I shouldn’t enjoy “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as much as I do.
After all, the FX sitcom’s main characters — bar owners Mac, Dennis and Charlie, as well as Dennis’ sister, Sweet Dee, and the man they always thought was their father, Frank — are despicable people.
Over its two seasons, one or more of “the gang” has done the most appalling things — tried to seduce a priest, become addicted to crack, pretended to have cancer or to be physically impaired — for personal gain.
“You’re the most horrible people alive,” says Stephen Collins, who in an upcoming episode hilariously sends up his “7th Heaven” role of Rev. Camden.
They’re wickedly funny people too.
The series tackles many controversial subjects, from abortion to gun control to sex abuse — always with bleak humor that’s smartly done and obnoxiously un-P.C.
The third season kicks off at 9 p.m. Thursday with back-to-back episodes. In the first, called “The Gang Finds a Dumpster Baby,” Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Mac (Rob McElhenney) decide the baby could make them some cash by modeling. When they learn Hispanic babies are in demand for commercials, they take “DB” to a tanning parlor.
Meanwhile, Frank (Danny DeVito) and Charlie (Charlie Day) become obsessed with finding — and saving — great garbage from a dump. Dennis (Glenn Howerton) seeks revenge on a cranky environmentalist by sleeping with his girlfriend.
You won’t find any moral center to “Philadelphia,” which is fine with me. McElhenney, Howerton and Day, who also write and produce the show, have assembled one of TV’s most hilarious ensembles that doesn’t shy away from sensitive issues or from playing selfish, shameful fools.
They’re rude, crude — and a whole lot of fun.
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7 p.m.
Big Brother 8
CBS
One more houseguest is evicted before Tuesday’s finale.
7:30 p.m.
Education of Kanye West
BET
Chicago’s own sings and chats about songs from “Graduation.”
9 p.m.
Season finale
Burn Notice
USA
Xena alert! Lucy Lawless (right) plays a woman who seeks Michael’s help to find her missing ex and their son. But Evelyn may not be as helpless as she seems.
9:30 p.m.
Season finale
I Hate My 30s
VH1
Chad and Carol try to find new mates on an Internet dating site.
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cwwagner@tribune.com
