Glenn Howerton Shocking Confession: Why He Almost Left Sunny Forever

Glenn Howerton reveals the behind-the-scenes struggle that nearly ended his iconic role on America’s longest-running comedy series

Glenn Howerton’s plan to leave “It’s Always Sunny”: Inside Story

Glenn Howerton almost walked out of his famous show! In a recent 20th anniversary panel, the star and co-creator revealed how many doubts he had about continuing “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

What was the breaking point?

“I was worried we had peaked,” Howerton said about his thoughts during season 12. He felt like he was stuck in a box.

“I wanted to do more things,” he explained of his frustration, which was forcing him to consider leaving the hit FXX comedy.

Exit Strategy

Remember when Dennis moved to North Dakota to become a father? This wasn’t a random plot twist—it was potentially Howerton’s escape route since he had landed the lead role in NBC’s “A.P. Bio.”

After the Season 12 finale, fans were confused about whether Dennis (and Howerton) would return.

The gang did not let us go

Rob McElhenney jokingly said that there were “a lot of moments” when Howerton wanted to leave the show, but the team “didn’t let him go… because of the implication.”

His solution was very simple: keep Dennis writing in the show and wait for Howerton to come back.

Show’s Magnetic Pull

Despite wanting to explore other opportunities, Howerton didn’t stay away for long.

“I was finding myself giving you opinions on episodes,” he told his co-stars. “I needed to come back and get my hands dirty.”

Though he stepped away from the writing team for seasons 13-14, “Sunny’s gravity” eventually pulled him back for full participation.

No plans to stop now

While “A.P. Bio” ended after four seasons, “It’s Always Sunny” continues to grow as TV’s longest-running live-action American comedy.

Season 17 will release on July 9, and season 18 is already in development.

In McElhenney’s words, he has a simple checklist: “Are we still having fun, are we growing creatively, and is the audience still there?”

Till now, all the boxes have been checked.

Glenn Howerton Embraces Challenging Role in Sirens

Glenn Howerton discusses playing against type in Netflix’s unique character-driven drama Sirens.

The Anti-Dennis Reynolds

Glenn Howerton dives into unfamiliar territory with his latest role in Netflix’s “Sirens.”

The 49-year-old actor, best known for playing narcissistic Dennis in “It’s Always Sunny,” now portrays someone completely different.

Ethan Corbin II stands as his polar opposite – a naive, oblivious character that pushed Howerton outside his comfort zone.

Embracing the Challenge

“I pride myself on being the exact opposite in real life,” Howerton revealed at the show’s premiere.

He typically navigates life with heightened self-awareness, making Ethan’s cluelessness particularly difficult to embody.

Yet this stark contrast is precisely what attracted him to the role, proving his range extends far beyond comedy.

Beach Drama with Bite

“Sirens” unfolds over one explosive weekend at a lavish island estate.

The five-episode limited series dives deep into themes of women, power, and class dynamics.

Its unique blend of mystery, suspense, and humor creates something Howerton describes as unlike anything he’s experienced before.

Star-Studded Ensemble

The show boasts an impressive cast alongside Howerton.

Julianne Moore, Milly Alcock, Meghann Fahy, and Kevin Bacon bring their considerable talents to this beachside drama.

Their collective performances elevate the material into something special that defies easy categorization.

Tone-Shifting Masterpiece

“It’s this ethereal mystery-suspense drama, but also really funny,” Howerton explained.

The series constantly shifts between tones, keeping viewers on their toes throughout its five episodes.

This unpredictability makes “Sirens” stand out in today’s crowded streaming landscape.

Perfect Weekend Binge

Howerton believes viewers will appreciate the show’s compact storytelling.

“It’s longer than a movie but only five episodes,” he noted with enthusiasm.

This bite-sized format makes “Sirens” the perfect weekend watch that might leave audiences craving more of its unique blend of drama and dark humor.

Stepping Into Someone Else’s Shoes

For Howerton, the joy comes from transformation.

“Sometimes it’s good to just put on a lucky blazer and be a totally different person,” he shared.

This philosophy reveals his dedication to craft and willingness to stretch beyond comfortable typecasting that many actors fall into.


Glenn Howerton panicked when Romance Nearly Derailed ‘Always Sunny’ Show

Glenn Howerton panicked when co-stars’ secret romance threatened their hit show’s future.

Glenn Howerton nearly lost his mind when roommate Rob McElhenney confessed he was secretly dating their “It’s Always Sunny” co-star Kaitlin Olson.

The shocking revelation came while Howerton was literally scooping cat litter, making the moment even more surreal.

His immediate reaction? Pure, unfiltered panic about what this could mean for their hit show.

“The Stupidest Thing You Could Do”

Howerton didn’t mince words when his friend dropped the bombshell in 2006.

“You’re compromising the show and everybody’s job,” he blurted out, genuinely believing McElhenney was joking.

The thought of two main cast members dating seemed like career suicide to him.

Rob’s earnest response—that they’d tried to fight their feelings but couldn’t—only made Howerton more anxious.

Sneaky Love Under One Roof

The funniest part? Howerton and McElhenney were literally roommates when the secret romance began.

Olson would crash at their place, pretending to be “too drunk” to go home.

Meanwhile, Rob would mysteriously disappear some nights, making up stories about random hookups.

Looking back, Howerton laughs at how oblivious he was to the obvious signs right under his nose.

The Only One Who Knew

While most cast members were clueless about the budding romance, Danny DeVito noticed something brewing.

“You got the feeling they were gravitating toward each other in a cool way,” the veteran actor recalled.

His take was refreshingly philosophical: “People who are supposed to be together wind up together.”

Unlike Howerton’s panic, DeVito seemed to sense the relationship was meant to be.

From Secret Romance to TV History

Despite Howerton’s doomsday predictions, the relationship actually strengthened the show.

McElhenney and Olson married in 2008 and now have two teenage sons.

Far from destroying “It’s Always Sunny,” their romance coincided with the show becoming the longest-running live-action sitcom ever.

Season 17 hits FXX this July, proving sometimes the “stupidest” career move turns out to be the smartest life choice.

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