TV comedies usually aren't the source of rampant fan speculation involving cast members who may or not be part of an upcoming season, especially 13 seasons in, but It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia isn't your usual comedy. Star Glenn Howerton's future on It's Always Sunny has been up in the air for over a year now, in part due to his successful NBC comedy A.P. Bio. FXX has now revealed the show's Season 13 plotline, which offers insight into Dennis Reynolds' potentially season-long absence: he's going to be in a completely different state, raising his child.
That's right, Flip Cup fanatics. The man (or monster, depending on who you ask) that created the D.E.N.N.I.S. system will be developing his skills as a new father when Season 13 debuts, and he'll be living in North Dakota. The last time I checked, which was admittedly never, there weren't any Paddy's Pubs located in North Dakota, so fans should be sure to spend a few minutes trying to conceive what other kind of occupations Dennis could possibly get into. Assuming he doesn't just open up another questionably managed bar. Perhaps a daycare center that serves alcohol?
The official release doesn't technically say that Glenn Howerton will fit into Season 13 at all, so it remains to be seen whether Dennis will only be brought up through verbal references, or if he'll make official cameos in one or more episodes, as the actor had previously claimed would be the case. The fact that Howerton isn't listed as an executive producer for the new season is as big of a sign as any that his creative influence will be more negligible than ever. It's all about...the implications.
Thankfully, Dennis moving to North Dakota doesn't bring about any massive character changes within the main Gang. Here's what everyone else will get into for Season 13.
Even without Dennis Reynolds, the Gang has its hands full as Charlie hopes to have a child with The Waitress, Mac sets out to understand his newfound sexuality, Dee takes feminism to new heights, and Frank goes to great lengths for the Gang to experience the greatest moment in Philadelphia sports history -- an Eagles Super Bowl victory.
I'd sooner believe Dennis to be worthy of global parenting awards than think that It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia could possibly make it through the next season without glorifying the shit out of the Eagles defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII. (Especially considering the guys tried out for the NFL team back in Season 3 for "The Gang Gets Invincible.") Sucks that Dennis probably won't be around to take part in the festivities, but if there's any episode to properly get him back, it'd be that one.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia will debut Season 13 on FXX on Wednesday, September 5, at 10:00 p.m. ET. We already know that Mindy Kaling will be popping by for a guest role, even if it won't be a proper Mindy Project reunion without Glenn Howerton around. To see what other shows will debut in the meantime, head to our summer premiere schedule.
