It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has been one of the August 2026 returning TV shows that I have been looking forward to. The show is not always perfect, but it’s a show I will gladly watch until the end of time. The It’s Always Sunny Season 18 premiere episodes confirm why this show deserves its 18 seasons.
It added a great new character while giving a wacky send-off to a few others. It was the goodbyes that connected with me the most and made me appreciate the series’ approach to death.
Warning: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.
I Was Shocked And Disappointed It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia Kills Sam, But Then Realized I Preferred That Ending For Her
I loved Sam (Carol Kane) and Frank’s (Danny DeVito) relationship on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. They charmed me a lot during the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17 finale. I wanted Carol Kane to become part of the show and for Sam and Frank to just be a weird happy couple for the rest of the series.
Nonetheless, I knew that was highly unlikely. That’s not the gang, or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s style. Therefore, I assumed the show would find a way to end Frank and Sam’s relationship. I just wasn’t expecting her to die. I also didn’t expect her to die in such a gruesome way.
However, the romantic in me enjoyed that only death could be a fitting end to Frank and Sam’s romance. Sometimes the only thing that can separate soulmates is death.
How The Series Treats Bonnie's Death Goes Against Sitcom Norm, But It Works So Well Within The Show's Premise
Sam’s death also allowed the show to talk about Lynn Marie Stewart’s death. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia acknowledges her death at the end of Season 17, but doesn’t show the characters reacting to it. The premiere episodes are all about Bonnie Kelly (Lynn Marie Stewart) without losing their usual antics.
Many sitcoms have dealt with actors' deaths. And sometimes the show just recasts and ignores it, while other times they pay tributes to the actors and characters in sentimental ways. Funny shows suddenly become more serious. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia doesn’t lose its comedic edge as it addresses Charlie’s(Charlie Day) loss of his mom.
I really loved this approach because Stewart is a comedy actress and played a very quirky character. During It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18 Episode 2, “Dennis and Dee Do Not Get Rich,” Charlie and Frank acknowledge that this is what the women would have wanted after launching the cannonball that sent Sam into the river. Bonnie and Sam’s funeral is over-the-top and crazy, similar to these first two episodes of the long-running series.
This statement from Charlie and Frank feels like the actors are also acknowledging that Stewart wouldn’t have wanted a sentimental episode to tell her goodbye. She would have wanted something insane, similar to these two episodes.
I Love That It's Always Sunny's First Two Episodes Of Season 18 Focus On Bonnie's Death Because It Gives Her A Great Send-Off
I have only seen the first two episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18. Therefore, I have no idea if the rest of the episodes will mention Bonnie’s death again.
However, having the first two episodes (which you can watch with a Hulu subscription) revolve around it feels like the best way to honor her. It shows her importance to the series. She is the focal point to start a milestone season.
