Philadelphia is home to two of the most beloved comedy series, and now they are joining forces for an epic crossover. ABC’s sitcom “Abbott Elementary” and the long-running “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” are set to collaborate. Quinta Brunson, the creator and lead of “Abbott Elementary,” has been teasing a special crossover for the series over the past few months in anticipation of the upcoming fourth season.
Brunson gave a major tease at the San Diego Comic-Con for the crossover saying that it would be “exciting”, she said it would possibly “change television as we know it.”
After months of anticipation of who it could be, Rob McElhenney (lead and creator of “It’s Always Sunny”) and Brunson took to social media to officially announce the crossover event. In a series of posts featuring the casts of both shows, the two creators confirmed that the worlds of “Abbott Elementary” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” would indeed collide for a special episode.
While the details of the crossover remain tightly under wraps, a few glimpses behind the scenes have emerged. According to the executive producers of “Abbott Elementary”, the writers’ rooms of both shows collaborated extensively to ensure a seamless integration of the two casts and storylines.
In September, Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph stated to Deadline that she believed the crossover would “change television.” At the time, she mentioned that they had not yet filmed the episode, which suggests that it has been filmed very recently.
At its core, this crossover celebrates the love that both creators have for Philadelphia, a city that serves as the backdrop for both shows. By bringing these two vastly different yet equally beloved series together, the creators are paying homage to a city that acts as a major character in both series.
While the exact premiere date for the crossover episode remains unknown, fans can expect it to air sometime after the holidays, according to the executive producers of “Abbott Elementary”. We have not seen a major crossover like this in ages on television. Quinta mentioned this in her press leading up to the season that she wanted to make a moment for viewers. By bringing together two distinct creative visions and talented ensembles, the creators have crafted an experience that promises to be truly unique and unforgettable
Beyond the entertainment value and potential commercial success, the crossover event also serves to foster a sense of community among fans of both shows. By bringing these two worlds together, fans will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, share theories, and celebrate their love for these beloved series.
In the end, the “Abbott Elementary” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” crossover is a celebration of bringing two beloved shows together. We cannot wait to see this insane crossover and all the lead-up! “Abbott Elementary” returns for the fourth season on October 9.