Whether you're a hardcore fan of Abbott Elementary on ABC or not (though I don't know anyone who has watched the comedy and isn't a huge fan), you've probably heard about the series' crossover episode with FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The event was definitely a big deal and something that hadn't been done on television before. With a second part coming this summer, get ready to see the Abbott teachers like you haven't seen them before!
When crossovers usually happen, it's two or three shows that are a part of the same network and/or the same franchise. Though the reason this one worked is the fact that both shows are set in present day Philly, and ABC and FX are both owned by parent company, Disney. Which means both series' stream on Hulu. So there's the perfect connection there!
Back in January 2025, Abbott Elementary season 4 episode 9, "Volunteers," shared the first part of the crossover episode, and there were true shenanigans from the Sunny gang. We definitely didn't expect anything less. As a fan of both comedies, this was such a treat! And, I also know that Charlie, Mac, Dennis, Dee, and Frank were very toned down to fit network television. Plus, they had Abbott's documentary crew filming them the whole time, meaning they were mostly on their best behavior.
Abbott Elementary won't have cameras on them the whole time
A second crossover episode is set to come our way as well when It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17 premieres on July 9, 2025. Not only are we getting more of the characters together, we're also going to see the Abbott Elementary teachers in a new light since they don't have cameras on them at Paddy's Pub. Lead actress and creator Quinta Brunson recently attended IndieWire’s “Pass The Remote” panel and had this to tease:
"[You have to] realize our teachers act a certain way in front of our documentary, everyone does. You wanna be seen as your best when you’re in front of the camera. And, when they’re not in front of their documentary crew, you get to see a very different shade of every single person who’s at Abbott. I think it’s really fun. I was in it, I acted in it, and then when I saw it, I was like, ‘oh my god, girl.’ So it’s really fun."
Now whether she's talking about her own character Janine or another of our favorite teachers, we don't know. Though we have seen Janine get fired up before and even drop the f-bomb, which of course was censored on ABC. Are we about to hear the sweet gal drop some of that on It's Aways Sunny? I mean, Dee was flirting with Gregory even though she knew he and Janine are dating. And Janine was definitely not happy about it.
Melissa is also another obvious choice. She grew up in the same area as the Sunny gang in South Philly, and has always been the one that's more rough around the edges. It's what we love about her. Though perhaps we'll get to see that side of her character come out even more in the second part of the crossover episode. Whatever it is, I know it's going to be hilarious and I truly can't wait to see what shenanigans both of these groups will get into separately, and together.
Abbott Elementary season 5 is expected to air in fall 2025. Catch the second part of the Abbott and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode when season 17 of the FX series premieres July 9, 2025.