The highly anticipated crossover between ABC’sAbbott Elementaryand FX’sIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiais finally here. The two-part special marks a meeting of comedy worlds that couldn’t be more different:Abbott Elementaryis a heartwarming workplace sitcom centered on a Philadelphia public school, whileIt’s Always Sunnyseason 17will continue to follow the outrageous antics of a morally bankrupt bar-owning gang, also based in Philly. The crossover stems from a chance encounter betweenAbbottcreator Quinta Brunson andSunnycreator Rob McElhenney at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, where a joke soon turned into a hilarious reality.
ThroughA.V. Club,Kaitlin Olson, who plays Dee Reynolds onSunny,has provided a beginner’s guide forAbbottfans curious to explore the darkly comedic world ofIt’s Always Sunny.Olson’s list highlights episodes that balance hilarity with slightly less chaos—perfect for viewers not yet accustomed toSunny’s taboo topics and biting satire. Olson introduced her curated list with a characteristically cheeky message:
Hi! Are you a bigAbbott Elementaryfan excited for the crossover episode but have never seenSunnyand are excited to dive in? Great! Except…you might want to take some baby steps. It’s not on network television for a reason. (Or, instead of baby steps, maybe stop being a baby and enjoy the wilder ones? Your call!)But if you’d like to watch it with your (older) kids or your grandma, maybe check out these ones first. They’re just as hilarious but slightly tamer than others. (Please don’t watch ‘The Nightman Cometh’ with your grandma.)
What Olson’s Primer List Means for Fans of Both Shows
The Gang Goes PG
Kaitlin Olson’s curatedIt’s Always Sunnyepisode list is a thoughtful bridge between the distinct comedic styles of the family-orientedAbbott Elementaryand adult-themedAlwaysSunny. By selecting episodes that are “tamer” but no less hilarious,Olson provides a soft landing forAbbottfans unfamiliar withSunny’s more mature humor, but are eager to learn more after watching thefirst part of the crossover betweenIt’s Always SunnyandAbbott Elementary,where the gang of Paddy’s Pub is assigned to complete a few hours of community service at Abbott.
Abbott Elementary & It’s Sunny In Philadelphia Crossover Recap: 8 Biggest Moments & Reveals
Abbott Elementary and It’s Sunny In Philadelphia crossover has finally arrived, and its plot changed the characters of both shows in surprising ways.
WhileIt’s Always Sunnyis renowned for pushing boundaries and reveling in the taboo,Olson’s list proves it can also be approachable and welcoming to new viewers.ForAbbott Elementaryfans, the list offers a perfect starting point as they watch the gang go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon or compete in a Family Fued-esque game show, or try to pass a health inspection. Fortunately, part two of the crossover will air later this year as anIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaepisode, featuring theAbbottteachers away from the mockumentary-camsin the FX series' 17th season.
Our Take On Olson’s Always Sunny Picks
The Gang Awaits You
Olson’s episode recommendations are spot-on forAbbott Elementaryfans looking to spend a night binging the somewhat more tame episodes ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The selections offer a taste of the gang’s lawless charm, including some of my own personal favorite misadventures, without diving headfirst intoAlways Sunny’s worst moments. Whether you’re aSunnyveteran or anAbbottnewcomer, Olson’s guide ensures you’ll be ready to appreciate the chaos whenIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaairs its half of the crossover later this year.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Cast
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
