So, you’re looking for the Gang. Maybe you need to see Charlie scream about bird law or you’ve got a sudden, desperate urge to watch Frank Reynolds emerge naked from a leather couch. We’ve all been there. It’s one of those shows that feels like a comfort blanket, even if that blanket is covered in beer stains and regret. But finding exactly where is it's always sunny streaming can be a bit of a moving target depending on where you're sitting on the planet and how much you're willing to pay per month.
Right now, if you are in the United States, your primary destination is Hulu.
Hulu has been the official streaming home for the series for years, thanks to the massive deal between FX and Disney. It isn’t just a few seasons, either. You get the whole marathon—from the grainy, low-budget beginnings of 2005 all the way through the high-definition chaos of the most recent seasons. It's the most reliable spot. Period.
The FX on Hulu Connection
It’s easy to forget that It’s Always Sunny didn’t start as a streaming titan. It was a scrappy underdog on FX that eventually moved to FXX. When Disney bought Fox, they basically inherited the keys to Paddy’s Pub. This means that as long as you have a basic Hulu subscription, you’re in. You don’t need the "Live TV" tier to watch the back catalog.
However, there is a catch that catches people off guard.
If you’re trying to watch the brand-new episodes as they air, you usually have to wait until the day after they broadcast on the FXX cable channel. It’s a standard "next-day streaming" setup. If you’re the type who hates spoilers and needs to see the chaos the second it drops, you’d need a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, FuboTV, or the Hulu + Live TV package. Those services let you tune into the FXX channel live.
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What About International Fans?
This is where things get slightly more annoying.
If you’re in the UK, Ireland, or parts of Europe, you won't find the show on Hulu because Hulu doesn't exist there. Instead, Netflix has been the long-standing home for It's Always Sunny in those regions. It’s a bit of a weird licensing quirk. While Disney owns the show and usually puts its content on Disney+ (under the "Star" banner) internationally, the Netflix deal in the UK has remained surprisingly stubborn.
In Canada and Australia, the situation often flips. You’ll likely find the show on Disney+ under the Star section. If you’re traveling, this is why your app might suddenly tell you a show is "unavailable"—the licensing rights are locked behind borders like a top-secret Mac project.
The "Missing" Banned Episodes
We have to talk about the missing pieces. If you’re a completionist, streaming is going to frustrate you.
There are five specific episodes that have been pulled from almost every major streaming platform, including Hulu and Netflix. These were removed around 2020 due to various controversies involving blackface and insensitive character portrayals.
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- Season 4, Episode 3: "America’s Next Top Paddy’s Billboard Model"
- Season 6, Episode 9: "Dee Reynolds: Shaping the Youth of America"
- Season 8, Episode 2: "The Gang Recycles Their Trash"
- Season 9, Episode 9: "The Gang Makes Lethal Weapon 6"
- Season 14, Episode 3: "Dee Day"
If you are looking for these, you won't find them on Hulu. Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer for fans who want the full context of the show's evolution. The only "official" way to see these now is to own the physical DVDs—if you can find them—or to purchase the episodes individually on platforms like Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video before they were delisted (though even there, many have been scrubbed).
Buying vs. Streaming
Sometimes you just want to own the Gang. You don't want to worry about whether Disney and Netflix are going to have a corporate breakup that leaves you stranded without your fix of "The Nightman Cometh."
You can buy digital seasons or individual episodes on:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV (iTunes)
- Google Play / YouTube Movies
- Vudu
Buying is usually about $20-$25 per season. It’s pricey. But it’s the only way to ensure the episodes stay in your library regardless of what happens to the streaming rights. Plus, occasionally, the digital stores "forget" to remove the banned episodes if you bought them years ago, though that's becoming rarer as the digital ecosystem tightens up.
Why It's Always Sunny is a Streaming Powerhouse
The show is currently the longest-running live-action sitcom in American history. That’s insane. Think about it. It beat The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. A show about four (then five) terrible people who never learn anything has more longevity than the wholesome families of the 50s.
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This longevity makes it a goldmine for streamers. It’s a "background show." People put it on while they're folding laundry or trying to fall asleep to the sound of Danny DeVito screaming. This high "re-watchability" is why Hulu fought so hard to keep it. It keeps subscribers from hitting that cancel button.
The Technical Side: 4K or Bust?
Don’t expect 4K for the early years.
The first few seasons were shot on standard-definition digital cameras. They look... rough. But that's part of the charm. It looks like a home movie made by people who shouldn't be allowed near a camera. As the show moved into later seasons, the production value spiked significantly. On Hulu, the later seasons look crisp in 1080p HD, but the show isn't exactly a visual spectacle that requires a $4,000 OLED screen to appreciate. It's about the dialogue and the facial expressions of a man who just realized he’s been eating cat food.
Quick Summary for the Impatient
If you just scrolled to the bottom, here's the deal.
In the USA, go to Hulu. It’s all there (minus the banned episodes). If you’re in the UK, hit up Netflix. In Canada/Australia, check Disney+. If you want the episodes the streamers took away, you’re going to have to go old-school and hunt down the DVDs on eBay or second-hand shops.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Binge
To get the most out of your Always Sunny experience without breaking the bank or losing your mind, follow this plan:
- Check your current bundles: If you have the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), you already have access to the show in the US.
- Use the "Day After" rule: If Season 17 or 18 is airing, don't look for it on Hulu until Thursday morning (it usually airs Wednesday nights on FXX).
- Search for physical media: If you’re a hardcore fan, buy the Season 1-10 DVD box sets. They contain the deleted episodes and audio commentaries that explain how they actually made the show for about five dollars and a ham sandwich in the early days.
- Verify your region: If you're using a VPN, set your location to the US for Hulu or the UK for Netflix to see how the libraries differ. Just remember that many streaming services have gotten very good at blocking common VPN IP addresses.
The Gang isn't going anywhere soon. With FX renewing the show through at least Season 18, Paddy’s Pub will be open for business on your TV for the foreseeable future. Just make sure your subscription is active before you start the "D.E.N.N.I.S. System" on your weekend schedule.