Danny DeVito to Reprise Frank Reynolds for It's Always Sunny Season 18
Fans got a major boost as news emerged on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) that Danny DeVito will be returning to his role as Frank Reynolds for the upcoming eighteenth season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The casting update arrives as speculation grows over whether the landmark sitcom will continue beyond the next cycle, with the current contract covering only Season 18.
Timing and what “post‑Jumanji” availability means
DeVito’s recent commitments to other projects created a scheduling window that appears to have opened just in time for the show’s next production run. With principal cast members juggling film and television work, his availability is significant: Frank Reynolds is a linchpin of the show's dynamic, and his presence helps anchor long-form story arcs as well as the series’ signature rapid-fire comic energy.
For fans, danny devito’s return signals that the creative team is aiming to keep the core ensemble intact for whatever Season 18 intends to deliver—whether that’s another round of outrageous set pieces or a sendoff with heightened stakes. The timing also raises expectations that the upcoming episodes will make deliberate use of DeVito's particular brand of physical comedy and improvised moments.
What DeVito’s return could mean for Season 18 and the series’ future
The show enters Season 18 under unusual circumstances: the production's immediate future beyond this season remains uncertain. That has steered conversations toward a possible culminating chapter—one that would lean into big-name guest spots, callbacks to long-running jokes, and plotlines that reward long-term viewers. DeVito’s participation makes it more likely the writers will build sequences around Frank that could land as memorable high points or thematic bookends.
Alongside talk of DeVito's comeback, fans and observers have floated a wish list of celebrity guests who might amplify a potential finale. Names frequently mentioned in fan circles include Carol Kane reprising eccentric roles, hometown star Kevin Hart turning up for a Philly‑centric cameo, and standout comedians like Maria Bamford bringing unpredictable energy. Even far-fetched ideas—such as an appearance from an action icon that would play against type—have been entertained as ways to make a final season feel eventful. Conversely, some high-profile names are seen as less likely fits for the show’s abrasive tone.
Fan reaction, expectations, and next steps
Reaction across social feeds was immediate and enthusiastic, with longtime viewers celebrating the prospect of the full gang being together. Expectation management will be key: while DeVito’s return is an important piece of the puzzle, details on episode count, filming dates, and guest casting remain sparse. The production will need to balance fan service with narrative coherence, especially if this is intended as a capstone season.
Practically speaking, confirmation of DeVito’s involvement will accelerate preproduction planning and give the writing staff room to craft episodes that capitalize on the ensemble’s chemistry. For now, the headline is simple and exciting: one of the show’s most iconic figures is coming back to Paddy’s Pub, and his presence markedly increases the stakes for whatever the creators choose to do in Season 18.
