20 Things You Didn't Know About It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia

15. Danny DeVito Was Added To "Save" The Show

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
FX

Danny DeVito didn't join the show until its second season, and was only added as a last ditch effort to save it from being cancelled due to low ratings.

FX president John Landgraf, who was a fan, insisted upon adding a name actor to the line-up to boost its profile, something Rob McElhenney in particular was vocally against.

DeVito agreed to join the cast on the urging of his kids, who were fans of the first season, and he ultimately became a far more successful addition to the gang than just about anyone could've ever expected.

Of the initial protests about adding a new permanent cast member, Glenn Howerton said:

"It's not that we were reticent to the idea of adding Danny to the show. It's that we were reticent to add a name to the show. You know, because we kinda liked that we were no-names and it was this weird, small thing, you know."
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.