“You’re Gonna be Our Prize Gay!” It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s evolving contributions to queer discourse within the American sitcom

This thesis examines the evolution of queer discourse within the institution of the American sitcom, and how It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia contributes to this wider cultural dialogue. It employs a primarily Foucauldian method of discourse analysis to interpret representative signs at use within this format. Discourse analysis, semiology, and visual analysis operate together in examining how sitcoms react and respond to shifting social norms. Sitcoms are driven by and also drive cultural discourse in turn. The format and language used in shows like All in the Family and Cheers first allowed queer ideology to reach a mainstream audience through oppositional discourse between familiar characters.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s use of humour to respond to shifting social norms continues this legacy, while its uniquely self-meditative approach to its own form allows it to push the boundaries of the sitcom. This is illustrated best in its discourse and representational approaches to two characters. Carmen is a trans woman, whose guest appearances each denote small changes in the show’s treatment of trans individuals. Main character Mac, meanwhile, is a deeply closeted gay man whose self-denial is a source of comedy in early seasons. The show’s use of queer discourse around Mac slowly shifts over the show’s first 13 seasons, which is evident in its mode of address. This ultimately leads to a transformative scene which expands the notion of queer representation within the sitcom. Sunny ’s innovative approach to its form and evolving attitudes to queerness demonstrate the continuing value of the sitcom in bringing queer discourse to a wide audience.