KYW News Radio Covers The Gang Goes to South Philly (Always Sunny Tour)

Philadelphia media took notice of the growing It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia tourism phenomenon with KYW NewsRadio 1060's story on the history of the show that featured an interview with Marshall Schurtz, the Founder of Always Sunny Tour. Reporter Brian Seltzer's story examined how the longest-running live-action sitcom in television history has transformed Philadelphia tourism, creating new ways for visitors to experience the city beyond traditional attractions. The coverage highlights the significant cultural and economic impact of television-based tourism in Philadelphia.

Why This KYW NewsRadio Coverage Matters

Major media coverage from KYW NewsRadio 1060 as part of its 60-year anniversary series, represents a significant milestone for visibility and appreciation for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. With the tentpole anniversaries of It's Always Sunny (20 years) and KYW NewsRadio (60 years) coinciding this year, Brian Seltzer's story about the impact of the show brings its importance to so many people around the world into focus.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Love Letter to the City

With Season 17 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiering this July for it's 20 year anniversary, the show has cemented its place not just in television history, but in Philadelphia's cultural identity. The Gang introduced millions of viewers worldwide to the authentic spirit of Philadelphia – capturing something deeper than typical tourist attractions.

Why Philadelphia Needs It's Always Sunny Tourism

Visitors who come to Philadelphia because of It's Always Sunny often understand "the soul of Philly" better than those who know the city only through traditional landmarks. That's exactly why we created The Gang Goes to South Philly tour – to bridge that gap between the show's Philadelphia and the real neighborhoods where it was filmed.

Full KYW NewsRadio Story Transcript

Mac, Dennis, Charlie and Dee have represented our city in the longest running sitcom on TV for 17 years. For better or worse, KYW NewsRadio's Brian Seltzer puts the historic run of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia into perspective.

The price of progress is on full display at 1406 Moyamensing Avenue. There's this four-story, half-complete real estate flip with siding coming off the side, zoning notices, and a for sale sign.

Marshall Schurtz thinks it's a shame. "So this used to be Rob McElhenney—one of the creators of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia—his childhood home, until it was bought and sold a couple years ago." McElhenney also stars in It's Always Sunny as one of five cast members who make up the infamous gang. Acting took the 48-year-old to Los Angeles after he graduated Saint Joe's Prep.

It's Always Sunny debuted on the FX network in 2005. "I can't believe you've never been out of Philly, Charlie." "Yeah, man, what the hell? I've never done a lot of things." "What else have you not done?"

"It gives people permission to sort of live out their most horrible feelings and desires," says Andre Bennett, who produces Rewind for KYW NewsRadio. "It just feels like these are people that we can laugh at and despise and enjoy their misery."

It's Always Sunny has been a massive hit. It's the longest-running live-action sitcom in TV history, with season 17 premiering in July. Marshall Schurtz says Philadelphia is one of the show's central characters.

"A lot of people that come to Philly because of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia have one version of the city because of the show. And I find they actually really understand maybe the soul of Philly more than people that know the city because of the Eagles or the Liberty Bell or cheesesteaks."

In a testament to Schurtz's love for It's Always Sunny, he started a walking tour dedicated to the show called "The Gang Goes to South Philly." He just wishes Rob McElhenney's childhood home in West Mount Airy was worth taking people to.

"I think this really should have been sort of a museum, a pilgrimage site for so many people around the world who find this show a key piece in their life story. They should have had a chance to visit some place that is the origin story of the show's creator."

I'm Brian Seltzer, KYW NewsRadio 1060.

Why Marshall Schurtz Created the Always Sunny Tour

Marshall Schurtz didn't originally plan to become Philadelphia's premier It's Always Sunny tour guide. A transplant to Philadelphia who came here to get his PhD in archaeology, Schurtz was drawn into tourism and tour guiding after settling in South Philadelphia. Living in the very neighborhoods where the show films, he began noticing filming locations everywhere around him – from the corners where the gang schemes to the South Philly stoops where they drink their 40s out of a paper bag.

Once creating and leading tours, what struck Marshall the most was how visitors approached Philadelphia through the lens of the show. Many tourists come to Philly specifically because of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the show wasn't just entertainment to them – it is genuinely key to how they understood the city. Rather than letting visitors wonder where the magic happens, why not show them the authentic neighborhoods, stories, and culture that make South Philly the perfect setting for television's longest-running sitcom?

Experience Philadelphia's Always Silly Side

Ready to discover the Philadelphia that Mac, Dennis, Charlie, Dee, and Frank call home? The Gang Goes to South Philly tour brings you to authentic filming locations while sharing behind-the-scenes stories, show trivia, and the real history of these iconic neighborhoods.

Join us for an unforgettable walking tour that celebrates both It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the real spirit of this incredible city. Book your Always Sunny Tour today and become part of Philadelphia's most entertaining story!