Initially based in New York City after his graduation from high school, McElhenney moved to Los Angeles at the age of 25. In 2004, McElhenney was waiting tables between acting jobs, and had met Glenn Howerton through his agent, and Charlie Day in New York while shooting a horror film. His idea for a sitcom, starring himself, Howerton and Day, was filmed on a budget of $200 and pitched to many cable networks. After receiving offers from many of the stations, McElhenney chose to sign with FX as they allowed him more creative freedom. McElhenney was contracted as "It's Always Sunny'"s showrunner, and both Howerton and Day were listed as executive producers.