Russia annexes ‘Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ airs weird adaptation

A promotional poster for “Always Sunny in Moscow” (literally translated as “In Moscow, always sunny”) Credit: TNT

One of the few privately owned television channels in Russia, and also one of the most popular, is “TNT,” which is currently airing its own version of “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” known as “Always Sunny in Moscow.”

Literally, the title would be translated as “In Moscow, always sunny.”

Below the title in the poster, the Russian words meaning “nice,” “about love” and “family (adjective) are all scratched out. In large yellow is the word “funny.”

“Charlie” is now “Max ‘Fat’ Borisenko.” Waitress is still “Waitress.”

“Waitress” in the Russian version of Always Sunny. Credit: TNT

The show describes itself as about four friends, although there is also a bizarro version of Danny DeVito’s character Frank Reynolds.

In the Russian version, the bar owned by the characters is reportedly named “Philadelphia,” so that’s a nice tribute.

“All their plans and hopes — romantic and financial — collapse, [or] collide with reality,” the show’s website states.

There was previously aired an unlicensed Russian version of Everybody Loves Raymond.

Wikipedia calls it an “official” adaptation and text on the website for the Russian series repeatedly references the American original. A spokesperson for FX Network did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Using the exact same music, pacing and general style, it’s almost a new way to watch the show you loved, created by Philly native Rob McElhinney (“Mac”).

Stream episode 1, if you dare, on KinoBar.