Kaitlin Olson is currently balancing her roles on ABC’s High Potential and FXX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, raising questions about how she will manage both projects going forward. Fans eager to see Olson maintain her “Kaitlin Olson Sweet Dee balance” want assurance that her iconic character Sweet Dee won’t lose prominence despite her growing commitments. As production for It’s Always Sunny Season 18 begins, there are promising updates suggesting that the new season will address previous concerns about episode count and scheduling.
Longtime viewers have expressed disappointment over the reduced number of episodes in recent seasons, with Seasons 15 through 17 each containing only 8 episodes compared to 10 or more in earlier runs. Season 18 promises to be an improvement in this regard. Rob McElhenney, co-creator and star, revealed that production started just before the past weekend, which is earlier than Season 17, getting underway in October 2024. This timing may allow for a premiere around November or December 2026 if filming proceeds smoothly.
McElhenney also confirmed that Season 18 will feature more episodes than the recent seasons, responding affirmatively to a fan hoping for an expanded season:
“Pleeeeeeease say we’re getting more than 8 episodes this time! It’s always over so fast & l’m sad” – @serayepa
“yep :)” – Rob Mac
Although the exact episode count remains undisclosed, fans anticipate a lengthier season, which could bring additional scenarios showcasing memorable moments, such as Frank’s surprising guest appearances or Dennis’s notorious antics. More episodes, however, could mean an increased workload for Kaitlin Olson, who must juggle her time between both series.
How Kaitlin Olson Is Managing Her Commitments to Both Shows
Kaitlin Olson’s simultaneous involvement in High Potential and It’s Always Sunny comes with complex scheduling challenges. During the early stages of High Potential in 2024, the change in showrunners—from Rob Thomas to Todd Harthan—prompted producers to limit the first season to 13 episodes. This decision aimed to ensure Olson’s availability for filming Season 17 of It’s Always Sunny, which was already locked in. With Season 18’s production underway and High Potential reportedly planning an 18-episode second season, fans are curious whether this balancing act can continue seamlessly.
It remains uncertain whether High Potential has completed filming Season 2, as production pauses related to the Olympics and the upcoming State of the Union address have extended breaks. The absence of social media announcements signaling the end of production also fuels speculation that filming is still in progress. During this initial phase of It’s Always Sunny Season 18’s filming, Olson may still be heavily engaged with High Potential, potentially limiting her availability to film as Sweet Dee immediately.
Rob McElhenney, who is also Kaitlin Olson’s husband, is uniquely positioned to coordinate filming schedules that accommodate her availability. He might craft storylines and scenes that minimize Sweet Dee’s presence during Olson’s busiest periods, allowing her to rejoin the show as soon as possible. This adaptive approach may maintain the integrity of the character without overburdening Olson.
Moreover, the show could explore episodes centered around fewer main characters, an approach previously successful in Season 13’s “Charlie’s Home Alone” episode. These focused stories allow production to continue effectively despite the variable availability of some cast members, including Olson.
Interconnected References Between Both Shows
The relationship between High Potential and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia extends beyond Olson’s dual roles, with subtle nods linking the two series. For example, Morgan Gillory’s character in High Potential includes fingernail designs that reference It’s Always Sunny, reflecting awareness from producers about Olson’s commitments. This mutual respect ensures her roles remain manageable and that neither show suffers due to conflicts in scheduling.
Currently, High Potential airs Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. on ABC, with episodes available the following day for Hulu subscribers. Hulu also provides access to all 17 previous seasons of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, making it convenient for fans to watch both series. As audiences await new episodes, this dual availability highlights Olson’s significant presence across platforms.
What This Means for Fans and the Future of Sweet Dee
The expansion of It’s Always Sunny Season 18 offers hope that Sweet Dee will not fade from view despite Olson’s growing commitments. With Rob McElhenney actively managing production and narrative decisions, fans can expect the character to remain integral to the show’s storyline, even if occasional absences occur to accommodate Olson’s schedule on High Potential.
This careful coordination between productions, alongside potential episodes spotlighting individual characters, demonstrates a pragmatic approach to sustaining both series. For viewers invested in the fate of Sweet Dee and Kaitlin Olson’s balanced performances, the upcoming seasons promise continued engagement and entertainment without compromising quality or character presence.
