It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Dennis Officially Leaves the Gang

One of television's all-time great sleazebuckets won't be back to Demonstrate value, Engage physically, Nurture dependence, Neglect emotionally, Inspire hope and Separate entirely. That's right, after 12 seasons it appears as though we're officially victims of the D.E.N.N.I.S. system.

In FXX's blurb announcing the premiere date of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's upcoming Season 13 (Wednesday, Sept. 5), the network all but confirmed our worse fears: Dennis (Glenn Howerton) is leaving the gang. Dennis' future was left woefully uncertain in the Season 12 finale when the womanizer decided to leave his past behind, man up and be a dad to the kid he fathered in North Dakota. In real life, Howerton's commitment to the show came into question when he landed the lead role in NBC's sitcom A.P. Bio, which was picked up for a second season and is expected to return in the fall.

Here's exactly what FXX said: "The Gang Returns... mostly.... in the 13th season of the FXX original comedy series It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Mac, Charlie, Dee and Frank return to their duplicitous, scheming ways at Paddy's Pub, while Dennis takes on the new role of father in North Dakota. ... Even without Dennis Reynolds, the Gang has its hands full as Charlie hopes to have a child with The Waitress, Mac sets out to understand his newfound sexuality, Dee takes feminism to new heights, and Frank goes to great lengths for the Gang to experience the greatest moment in Philadelphia sports history - an Eagles Super Bowl victory."

Howerton had been cagey about Dennis' return over the long break between seasons, but most recently said he (Howerton) would still be involved in the show while saying he didn't know if Dennis would be back. There's always the chance that Dennis will return, but it sure doesn't sound like he will, at least for a while.

We'll see how the show fares without Dennis and Howerton, but losing Dennis is a huge hit. As tribute, I'm going to run around shirtless while drawing cartoons of large-breasted women in honor of the one and only Golden God.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia returns Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 10/9c on FXX.