Rob McElhenney Reveals the Secret Rule that Makes 'Always Sunny' Hot

I know this might sound crazy, but I get a ton of useful film and TV advice from the YouTube series Hot Ones. Sean Evans is one of the greatest hosts we've ever seen, and the medium encourages honesty and brevity. There's basically a post I could do on all the platitudes about this show that I am sure you've heard before. You should seek out every episode with someone who interests you. Last week, creator of It's Always Sunny and Mythic Quest, Rob McElhenney, was on, and he dove into a cool rule he uses with creativity that I thought our readers would enjoy. And he called it the secret to Sunny's success. Let's dive in. The Two Against One RuleAmidst eating hot wings and banter, Rob dropped some knowledge and a rule I thought was so useful. Basically, when explaining the longevity of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob talked about how he, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day have this rule they follow which allows them to make creative decisions fast during writing and production. It's called the "Two Against One" rule and says that because they all trust each other implicitly and respect one another. Because there are three of them, if two of them agree on one thing and one doesn't, they go with what the two have to say. This does not mean that the one doesn't have their voice heard, but it means they understand that quick decisions are necessary and fighting wastes time. They all respect each other as artists and know they're working toward a common goal. Voting in this way and then respecting the decision keeps production moving and is the secret to the longevity of their show and their friendship. This kind of implicit trust is awesome and something I think we should all aspire to use. While I don't have two people I have worked with at once where this would function, I really like to foster a relationship with the directors and producers I know, especially when we're working on an idea together. It can be hard to trust people, but when everyone is in this together to make a project better, sometimes you have to let go and explore other ideas when outvoted. The name of the game is collaboration, and I am always holding myself accountable year in and out to make sure I am easy to work with and understanding of that core filmic value. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Mar 4, 2025 - 21:16

Rob McElhenney Reveals the Secret Rule that Makes 'Always Sunny' Hot

I know this might sound crazy, but I get a ton of useful film and TV advice from the YouTube series Hot Ones.

Sean Evans is one of the greatest hosts we've ever seen, and the medium encourages honesty and brevity. There's basically a post I could do on all the platitudes about this show that I am sure you've heard before.

You should seek out every episode with someone who interests you.

Last week, creator of It's Always Sunny and Mythic Quest, Rob McElhenney, was on, and he dove into a cool rule he uses with creativity that I thought our readers would enjoy. And he called it the secret to Sunny's success.

Let's dive in.

The Two Against One Rule

Amidst eating hot wings and banter, Rob dropped some knowledge and a rule I thought was so useful.

Basically, when explaining the longevity of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Rob talked about how he, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day have this rule they follow which allows them to make creative decisions fast during writing and production.

It's called the "Two Against One" rule and says that because they all trust each other implicitly and respect one another. Because there are three of them, if two of them agree on one thing and one doesn't, they go with what the two have to say.

This does not mean that the one doesn't have their voice heard, but it means they understand that quick decisions are necessary and fighting wastes time. They all respect each other as artists and know they're working toward a common goal.

Voting in this way and then respecting the decision keeps production moving and is the secret to the longevity of their show and their friendship.

This kind of implicit trust is awesome and something I think we should all aspire to use. While I don't have two people I have worked with at once where this would function, I really like to foster a relationship with the directors and producers I know, especially when we're working on an idea together.

It can be hard to trust people, but when everyone is in this together to make a project better, sometimes you have to let go and explore other ideas when outvoted.

The name of the game is collaboration, and I am always holding myself accountable year in and out to make sure I am easy to work with and understanding of that core filmic value.

Let me know what you think in the comments.