Two major, award-winning sitcoms announce rare crossover episode

Sitcom lovers are in for a treat as Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia just confirmed the crossover episode we didn’t know we were waiting for.

The primary-school-based comedy Abbott Elementary, from creator Quinta Brunson, has scooped up four Emmys across three seasons since it started airing in 2021.

Meanwhile, the US series It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (which has aired 16 seasons since 2005) has not only amassed a cult following but also stars comic icons such as Danny DeVito.

Abbott Elementary follows the chaotic exploits at the titular institution as a team of well-intentioned teachers attempt to navigate the highs and lows of a Philadelphia public school.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, It’s Always Sunny tracks a group of five friends trying (and failing) to run an Irish dive bar – and all the mayhem that comes with it.

It’s difficult to imagine the opposing worlds colliding, but fans better believe it because the creators have finally shared an exciting update.

It’s Always Sunny’s co-creator and star Rob McElhenney uploaded a snap of him, co-star Charlie Day, and Quinta all crouched outside the instantly recognisable Abbott Elementary school earlier this week with the caption ‘oh hello.’

Hulu commented underneath the post: ‘The gang goes to Abbott Elementary.’

Another snap on his Instagram story showed Danny, and Abbott Elementary stars Tyler James Williams and William Stanford Davis stood with them.

Quinta also uploaded a photo with the caption: ‘Season four of Abbott Elementary gets real Sunny.’

The shows both have ties with Disney (with Abbott Elementary airing on ABC and It’s Always Sunny coming out on FX in the US) making a crossover all the easier to ensure.

Earlier this year, before the news was confirmed, Golden Globe winner Quinta hinted at what to expect from a potential crossover episode that was in the works.

‘Deals are made. I want you guys to know that. I’ll say I’m really excited for it. You want to find fun ways to shake things up without abandoning what you what you built,’ she told Variety.

She continued: ‘I’m excited to just shake things up in this way. I love TV, everyone knows that, but I love TV moments, and I miss those big TV moments.

‘I remember how exciting they were. Anything I can do with Abbott to help keep that culture alive of fun TV, I will do. So I think this is going to be fun TV.’

And her excitement was not misplaced as fans are already sharing their joy at the news.

‘This episode is gonna save TV and media for a decade,’ @gleamiin wrote on X.

‘This is going to be the best sitcom crossover to exist and I haven’t even seen Abbott yet to know that,’ @jui_cyducks echoed.

‘The crossover you never saw coming and have no idea how it will work but you know it will be incredible,’ @saam_brownn shared.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Abbott Elementary producer Patrick Schumacker confirmed there would be an episode for both shows.

‘We’re all getting on the same page about what this could be on both sides. But the idea is that there will be an Abbott episode, and there will be an episode of the other show that incorporates the Abbott characters,’ he told the publication.

The new season of Abbott Elementary will start airing on October 9, with Patrick teasing that the crossover episode could be the ‘first episode back from the holidays’.