FX renews ‘It’s Always Sunny,’ inks 3-year deal with stars

The sun will come out tomorrow and then some for Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney.

As part of a new three-year overall deal between FX Productions and the trio’s RCG Productions, the threesome’s offbeat comedy “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” is being renewed for two more seasons on FXX, and their new comedy starring “SNL”/”30 Rock” alum Tracy Morgan received a straight to series order.

The additional two seasons of “It’s Always Sunny” will take the comedy to its 12th season, with each cycle consisting of 12 episodes. That also will give it the title of longest-running live-action comedy in cable history and will tie “My Three Sons” for second-longest running live action comedy in TV history.

The untitled Morgan project is a half-hour series created by the trio, along with Luvh Rakhe. RCG will executive produce and serve as showrunners alongside Rakhe. The show will launch in January, when it will be paired with the upcoming 10th season of “It’s Always Sunny.” It’s not to be confused with “Death Pact” later known as “Do or Die,” a comedy the network previously announced that would star Morgan. The network did not move forward with that series.

In addition to the series order and two-season renewal, FX and FX Productions also has put into development a comedy pilot yet to be announced as well as three scripts from RCG. They are: a script for “Harder,” written by “It’s Always Sunny” executive producer Scott Marder and Howerton; a script for “We’re Good, Thanks,” written by “It’s Always Sunny” actresses Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Artemis Pebdani and Day, with Ellis and Pebdani attached to star; and a script for “Blow Up Dolls,” written by and starring Sarah Solemani (Bad Education).

“Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton are three of the most talented comedy writers and producers in our business, not to mention very gifted actors,” said Nick Grad, president of original programming for FX Networks and FX productions. “This deal is a testament to their skill, intelligence and work ethic, which combined to earn them one of the best overall deals in TV. Not bad for three guys who shot a pilot ten years ago for $200 and a few pizzas.”

The deal, which runs through 2017, continues the FX family’s ongoing relationship with the trinity. FX Productions inked a three-year overall deal with RCG Productions in 2011.

“We’ve had a wonderful partnership with Rob, Charlie and Glenn and over the past ten years,” states Eric Schrier, FX’s other president of original programming. “They are fantastic and prolific producers, writers and actors, and it’s great to continue to support their talents for many years to come.”

It demonstrates FX’s enthusiasm for beefing up its comedy slate. FX recently ordered Billy Crystal vehicle “The Comedians” to series, where it joins “You’re the Worst” and “Married.”