10 Greatest Character Introductions In Sitcom History
6. Frank Reynolds - It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The first season of the long-running anarchic sitcom slipped under many people’s radar, with low ratings and a lukewarm critical reaction. FX, which carried the show, requested that a more recognisable actor join the cast. And so, Danny Devito came on board in the second series as Dennis and Dee’s depraved father Frank - with his introduction immediately shaking things up.
Dennis is about to drive to the strip club when his old dad Frank appears from nowhere, yelling his name. Dennis, already under the influence, is shocked and manages to reverse over poor Charlie. The dark laughs don’t stop there, and in the very next scene at the hospital Frank reveals to his children that he and their mother are divorcing in typical Frank fashion - by first telling them she’s dead to soften the blow (“it’s a business tactic”.)
Frank Reynolds was quite simply the role DeVito was born to play, and as the character becomes more and more depraved, he continues to throw himself into the role like only he can.