by war of attrition. I think we just go to the end and said ‘screw it.'” Charlie argued that it’s memorable because it’s such a bad title.

Rob disagreed, “But it’s not memorable. It’s a bad title.” Glenn said, “It’s a bad title, and it continues to be.” However, they can all agree that the title ‘Jerks’ was too “polished” and “network-y.”

Despite It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia being a wordy title, fans of the show couldn’t imagine any other title. Fans can thank A-Ha for Glenn’s a-ha moment in coming up with the title.

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