Charlie and Rob are having creative differences for the new season!

Always sunny in Philadelphia
pod cast clip.

[@lorcanmacken4882]

Rob is an incredibly talented and intuitive producer and could probably direct a big ticket HBO drama at this point, but Charlie seems to have a much better understanding of what Sunny is supposed to represent to the audience and in TV culture

[@mmr0221]

Exactly. That whole dance sequence Rob did was a jumping of shark moment

[@GrapeFlavoredAntifreeze]

@@mmr0221 No doubt. The best part of Sunny is that it tackles complex issues in absurd and funny ways

[@mmr0221]

@@GrapeFlavoredAntifreeze it was too serious, took itself too seriously. Compare that to the Frank’s Little Beauties dance and song which made a point but in a funny and absurd way

[@thesnowmiser6728]

​@@mmr0221hard disagree. Those are two completely different contexts.

[@mmr0221]

@@thesnowmiser6728 yeah, one is for a comedy show that pushes boundaries and the other one is a pretentious dance is for an arthouse Hollywood production

[@Janon48]

Charlie wanting to keep it in a 4:3 ratio is incredibly based

[@dookie96]

I like what he said making it look grittier again - new eps look way too polished imo, still great content by the guys tho and a good season. Just not big into the “look”

[@thesnowmiser6728]

​@@dookie96agreed. Show felt a bit grimier before

[@snavs420]

​@@thesnowmiser6728They were also using cheaper cameras at the time.

[@howiespancakeshack]

is based a good or bad thing?

[@a3gill]

It's funny that Charlie was always the character afraid of leaving Philly.

[@michaelserino3427]

they make fun of him for hating change in the show too😂

[@donovan4222]

@@michaelserino3427 that’s why Charlie is always like “I don’t know man I feel like we got a pretty good thing goin here” whenever someone in the gang has a new idea

[@AbbaZabbaOlyFrn]

Another great bit is when he's paying zero attention to the conversation and just runs with Mac and Dennis agreeing with everything they say even though they are clearly talking about him

[@henryviper9091]

@@AbbaZabbaOlyFrn He doesn't even get us, man.

[@kuldas9299]

@@henryviper9091 Wild card!

[@Ehmte5]

Charlie thinking the show should still be 4:3 ratio is AWESOME

[@user-zo5jo3ox5g]

I agree with him 😂😂😂 it’s the same thing with trailer park boys, when they switched to 16:9 it felt wrong

[@donovan4222]

I don’t care about the aspect ratio but I think Charlie speaks for many of the hardcore fans who hate when anything changes

[@Ehmte5]

@@donovan4222 exactly bro

[@a-3338]

I totally agree with him and having standard definition lol. It looks a bit too clean right now. Or like season 7 quality it’s clean but rough around the edges.

[@nolives]

Any mmocumentary that moves from standard to hd automatically loses a sense of authenticity.

[@user-gd8xm3eb9t]

Rob lacking a bit of self awareness here. He wants to get the "benefit of the doubt" for his ideas, not liking them called "gimmicks", and he wants to make his creative intentions clear, yet challenges Charlie on what Charlie is saying his own intentions and motives in the creative process are by saying "you don't like change". He uses the word "fight" to describe these conversations when really he is the only one being combative.

[@BullyMaguire4ever]

Totally agree, it feels like Rob taking shots at Charlie for not just letting him have his way.

[@iminumst7827]

Yeah, Rob isn't quite being fair. He opens the dialogue trying to put words into Charlie's mouth by straight up saying 'You are afraid of change, straight-up, 100%" Charlie merely implies that Rob's ideas are gimmicky, and he feels like he's the one being treated unfairly. And he does so without really ever explaining what isn't gimmicky about his idea.

[@user-gd8xm3eb9t]

@@iminumst7827 it's interesting to see him pretty much suggest that Charlie pushing back on an idea of his is because of a shortcoming of Charlie's, rather than just accepting his honest opinion and it's validity

[@user-nz3df9hz1m]

Charlie shouldn't have beat around the bush and just straight up told him its contrived and lazy

[@maisiegregg7039]

Totally. I agree with both of them to an extent, but Rob just doesn't like hearing other pov's sometimes, as it seems.

[@hauntedstereo2665]

Rob is like "Let's make a country album next!" Charlie is like "but we're a rock band."

[@soren5312]

Yeah and he's right. About pretty much everything he said, Rob is trying to change the show to be more like Mythic Quest, when he should realize that they have completely different tone. I don't know why he so desperately wants to keep jumping the shark.

[@tayzk5929]

@@soren5312 I hate everything about Mythic Quest. I thought I would at least like something about it.

[@Khwerz]

@@tayzk5929 fwiw i like mythic quest. But stories themselves have always existed as cautionary tales. Humans may contain multitudes, but not stories.

[@dng2usb]

Rob wants Sunny to be Ween. Charlie wants it to be Nickelback.

[@KarlDelaney99]

Change can be fresh but the newer seasons of Always Sunny aren't great

[@rosegold5720]

charlie is literally so right in his approach to writing

[@kyleconnor2759]

Rob’s approach has merit too. Having both on the staff is huge.

[@rosegold5720]

@@kyleconnor2759 agreed! i really meant he's right for how sunny works, but rob's writing style is also super important to balance out charlie's. as someone who typically is very grounded while writing, i appreciate working with people like rob to help pull me off the ground!

[@LordVader1094]

@@kyleconnor2759 Too bad Rob seems to be winning out and making the show worse.

[@maisiegregg7039]

Sounds like I'm just saying this but I have actually talked to many screenwriters (taken a few courses blah blah not important) who have worked in the field for a very long time, and they would all tend to agree with Charlie here for sure. What's the point in a so called gimmick without having the 'because'?

[@Melquiades_]

Charlie's 1000% right about the aspect ratio, they still made brilliant episodes once they shifted, but the earlier Sunny episodes have a grittiness to them that is wholly unique

[@michaelmiles5110]

If you've ever seen TrailerParkBoys, it sorta does the same for me, the older seasons are fantastic especially with the camera quality. But when they switch to HD cameras, it's a weird shift.

[@sarahrachel2676]

It felt like home movies! Just your buddies messing around!

[@jessiheidrick1184]

The HD episodes weird me out. It's a gritty show about people you aren't supposed to like it shouldn't be so pretty.

[@BenjaminBlep]

@@sarahrachel2676 Exactly! I couldn't think of way to put it but you put it perfectly

[@IamBrixTM]

@@jessiheidrick1184I was skeptical of the idea because ironically it felt gimmicky but that def makes sense

[@freem8son86]

Charlie is so clearly in the right and his approach is what will make Sunny endure even longer than it already has. Robs approach is how you become the modern Simpsons

[@bernie3075]

Very well said. I agree.

[@deezashmeeza3062]

Rob's approach is how you make that terrible gaming sitcom he wrote that was unwatchable dog shit cant recall the name. Stupid long name

[@Bluecrabsandsushi]

hard disagree. The more they stay experimental the more they stay fresh.

[@bossman-jk9tl]

@@Bluecrabsandsushi There's a balance. You don't understand the bigger picture

[@frances9975]

​@@bossman-jk9tl wouldn't you say that being unwilling to change also misses the big picture? It is the fact that they find a balance that makes it work. If nothing changed we never would have gotten Frank, for example. There are good changes and bad changes and I think they are doing a good job of making that distinction.

[@samsummer8382]

Rob is John, Charlie is Paul, Glenn is George, Danny is Ringo, Dee is a giant bird

[@czarspan3057]

This makes….way too much sense to me

[@blackmage8126]

And Kaitlyn is amazing!!

[@drunkpaulocosta]

@@blackmage8126 Dee is Yoko

[@thebackup2121]

And Meg is amazing! Also Frank is there 😏

[@michaelchimenti2847]

In my 22 years on this earth, this is one of the best comments I’ve ever read

[@kylewolpert4778]

I think what Charlie is trying to say is that he resists change for the sake of change, rather than needing to change. Some needed change is good, but if you constantly crave innovation and change (like Rob) you can lose what makes something good in the first place. I'm glad they both view things the way they do, because it allows Sunny to change and adapt, but not become something else entirely.

[@rosegold5720]

and then furthermore changing out of necessity with sunny is really difficult to pinpoint. a lot of sunny's humor relies on running gags, and more so each running gag becoming more ridiculous yet still contained. like they continually changed and amped up the cricket situation so it wouldn't be static. but change for the sake of change would look like them killing off cricket or them letting him have success somehow. it would take away from the sunny-specific humor

[@Didyourmomtwice]

The show hasn’t been the same for 5 seasons now. It’s almost bad at this point. Seasons 10,12,13 and 15 are bad

[@kylewolpert4778]

@@Didyourmomtwice I dont know that i agree. It's different, but i definitely wouldn't call it bad. I still get some major laughs...I enjoyed the Ireland episodes.

[@Didyourmomtwice]

@@kylewolpert4778 season 13 was bad to me. Without Dennis they really suffered

[@christofferjenzen78]

@@Didyourmomtwice I´d say season 13 mostly suffered from the gang adapting way too much to the political and cultural change,when they make statements these days,it tends to get a little heavyhanded. Men cant work together and need a woman to lead them(The gang escapes) might be the most bizarre commentary,If Dennis banged a 17 year old,it would be monstrous and problematic but look how funny Dee banging a child is(The gang gets new wheelsl),let the dude who has bashed gays for a decade become desperate for gay pride after 5 minutes out the closet(Mac finds his pride),let Charlies defining quest (Wanting the waitress) be successful and then do nothing with that storyline (Dennis´s double life). Let Dee completely off the hook with her rapethreat the Insinuation cause it´s MeToo now and that doesnt fit the narrative.... I think most problems with the season were checking off political and social bulletpoints rather than focusing on being funny....and not having Dennis in four episodes did hurt them alot.

[@azosjeff]

i think the most unusual thing about this is how calm glenn is. wouldn’t have expected that

[@VioletCrime909]

I'm kind of surprised by that too. To compare it to The Beatles, he seems kind of like George Harrison, and the kind of glue in the middle that balances out the other two creative forces of John and Paul. I suppose that makes Dee or Frank the Ringo, which is pretty funny.

[@MV12267]

He's the middle man

[@of_the_Word]

@@VioletCrime909 someone stole your comment bro if you care

[@-The-Golden-God-]

That's how the middle man works. The master manipulator. You sit and listen, learning people's quirks. Then you weaponise that knowledge in the subtlest of ways. It's exactly what I'd expect from Glenn.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

@@-The-Golden-God- I read this in Dennis’s cadence

[@MAX-de8fe]

Charlie clearly has the best vision for the show

[@TuddsCrapshoot]

He’s the most talented and intelligent by far

[@temsedgwick9494]

But Glenn has the most sophisticated pallet…

[@lubskipunch8706]

@@TuddsCrapshoot Glenn is an actual intellectual. Ik what ur saying tho

[@TuddsCrapshoot]

@@lubskipunch8706 intellectual does not equal intelligence. Although I do think he’s very smart and talented as well. Charlie is just singularly brilliant in many ways.

[@redfordreddington8834]

@@TuddsCrapshoot that's exactly what it equals.

[@kiarareypittman]

To preserve integrity it’s Charlie’s duty to fight Rob creatively

[@slomnim]

And he does so honorably!

[@bootlegpbj3767]

I think my biggest issue inside this clip is how rob seemingly ascribes feelings and beliefs into Charlie almost in an effort to minimize its importance, “Charlie didn’t want to go to Ireland because he just doesn’t like change” when Charlie can completely justify why he feels that way and maybe he isn’t a huge fan of change internally but it’s not like a closed minded decision it had more thought behind it than simply “it’s different so I don’t like it”

[@carlosiribarren2270]

man, just don't interfere with their dinamic, it works as it is (not saying is healthy; but i can relate their personalitys)

[@isaiahromero9861]

Yea he was kind of being a dick and I agree with Charlie, I honestly feel like Rob is the reason the show is going downhill.

[@nolives]

To be honest the ireland season did suck. I didnt even half chuckle in my head once. And the charlie scene felt like a rehash of macs dance scene but with less impact as we have dealt with macs repressed gayness since season one where as we only met charlies dad in that season. I dont mind them being serious every once and a while, especially when its built up and pays off, but the new season felt like a drama more than a comedy.

[@MrGhostTheBigRoast]

@@isaiahromero9861 oooh boy he said it, you all saw, he said it

[@MrGhostTheBigRoast]

@@nolives it was a tonal shift and some parts felt very oddly rushed but it was 100% better than the season where glenn left. but it was such a bizarre season especially after the absolute insanity of the pandemic and other world events which they addressed in a single episode. its for sure not the worst season, but def one that feels like a hazy fever dream.

[@iminumst7827]

As someone who gravitates towards big ideas, I still side with Charlie on this one. When you introduce a big idea and someone is worried if the idea will organically fit, you need to have an explanation on why it can be organic. Mac expects the benefit of the doubt that his ideas aren't just gimmicks, but he pitches ideas exactly like you would pitch a gimmick, which Charlie justifiably rejects. You don't just say "What if the gang gets fat?" Or "What if the gang is in Ireland a whole season." There needs to be a "because". Like "What if the gang gets fat because they all get convinced that the end of the world is coming." That instantly sparks some discussion of character, like maybe half of the cast is bulking up to survive the famine, while the other half bulk up because they think they are gonna die anyways and want to indulge. Maybe Dennis is the most resistant to getting fat, but they bring back the pedophile character who looks like Dennis, and that guy lost weight. So Dennis starts gaining weight to not look like the pedophile. Maybe Charlie is trying but can't gain weight because he gets an intestinal worm infection. These aren't great ideas, but just by adding a "because" it suddenly feels like a plot rather than a gimmick.

[@TobyHonest420]

Nah these are all great ideas lmao, especially the Dennis one

[@dapufff]

You just earned your place at the head of the suit Iminumst, that was really good

[@MrTurtlelove7]

Charlie is completely right. I think most of the show's misses have been episodes that try too hard to be different and cause the show to lose its groundedness. The show is so great because it's insane characters in a grounded world, and it's fun getting to watch that world have to deal with them.

[@Bread_Bug]

Yeah I lean towards agreeing with Charlie here, I feel Ireland was the weakest season because it just felt like a huge upending of the show’s formula without being good enough to even justify it. Especially when it only has a meaningful arc for 1-2 of the characters

[@alecshockowitz8385]

Totally agree, the Ireland parts are easily the worst parts of the show for me, that it goes too far outside of the norm. Or other episodes like the one where the old black man dreams that the gang is now black, while interesting is really on the edge. I think the strongest parts of the show is the gang at the bar, or their houses. But, the gang does need reasons to go around to new places and develop. Its just Ireland is too big of a jump, and it goes on for too long. 1-2 episodes that are a large divergence is fine, but half a season it just kinda grinded on with mostly character development, but the show felt fundamentally different and slower and the characters acted very differently than normal outside of Dennis/Dee. I personally want more episodes like Psycho Pete or more on Artemis, adding new characters to the setting and developing them more.

[@manuelper]

@@Bread_Bug The Ireland episodes were simply not funny as really, most of the season. The characters were acting too '4th wall' and watching their behaviour which made no sense when dealing with these fictional characters.

[@lonewalkerproductions]

Watching this I now truly understand why this show works so well. You need a Charlie and a Rob. This kind of creative fiction amongst friends can be conducive to great innovation and conservation

[@redfordreddington8834]

@PUSH AGE this is a terrible take.

[@redfordreddington8834]

@PUSH AGE the show is not the walking dead of comedy. Get some help. And not always.

[@redfordreddington8834]

@PUSH AGE that's false. You have a smooth brain.

[@makeitthrough_]

@@redfordreddington8834 Dude was btfo so hard he took his comments and went home lol

[@RoryMonaghan]

And a Glenn because 2 guys just constantly fighting is bound to breakdown and they’ll just walk away. Glenn tries to be a voice of reason there. Understanding both views.

[@Quinkerbell_3604]

Charlie is a creative genius. I trust him and his creative instincts implicitly.

[@mmr0221]

Me too

[@javiertrejo7037]

rob being low key sensitive/territorial when he's like "well that assumes I don't care about character." I think Charlie is right, the humor is already so absurd you can't just keep going more outlandish without some tethering to who the character are, even though the main conceit of the show is these people don't change or learn their lessons. It makes me wonder if he was behind the earlier seasons that had more multi-episode arcs. I don't think Rob is wrong, pushing boundaries is what they do and you absolutely need a balance. interesting stuff.

[@The.Ronin.Kuzuri]

I feel like Charlie was a lot more gracious about it rather than Rob just trying to throw shots (that's what it seemed like to me at least)

[@Leatherfacet]

I agree, here at least. Getting the wibe that Rob is also coming up with ideas which is regularly shut down. Hence the creative frustration.

[@Chubby_Runs]

Also keep in mind they’re both very drunk here and it’s been made clear rob is a bit of an angry drunk

[@KA-gy3lz]

This conversation is a perfect representation of how this show was able to last so long and continue to be consistently good

[@CataRDJ]

I feel like Rob has been getting a lot of experience from working in other shows that are more modern and have a different rhythm, and he kinda wants to implement that in Sunny, but it'll never work. Sunny has such a specific style and humor that trying to use new things is risky and the audience notices it immediately. Rob has more like a general tv producer mindset, while Charlie and Glenn have a more Always Sunny creators mindset. I don't know if that makes sense. Anyways, whenever they can mix those two points of view, they come up with great things, so I think is really healthy that they have this kind of creative discussions.

[@hippinoire]

i totally agree. one thing everyone loves about sunny is that its not a mainstream show and it doesnt try to be. Theres so many things they talk about that they wish they had more money for, even the quality of the cameras they used when in retrospect i don't know if sunny would have done as well if they had this ultra hd cameras etc. Something about the bad quality works for Sunny and the better quality of the later season honestly kind of makes it not feel like the sunny i know and love. the bad quality worked for these shitty people in this not so great buildings, like charlie's apartment and the bar itself. The better quality really makes it feel like a set instead of a real bar.

[@henryviper9091]

Yeah hard agree. Like Meg even said, it's the combination of what each of them are going for into the final product. Really love to see this type of collaborative effort.

[@slomnim]

Charlie is grounded and "Mac" is forthrunming and innovative. They keep each other in check! Separation of powers is what keeps things in good line. Look at George Lucas. Full control? = The prequels into selling to Disney

[@henryviper9091]

@@slomnim really great example!!!

[@robbyt1341]

???? So rob thinks like a "producer"and not like a creator of the show? even tho he was the main writer and creator of the pilot.. and also they talk on the podcast about how they all very much agree on what the humor of the show is. I gotta say I don't agree.. I mean think about it, glen and Charlie have both had a ton of experience with more network style shit too, so I don't think that's what the difference is. Charlie has been in big comedy movies that would never allow for the jokes that sunny wants to do.

[@yaboiflats6986]

I am with Charlie 1000000% on everything being said here

[@that1guysneak923]

I can tell rob wants sunny to get noticed cuz it’s his show but Charlie and Glenn like it for what it is

[@slomnim]

Rob has had a taste of new shows and wants to innovate like with mythic quest, but that's never been what Sunny's about? I feel like Rob's trying to describe his own shift THROUGH sunny and that's where this "disagreement" comes from

[@robertmacdonald5496]

@@slomnim But Sunny WAS an innovation. I can get Rob not wanting to let go of the creative spirit of the early seasons - Charlie wants to maintain the believability and unique aesthetic of those early seasons.

[@galaxyspace76]

If they want the show to keep succeeding they need to be like Seinfeld and not change the format.

[@Robot-Overlord]

I think Rob is insecure with the show still much like most great artists, never being happy with what the audience even deems good enough or even better than good enough. The shows been on 17 years, and YET they still agonize on making us the audience happy and to me I think they've found a happy balance where the stress isn't eating them alive. They all look healthy and great.

[@Phoenix-ry9iz]

@@Robot-Overlord "They all look healthy and great" Not really, Dee and Dennis look pretty bad I guess due to aging and plastic surgery, Mac to an extent as well

[@petermansky9521]

Charlie is based for the 4:3 take

[@ukiuki3834]

Meg in a suit is leaving me speechless

[@YETTheShow]

Right????!!!!!!

[@raphaeljoseph6952]

She's sharp AF!!!

[@jsmnn3]

I love that the podcast introduced me to Megan!!! I love Megan!!! She’s so cool!!!

[@Zacharylastnamemusic]

Can’t be feminine in Hollywood lol men have to be like women and women have to be like men 😂😂 love them all lol just don’t understand how it’s not empowering to be a woman and wear a dress but it’s empowering for women to look like men?

[@dani3670]

I have to completely agree with Charlie here. Every change I've noticed post season 10, have prevented it from having that same rewatchability as the previous seasons.

[@rainy7106]

I think at the end of the day, Charlie’s focus is more important for the show. It’s always been about the characters and their motivations as people, rather than where they are or what they’re doing. For the Ireland episodes, for instance, the good parts never really came from the simple fact that they were in Ireland. All the best parts were ultimately character driven, and it was our familiarity with these characters and who they were, which enabled them to change up the setting so drastically. That season simply wouldn’t have worked without all the groundwork they did with the development and endearment of the characters to their audience, and which is something that requires the show to be driven by those characters at its core. While I think Rob is right to suggest new ideas that they can achieve soundly enough, like taking the characters to Ireland temporarily, but this can easily snowball into the show losing any hope and doing something like adding a new permanent main cast member. Thus while I think Rob brings an important creative element to the show’s creation, Charlie is ultimately far more important for the show’s overall philosophy

[@matthewvivian7235]

I get how no network would ever air a show in SD anymore, but I'd be well up for 4:3 making a comeback. Charlie's bang-on. I think the shittier, behind-the-times, non-Hollywood look of the early seasons really suits the show and is a major reason why we all love it. Sadly now that they have perfect thick dyed hair, plastic faces and movie star muscles, it'd be hard for them to ever reclaim the feel that they're just normal rough-looking people in a rough world. It's aesthetically become just another sitcom.

[@seantyler8639]

Rob: Charlie doesn’t like change Charlie: In depth response into why that isn’t true Rob: Charlie doesn’t like change

[@AllThatJuice-]

Not gonna lie i never bothered watching this podcast because i assumed it would be over produced and lack any substance. But seeing these guys be so honest about their creative differences is really interesting

[@Swamprat44]

I was right there with you. I saw this podcast was happening a long time ago and thought “ugh, another show’s doing the podcast bandwagon bullshit like the office” and completely discounted it. Saw a couple clips that intrigued me, then gave it a listen (back when they were audio only) and haven’t looked back. These guys are the good ones. I genuinely doubt they’re just doing this for publicity like so many others, since you can really tell how much each of them cares about the show in their own way. They get down into the nuts and bolts of things like this a lot too - both the writing process and the production process. It’s definitely worth starting from the beginning. Very highly recommend.

[@julie91295]

The podcast is so different. They get into the nuts and bolts of the show but also go out of it to talk life, friendship while still keeping that hilarious personality we all love. It really open the curtains and show you the wonderful bond they have and how they were able to make the show so great

[@Tronter]

Sadly this isn’t a regular episode of the podcast, this was a one off Christmas special that had paid tickets for charity. As far as I’m aware the whole thing hasn’t been published anywhere, at least not for free.

[@Dopeguy420]

@@Tronter thank you so much. I’ve been looking through comments for 15 minutes trying to find where this came from lol

[@Butlinsgvn6]

To bring it back to Sondheim: Charlie thinks that content should dictate form, but Rob thinks that form should dictate content. For Charlie the character’s motivations (the content) are what the situations (form) should flow out of, but Rob is thinking the exact opposite way. Both are totally legitimate ways of creative thinking, and clearly the conflict between their thinking styles works well for them.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

Charlie wants to write what he knows Rob wants to write “for the genre” Edit for clarity: I also agree that those are both valid ways to write and the give and take between them is important.

[@robbyt1341]

I get the comparison you're tryna make, but rob was continuously saying very much not that. If you listen, he said he always thinks about the characters first, and that the situations arise from playing with their characters. I don't think the dynamic of their humor is a simple "form-content" dichotomy like you're putting it, but as Dennis would say "they love when you switch the words around!"

[@robbyt1341]

Also who's to say the characters motivations (aka the plot) aren't the form and the situations aren't the content??

[@122gogreen]

this seems exactly right

[@rosegold5720]

@@robbyt1341 actually i think what op means is having a character driven story vs a plot driven story. ex: reynolds vs. reynolds is character driven bc the episode progresses based off of the characters' actions. most sunny eps are like that bc the characters are what make sunny funny, not the setting (philly) or situation (bartenders). now they've had good plot driven eps (can't think of any examples sorry!) and both types of stories are valid when writing. but like what i said and what i think charlie and op mean, is that sunny's humor comes from the characters so to write them going to ireland as the comedic focus doesn't really fit sunny's form.

[@MK-so2iz]

I think it was a little unfair of Rob to say Charlie doesn't like change. That's a bit of a personal statement when Charlie is clear it's a creative problem. They say at the end it's a creative argument not a real one but telling Charlie he's afraid of change seems to go over that line for me and makes it personal.

[@jjwallnutts]

I agree. For the first minute, Rob is picking a fight, and it seems personal. Charlie was explaining his thought process, and Rob was on the attack. It really wasn’t the time or place for it.

[@blotterdowney8075]

@@jjwallnutts he also tried to say that charlie denying his claim was evidence that he doesn’t like change. which makes absolutely zero sense

[@DABA2024]

He’s falling into his Rob Justice character, even w his coworkers.

[@mikemcglasson1286]

Yeah, it felt like a willful mischariterization

[@unpreparedwithacapitalf]

Totally with Charlie on this. I get Rob's point but I think he's coming from a place of frustration. Sunny is so underappreciated and underrecognised within the industry that I can understand wanting to rehash it to be more modern, but the fact that it's different and even a little dated is so much of it's charm and why fans love it.

[@speak1814]

Its sort of hard for me to understand his frustration. Sunny has been on for so long, I don't think it will ever slip out of people's minds. To me the show has made a lasting mark. To see that he feels frustrated with it not having more mainstream appreciation is odd. I think if it got anymore mainstream it wouldn't be the same show.

[@kyleconnor2759]

You’re speaking more from your POV here though. The OP is talking about the industry’s POV. But I agree w you that seeking validation more from the mainstream isn’t going to have a good effect on the show. Rob might definitely need more external validation than Charlie and glenn. Seems like it.

[@unpreparedwithacapitalf]

@@speak1814 I feel the same way but it's a totally different mindset for fans of the show. We might want to sort of gatekeep it, but imagine you'd been creating your art for 18 years and it was getting almost no mainstream recognition. I think his frustration is valid even if the outcome of mainstream attention would be less than ideal

[@speak1814]

@@unpreparedwithacapitalf Yeah you're right. That does makes sense. I guess I view all of them as pretty successful, or at least as getting a lot of work so its hard for me to put myself in his shoes.

[@unpreparedwithacapitalf]

@@speak1814 Yeah I totally get that

[@loganludwig]

Kinda sounds like rob is justifying his ideas being rejected by portraying Charlie as someone who just doesn’t like change or new material, rather than just accepting maybe the ideas aren’t that good and people don’t like them regardless of their ability to change. And I think it’s weird that rob said Charlie doesn’t like “weird” or out of the box ideas. Wanting to stay in SD and 4:3 sounds pretty weird to me. The changes Charlie doesn’t want to make aren’t because he is someone who dislikes change, it’s just because he protects and cares about the show and wants to keep it true to its core while it develops and changes naturally.

[@unpreparedwithacapitalf]

Nailed it

[@mmr0221]

Agree

[@matthewbernier9587]

Megs body language is sooooo uncomfortable. Rob is being a jerk.

[@lucasbennett7717]

This is so refreshing to hear, i love to hear mature adults navigate through a disagreement without it turning into a weird petty ego battle. These guys are a well oiled machine and Im so keen to see what they do this season

[@bootmanbill2362]

Exactly like, rob was a little intoxicated and they where both visibly tired so it wasn’t the most well articulated argument but it was still mature and down to earth instead of a “whaaa whaaa you suck you suck” slap fight

[@jeffw8218]

Lmao, you can't even tell how much of an ego battle this is for Rob. Charlie is correct; stories should come from characters. Rob is wrong; his approach to writing would only result in dumb gimmicks that aren't funny. The fact that he keeps bringing it up is hilarious and very telling, especially with the shows recent decline in quality.

[@lord_insany]

they bent the knee

[@eeediology9232]

Holy shit Meg looks fucking incredible in that suit! Big step on me vibes

[@MrVisde]

The whole new location is usually a trick TV shows pull to feel fresh when they’re close to the end of their run.

[@NoThankYouToo]

Creators all over the world are crying watching this. This is the healthiest and most gratifying way to make art with others, and to have this much love and tension in the same room is why they can still make a great show every week, for 20 years and 166 episodes, when most people can’t make one scene and stay in the same room for a day.

[@lukkynumber3]

Respectfully, I agree with Charlie and Glenn - Keep Sunny what it is since S1 and what makes the audience love it. Love you, Rob.

[@SpencerArinhaveamom]

It’s like Rob is not listening to Charlie at all and saying the same thing over and over.

[@Chubby_Runs]

I mean you can cut him a little slack because he’s clearly drunk here

[@mattchu4273]

I actually always say that sunny should’ve stayed 4:3 because it’s a dirty feeling show and the lower budget look would fit the aesthetic better

[@hippinoire]

YES literally

[@Scarecrow6459]

Im genuinely surprised people are not appreciating Rob's POV. I think both their opinions are exactly on point and it's the reason the show works. This is even mentioned in this clip that they balance each other out and w/o Rob, Charlie, OR Glenn (not to mention their writers) we wouldnt have the Sunny we know and love. I love seeing the guys here working out the creative process that we usually don't see and reminds me (a musician) of what it's like working a band. Truly a labor of love. Hyped for S16

[@dh3913]

I remember at the time a lot of people were against Rob because of his perceived aggression, and fair enough considering he interrupted Charlie multiple times to basically say "Nono, I'm right you're wrong" to the point Charlie had to say "can I defend myself". I remember being very annoyed at Rob when I first watched because of that, but overall you're def right and Robs POV of the show is admirable. He just wants to try new things with his creation, I would too after a decade.

[@MichaelMixerMasonGASS]

Imo both approaches are needed, Rob to help Charlie take creative risks, and Charlie to make sure those risks are worth it and still true to the series.

[@ronaldp.vincent8226]

They should do a “Mac Day” and “Charlie Day” type thing where Charlie gets a whole season the way he wants. 4:3, SD. Then Rob gets a season where they go to Jupiter or whatever.

[@sarahrichards1281]

I agree with Charlie on the 4:3 but Rob pushing for new ideas and settings is good too. But 100% agree with Charlie, you don't do something or go somewhere for the sake of doing it. It has to have real motivations originating from the characters and feel like a well-rounded in world action/motivation/event.

[@NerdsEngage]

The performance Charlie gave dragging his dad up the mountain was nothing short of amazing for the show that was a change and Charlie completely went for it. Brought a tear or two or 3 to my eye especially after losing my dad a few years ago. "You were supposed to carry me" got me, but the performance put it over the top

[@guynoir5968]

Your dad didn't teach you the difference between "loose" and "lose"?

[@Kristoker420]

@@guynoir5968 your not the guy, pal.

[@NerdsEngage]

@@guynoir5968 🤣 talk to text

[@mizuko6132]

Yea I don’t really like that tho sunny never had sentimental moments. It kinda continued the Seinfeld idea. No one cries or learns a lesson. It’s about the comedy.

[@moonhead5555]

100% agree, the Ireland thing felt like a gimmick right away but everyone gave it 100% and sold it as something the characters were doing for a legitimate reason. If they hadn’t gone for it completely it would have been a slog of a season but everyone on this show is a top tier pro, Rob included, though I do wish he would ease up on shoehorning concepts in for the sake of them. “Mac Finds His Pride” was one of their worst episodes deesoite a couple seriously funny gags, not because they went for something emotional or anything like that, I love it when they do that honestly, but that episode kind of sucked because we didn’t at any point have the gang together, in fact they’re barely present at all. It felt like some weird Rob and Danny spin-off in the same universe with a completely different tone. They could have executed the same story closer to their usual style and I think it would have been great. Rob seems like he becomes more disconnected from the show the longer he’s working on all his other projects IMO.

[@BrentButler]

I’m with Charlie all the way on this

[@violetclover1224]

Same, I liked Sunny back when it was silly and the characters didn't have as much depth to them, but I LOVED Sunny when it started to dabble into deeper characterization

[@nineof8]

Im with Charlie as far as doing every episode in Ireland did feel totally gimmicky (even though the ending was a pretty good payoff) but I also feel like the show needs to chart new waters to not become stale. Im no writer though

[@groble]

I thought the Ireland stuff felt too weird and too big of a departure from the norm

[@official_alphabet_inc]

Apropos waters... the season finale of S15 is the only Philly episode that's made me cry. Crying from laughing excluded ofc.

[@TheChronicMan]

Glenn didnt agree with Rob at all. He was just trying to call him down 😂

[@pootytang69]

I'm so glad charlie thinks the show looked better in 4:3 with standard definition - I remember watching the show all the way through for my first time and feeling something didn't feel right and it wasn't as funny when they transitioned to wide screen and HD around season 6 - the low definition and 4:3 framing just gave the show a really unique look and the grittiness and griminess of the presentation just suited the world, characters and humour. At this point Rob is kinda of a hypocrite to a lot of his earlier sentiments - he wanted to do fat mac because he felt it was silly how as these shows go on, the characters would all become more attractive and well presented, due to the success of the shows and actors giving them a higher standard for their appearances - at this point they've done exactly that, all the characters/actors look so much better than they did at the start.

[@georgebrown9026]

It’s insane because Charlie and Rob work so well with each other (they even work mythic quest together) and this is why! It works because they don’t hold back on each other whilst still having respect for each other. They can be completely honest with each other’s views knowing they are not going to just be “yes men” with one another.

[@notoriouslybratty]

It’s crazy to hear since Rob and Charlie (and Megan) went on to create Mythic Quest together. Despite creative differences they must really see value from what each other bring to the table to go off and create another show together. Or they like working with people that challenge them creatively.

[@georgebrown9026]

It most likely works because they don’t hold back on each other whilst still having respect for each other, can’t have a bunch of “yes men” around you.

[@FrankDaBank25]

It's not that Charlie isnt creative. Hes just trying to preserve what they built without causing a sellout effect

[@redfordreddington8834]

@@FrankDaBank25 you can't sellout when you're already mainstream

[@Tony-Jabroni]

Did people watch mythic quest!

[@MrGhostTheBigRoast]

@@Tony-Jabroni it was so bad. I tried watching s1 and quit after 2 eps. it was like a boomers idea of how a game is made and the jokes that come with it. A fantastic cast can only take you so far.

[@TheSnoozeFox]

Its crazy how Charlie is constantly right on this podcast and Rob seems to just want to flanderise it

[@mmr0221]

Rob wants to be some big time director / actor so bad. He wants cred from his Hollywood buddies and LA critics and he doesn’t care about the fans anymore

[@AnthonyPompa]

It’s like he wants to make Sunny some sort of profound show. There’s no reason that these characters would change their beliefs and behaviors. That was the original point of the show, awful characters who DON’T change.

[@mmr0221]

@@AnthonyPompa it WAS a profound show but in a funny and subtle way. The newer episodes are about as subtle as an rhino in a porcelain factory

[@AnthonyPompa]

@@mmr0221 Yes exactly! It seems like there's less nuance to the show recently.

[@mmr0221]

@@AnthonyPompa less nuance, fewer jokes, fewer classically good lines and not as edgy as it was

[@jjwallnutts]

I think charlie is more in touch with what the actual audience wants. Rob probably wants to get more Hollywood with everything

[@yaboiflats6986]

That's how it seems. The low budget episodes are the best ones. I don't need any cgi monkeys or shit like that

[@AbeVicious]

@Yaboi Flats don't forget, Disney owns Fox/FX etc. Oy vey

[@scottelement]

@@AbeVicious 🤡

[@clos19851]

charlie staying true to the characters.

[@ratboy3679]

Charlie is a genius, he nailed it....Rob is why I barely re watched last season in ireland. It was like if cheers did a whole season away from the bar, Philly is part of the show, it's their Simpsons Springfield.

[@mmr0221]

Charlie IS the audience. Rob is the Hollywood elite

[@huhwhatomg]

yesssss

[@huhwhatomg]

@@mmr0221 yep

[@tylerjohnston5845]

Thank God Charlie exists. everyone has thier own opinions, but Ireland was just in my opinion largely a flop, it DID feel like a gimmick. I think If Mac went "unchecked" into new and exciting changes Then Sunny would be in a worse spot than it is in. It's kinda clear to see How some of the weaker moments of this show occurred now (ie. Ireland arc) Rob seems to maybe have less of a connection to what audiences want

[@TheAdmiraltoby]

Rob has produced some of the best moments of the show but Charlie has also produced some of the best moments. They're both amazing, and if Charlie won in season 4 we would have missed out so many moments. If Rob wins constantly the show doesn't match what they've produced. The show works well because they're both amazing. Rob was a bit of a knob for bringing it up life though

[@redrob6026]

It's because of his high testosterone, he needs to be on the attack. Also booze.

[@Josh-dy4lq]

@@redrob6026 definitely the booze more than anything lol

[@tonoornottono]

i don’t know, they’re all friends and they all care about each other. this kind of conversation is really enlightening about the creative process. it’s nice to know that these guys i admire have the same kinds of communication issues or creative differences with their partners as i do with mine.

[@prettyponymonster]

Probably more sore from the writing sesh they were talking about that just happened too. This clip doesnt have the details and maybe full thing does, but it could be charlie "won" this debate and robs just a little upset about it. If they had a camera rolling for a time charlie gives into what rob pitches or something it could be different, like charlie is a little salty about what he thinks is a bad idea and hasnt worked out the kicks of what it will turn into or how the characters in the show play into it yet. I really thought this was a healthy conversation.

[@rosegold5720]

what about s4? what large changes were made?

[@boaplitas101]

Glenn is on the fence - figuratively and literally. Rob and Charlie are throwing jumping off points

[@nolives]

HES ON THE FENCE, THROW EGGS!

[@antgoalie135]

This type of conversation is exactly why this show is still amazing 16 seasons in. I saw people online saying "Charlie and Rob had a massive fight" and now that I see this clip I don't understand those comments at all. This is actually an extremely interesting look at two long term partners having a creative disagreement, the type of which has, as they said happens frequently, that leads to fantastic creative collaboration between creative partners. It's truly fascinating to watch them have this conversation on camera, I wish it went on longer. It really give a good look into their inner working and how each of them bring their own unique perspective that is hardwired in each of them and the fact that they each have their own unique perspective is why the show is so good. This was awesome to watch.

[@hippinoire]

seriously, I was ready for a real fight. this is just people communicating with each other while butting heads a little. you can tell they really respect each other

[@nolives]

The ireland season sucked and they shouldve listened to charlie.

[@Spralenn]

I feel like people who interpreted this as a fight hasn't personally worked in a creative field. These disagreements and discussions happen all the time and it's usually very healthy because it leads to a better product.

[@jonathangarmuth8975]

So hard to keep a "charlie"and "rob" together because of ego. Thankfully they keep it together because the show benefits from the passion. I've always been team Charlie and I've always needed a rob

[@bernlin2000]

Rob seems to always come at the perspective of "what do we have to lose". I think Charlie calculates the losses more than Rob, if that makes sense 😛. Rob can call that conservative, but outside the world of set it's kinda how everything works. You can't "experiment" with rent payment times 😂

[@Pepsi_Man_Max]

You can really tell how close these guys are by the fact they're not only admitting that they clash but also explaining why and admitting to their own flaws

[@aclarkedesign]

I love that Charlie wanted to keep SD 4:3.

[@SergioGollo]

Damn, these minutes from the christmas aftershow are better than the whole christmas podcast that I paid for. Thank you for posting this.

[@colinwhat769]

That's why my cheap ass can't find the full version of this. I was like wtf is this. I just started listening to the pod so I'm clueless about it.

[@KyleM0876]

nah fr i was so bored during the actual show

[@scottelement]

That’s disappointing! Was definitely not going to pay for a podcast & glad to hear that those of us who didn’t made the right choice

[@NickTwohig]

Rob was legitimately about to start something at the beginning. I know that look. haha. Jesus Christ.

[@NickTwohig]

And for the record, I'm with Charlie on the Ireland thing. It came across as a complete gimmick and while there were some funny moments, it was sub-par Sunny.

[@AnthonyRecenello]

I’m with Charlie. I usually skip “outside motivation” episodes of any tv I watch. But also this is why the show is amazing. Everyone CARES.

[@OrchidEleven]

mac is very robotic and cold and calculated here but what's also interesting is how this seems to be an American sort of thing too, the way he goes on and on about being so sure about this one specific thing without bothering to actually address the main point Charlie is talking about (how change needs to feel organic before he agrees with it). you can easily tell Rob's real point is "Charlie was so stubborn to growing and getting bigger and, well, selling out" but not in those exact words "selling out". and I know changing to widescreen format isn't selling out, lol. but they've had a bunch of these conversations going back to the early podcasts where you can tell Charlie is just a fan of the real authenticity of the show being grounded and real and not flashy and Hollywood like Rob has sort of become and wants the show to be.

[@BeanyBop]

What makes this show so fantastic is the mix of talent. Between Robs drive and focus, Charlie's creative talent and imagination, and Glen's sheer acting experience and talent they have all aspects covered.

[@of_the_Word]

also Dee is the funniest female character ever.

[@jord4z]

dont forget danny and dee they all 5 of them make it such a great show

[@klaythoring1326]

Dee and Danny are the chaotic magic sprinkles - the other three are excellent, but if it didn’t have the extra toppings it would just be alright.

[@BeanyBop]

@Space Monkey of course Kaitlin and Danny are comedic geniuses. I just mean in terms of the writing of the show and the script itself, Charlie, Rob and Glen have all bases covered.

[@kwakba]

@@jord4z let's not forget to include God's gift to man Rickety Cricket as well

[@xorret1]

The fact that this video was only available up to 480p when they were talking about aspect ratios really hit home

[@bobbyb42]

The way they are able to maintain a productive conversation and keep their cool when having these fierce disagreements is beautiful. This type of discourse is missing too often in the world.

[@HaydenMaringer]

As a long time fan I have to agree with Charlie the older aspect ratio and standard definition brought a character to the show where now the HD version is too clean. Not bad just a different feel.

[@hippinoire]

absolutely 100% the SD in my opinion actually worked for the show and i honestly miss it. this show is meant to "look shitty" because it made it feel real and these are shitty people, it really works

[@DABA2024]

Sticking with the outdated SD would have made no sense. The entire world changed. People dont make b&w TV shows anymore, even though there were some great ones.

[@michaelburton1970]

There were definitely a few shows between seasons 11-14 where I felt they were being different for the sake of it. And they were starting from what I love about the show.

[@IamBrixTM]

I like the beauty in this moment. Two inverse creative styles, but both balancing each other out. Pulling the best out of each other.

[@HOTD108_]

R.I.P. Sam

[@122gogreen]

I completely agree with Charlie in this conversation. Both on the character vs gimmick thing, and that the show looked so much better in the old days-it fit the vibe of the characters perfectly

[@thisleftylefty]

God I would love for 4:3 Sunny to come back

[@lam8138]

Me too but it prolly wouldn’t do well on TV. Loved the old look tho, it fit the show

[@AnthonyPompa]

It was a great era.

[@exert2020]

It's the crisper image that takes something away from it. But hey, I think they should film modern day sequels to old movies using the same film cameras.

[@blotterdowney8075]

it’s the same with curb your enthusiasm. i can’t even watch because of how modern it looks. completely takes away from the show

[@DABA2024]

@@blotterdowney8075 you do realize that Curb is set in present day, yeah?

[@andregordon2599]

I think, as fans, we tend to mostly agree with Charlie (ie, dont break what isn't broken), at the same time, I totally see what Rob is talking about. Think about it, artists need to try new things, sometimes bold and wacky things. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. If people didn't follow those instincts, the Beatles may have never made Sgt Pepper, Bob Dylan would have never gone electric, and Jordan Peele would have never made Get Out. There is merit on both sides of this argument

[@Managing_Me]

I would be ok with the show going back to its grassroots. We need more of that!

[@caaaaaaaaa]

it's hard to agree fully with either of them on this, on one hand i want the show to progress and change enough that it doesn't get stale, but i think some choices so far have been way too polarizing (season 15's setting especially). i think there needs to be a good balance between pushing the envelope like rob wants and remaining true to form like charlie wants. watching them have a creative argument like this is a super great insight into their writing process together, and i don't think people should turn this into an "oh robs right! oh charlie's right and screw you for taking rob's side" thing

[@slomnim]

This interplay, the live dynamic is what keeps the flow going

[@luisv.7428]

It went against what they wanted from the beginning. To have every episode be entirely different from the other where as the whole ireland trip was a progression so in order to watch season 15 you gotta watch it in order

[@rosegold5720]

well i think it also boils down to a show's longevity. they're being forced to push the envelope bc they've been on for so long that they've almost exceeded their natural expiration date. and it's not their fault. almost every comedy/drama show goes down after x amount of years running. if they ended the show earlier, yes it would've been sad, but they wouldn't be stuck where they are having to sacrifice comedy, show integrity, and quality in order to remain somewhat relevant in tv. i seriously think sunny is such a unique show that bc of its style and humor it cannot last longer than 10 seasons without having to make detrimental changes and experience dropped ratings and such. idk that's just my two cents. kind of reminds me of spongebob and the office, shows i think could've ended earlier.

[@rosegold5720]

@@harrytjmorris mac getting fat is really an example of a change made to the show that did not disrupt its delicate ecosystem. and then the way they addressed him losing it was also done well. but mac finding his pride...the end did seem to be out of character for mac and sentimental in almost a meta way (like the writers throwing that in because THEY wanted to make it a huge touching moment but mac the character might not have wanted to). but it's kind of like, they can't go anywhere else with mac after that.

[@speak1814]

@@rosegold5720 I actually thought Mac getting fat was not the best idea. I agree that it did not disrupt the show's ecosystem, but it also felt like a gimmick to me, and a tired one at that. But I completely agree irt the dance episode. It felt like it belonged to a different show. To me, if you don't change the premise of the show after that, the episode just doesn't fit. I never go back to that episode.

[@MashuSenpai]

That Ireland Arc should have been a movie instead.

[@robertjamesuf]

i'm eating cause i'm uncomfortable

[@superminer64]

okay but if sunny was still in 4:3 that would be AWESOME

[@ColinMakesAllTheThings]

I would literally watch every hour of them in the writers room prepping for another season. The podcast would be awesome if we could just be a fly on the wall for these kinds of conversations.

[@jsmnn3]

This is what I miss about dvds. It would be a great featurette to see the BTS

[@colin8007]

rob would be into that but I don't think Charlie would. He seemed pissed that Rob broached this topic during the livestream in front of thousands of fans. Charlie is not naturally combative like Rob, so it likely made him uncomfortable

[@em5616]

@@colin8007 I'd say Rob looked more pissed overall. Charlie first minute looked uncomfortable but rest of convo he calmly displays his views and points without pointing fingers whereas Rob is just blaming him and super tense the whole time.

[@TrevorAllen]

This is a profoundly good example of HOW to argue. Listening, clarifying, challenging. This is a mature argument, when so much of the world is childish fighting instead of considered disagreement.

[@DartRipper69er]

Charlie is completely right

[@TonyFagalucci]

Rob's ego reeks of Ryan Reynolds in his ear telling him he is why that show he is on is good.

[@billysurr4918]

Unhinged comment.

[@faith8090]

bro they have known each other for over 20 years, they are creating a show together for its 16th season. y’all are so fcking weird fr lol

[@Anthony-kd4rz]

Simmer it down

[@realtoreii]

i do recall that the reason rob and ryan are so close as of late was because ryan reached out to him in praise of 'mac finds his pride' when that came out. that episode in itself definitely fits the bill for what rob is advocating for and he likely had free rein on it creatively. i don't think ryan is being a negative influence so much as he is at least validating rob's vision in a way that makes discussing creative differences a little heated. it's a little uncomfortable yeah, but words that need to be exchanged for the sake of satisfying everyone involved. maybe just me tho

[@mohamedlahmar7900]

You spittin

[@jek4837]

I am just now seeing this. Charlies is 100% right about the format change. Wow. I didn't even know they had disagreed.

[@techmember6329]

I side with Charlie, i think a lot of Robs ideas fall flat. Ireland is a great example, It doesn’t feel like Sunny.

[@Hunting380]

Makes so much sense why this show is consistently funny, buddies can have different ideas and keep each other in check.

[@michaelw234]

Idk it’s kinda getting shitty

[@mikemattingly5128]

These are how discussions should be done lol love these guys

[@actually-will1606]

I always wondered why it was Sunny felt off and this clip has explained that. Been a fan for years and felt that the past couple of seasons felt off in some ways. Now I know why. Rob seemingly wants big changes and shifts to keep it fresh which just isn’t what sunny is. The whole season in Ireland did feel like a big gimmick honestly and probably the weakest season to date in my opinion. I honestly agreed with Charlie on everything here as a sunny fan. Hope he gets more control in the next season.

[@CamMackay96]

I don't necessarily think it was the weakest season but having 4 episodes in Ireland was definitely too many. Do the Charlie's dad, macs identity, dees show and Frank's documents all within two episodes would've been much better imo.

[@TheGregcawthorne]

I think Rob is most resistant to change, in terms of his approach to other peoples feelings...

[@jjwallnutts]

Poor glen. No wonder he checks out sometimes lol

[@Crunchy_Troll]

It kinda makes sense why he “left” for that one season

[@vsezaye]

He doesn't add much to the dynamic it seems like

[@mikeangelo94]

@@vsezaye You need someone who mediates and that's exactly what he does

[@mowsefmow8177]

This is the best kind of argument to have. happy these guys are at this point in their career

[@FyreNail2]

Agree with Charlie. Even though they were still funny, episodes like The Gang Hits the Slopes or Being Frank felt more like gimmick episodes than grounded in the same reality as the Sunnyverse, and it feels like they're doing more and more of those episodes lately. Although I don't mind the show being HD, I do feel it's become a lot more "colourful", whereas the older seasons were often more dark and dull coloured, which I thought suited the bar and whole show a lot more. I also don't know how everyone in the group suddenly all simultaneously getting fat, including ultra-vein Dennis, is anything except a gimmick. I get that Rob is creative and wants to try new things but Always Sunny is a very grounded show and it doesn't have much that much room for it. You can explain it with the usual "Franks rich, he funds it all" thing but it still comes across as a gimmick and one that the audience does still enjoy, but the belief can't be suspended, it's almost like you watch it thinking "pretty funny for a gimmick episode" instead of "pretty funny episode of Always Sunny"

[@rosegold5720]

two great points you made. 1. the gang hits the slopes. i mean it's so gimmicky that even they refer to it in this clip as "the ski episode" bc that's all it really was about. 2. using frank as an excuse. i remember the episode where frank wasn't bailing them out and they even mentioned how whatever situation they're in they just rely on frank being rich to solve everything (i.e. the basis of like half of all sunny episodes). so to address that really shoehorns a caricature of frank and the rest of the gang as being "the rich guy". none of the characters have really clear epitaphs, you can't really tell who's the leader, who's second in command, who's comic relief (charlie imo lol), etc. so to suddenly have that does not fit the character dynamic and the way the show is done.

[@oswald-kp1bm]

It’s good creative process to have writers question each other’s intentions and not just blindly say yes to everything. Not just immediately shut them down either, but ask what the motivation is so they can get a better understanding as to “why do you think we should do this”

[@VinceVaughnfan]

Rob desperately tries to win an award

[@mozeyad4573]

where can i find this episode? it’s not on the youtube channel.