If you have an HBO Max account or have had access to any form of social media in the past month, then you have heard about the pop culture phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry. The breakout hit hockey romance drama series unexpectedly crossed paths with Abbott Elementary recently, and a new pitch for an actual crossover between the two shows actually has us thinking.
Abbott Elementary star Janelle James and breakthrough Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie joined forces on Jan. 7 to announce the nominees for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards (previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards). The pair had amazing chemsitry both on stage announcing the nominations and in joint interviews, becoming the dynamic duo we didn't know we needed.
While speaking with ScreenRant after the ceremony, James and Storrie were asked what "the pitch" was for a potential project together, and James quickly deferred to Storrie to reveal his idea. "I think we're going to do an Ava/Ilya crossover. Ilya goes back to school. A 30-year-old man goes back to school. I think we do like a Happy Madison situation." Could Ava handle Ilya as a student?!
Obviously, Storrie was kidding about an actual crossover between Abbott Elementary and Heated Rivalry. Even though the ABC comedy previously crossed over with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which wasn't a tonally obvious crossover choice, there's no real reasonable reason why a hockey drama would need to narratively cross paths with a teacher comedy.
That didn't stop the comments from being flooded with add-ons to the pitch, like Shane and Ilya working with the school on their hockey foundation, Ilya stopping by to teach hockey since he loves kids, and Ava being Ava and openly expressing her crush on Ilya Rozanov. The possibilities are endless even if the actually possibility of a crossover coming to fruition is far-fetched.
Besides, what would Ilya Rozanov be doing in Philadelphia and why would he enroll at Abbott Elementary? Still, the concept of Connor Storrie dropping by the Emmy-winning comedy in character as his cocky, brash, but totally lovable Russian athlete sounds nothing short of hilarious. Ava and Ilya would either be immediate enemies or love-at-first-sight besties, there's no in between.
Abbott Elementary and Heated Rivarly definitely won't be crossing over anytime soon (sorry to burst your bubble), but that's not going to stop us from manifesting James and Storrie putting their instant chemistry to good use. Storrie has proven to be quick witted and have excellent comedic timing. If not as Ilya, the rising star could still make a guest appearance in Abbott before season 5 ends.
Whether as a student's parent, a new substitute teacher, or some random funny character that creator/star Quinta Brunson and the writers dream up, Storrie would be an amazing addition to the show's long line of incredible guest stars. It's been a while since Abbott Elementary had a real, juicy one-off guest star role, and it's perfect timing for James to bring her new friend on board.
Abbott Elementary returned from its winter break on Jan. 7 and kicked off a three-part event where the staff of the school takes over an abandoned mall as their new temporary schooling location. The season continues with new episodes through the spring. Watch on ABC on Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c, streaming next day on Hulu.