Tonight’s a big night for the new cable channel FXX – though it launched on Monday with a PARKS AND REC marathon, tonight’s the night that really matters.  IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY Season 9 premieres at 10/9c, looking to make a name for the newest kid on the block.

I’ve never missed an episode of IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA.  Almost a decade down the line, I still count it among my favorite shows on TV.  And the start of Season 9 does nothing to sway me in another direction.  The premiere, airing tonight, finds the gang rallying around Sweet Dee when they realize that their constant bird jokery may have been the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back.

To prop her up, so that they can immediately start knocking her back down again, the gang (minus Dennis, who instead spends his time finding a not-even-moderately acceptable guy for Dee to marry) gets Dee involved in the stand-up comedy circuit.  Sad jokes, a few gross sexual encounters, and an awesome tag line later, Dee is flying high on fame, but may find herself right back where she started.  I love an episode where Kaitlin Olson really gets to shine, and if her sound effects scene with Dennis doesn’t have you laughing to tears, you’re doing it wrong.

Having seen three episodes from the newest season (find your channel at GetFXX.com if you’re not sure where to find the show yet), IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA shows no sign of old age as it heads towards double digits, and in fact, the episode you should all most be looking forward to this season called “The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award”  which I’ve already placed easily into my top 10 of all time!  Check out the latest slideshow of images – some gallery shows, and Episode 1 images – in the gallery.  Click on any image to start a slideshow!