The much awaited crossover between Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has arrived which will air on January 8th with a sneak preview having already been shared by PEOPLE . Titled "Volunteers" the episode will see Janelle James' character Ava announcing that Abbott will be getting school district sent volunteers creating chaotic scenario in which Quinta Brunson and cast face new challenges at the school. PEOPLE had the exclusive on set pictures before this episode which will show fan favorite personalities from both Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia meeting on one screen creating something quite unusual to watch.
It's Always Sunny Gang Arrives at Abbott Elementary as Unconventional Volunteers in Hilarious Special
The new episode will include the It’s Always Sunny gang namely Danny DeVito’s character Frank putting on a lanyard with the others looking rather unimpressed at Abbott Elementary showing different feelings about new settings. Deandra played by Kaitlin Olson shows visible disapproval about Abbott while other members of group remain generally disinterested creating a humorous dynamic from the start . Janine played by Quinta Brunson acts as school liaison and welcoming presence for all incoming volunteers while not knowing her welcome committee includes Frank Mac Dennis Deandra and Charlie. The shows share one aspect together however and that would be the humor while the main styles remain different that may be jarring and delightful simultaneously.
Mac and Mr Johnson clash at Abbott Elementary School in a first look released by ABC network
The volunteers from It’s Always Sunny meet staff and cast from Abbott Elementary with Rob McElhenney as Mac hitting on an unenthusiastic Ava in the staff lounge offering support while teasing about other underlying intentions that he has on mind which may also include love interest. The episode provides the first of two planned team ups. Mr. Johnson acted by William Stanford Davis will get in a hilarious debate when he clashes with Danny DeVito character Frank over who is ‘trash’. The exchange between Frank and Mr. Johnson leads to insults demonstrating each character’s individual quirks and humor which also shows the shows very different comedy styles when placed together which many will enjoy on screen. William Stanford Davis was also recently on "The Santa Clauses" for some viewers to have further familiarity.
Long-Awaited Crossover Confirmed with Teasers and Production Details by Emmy award winning Shows
The It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney verified this cross over event would be with Abbott Elementary a comedy TV program focused on teachers who won multiple Emmy awards. McElhenney also shared pictures posing alongside Quinta Brunson and Charlie Day during filming that provided fan excitement months in advance before first look arrived on screen. The post on social media which Rob McElhenney made of the cast set high anticipation for the crossover. DeVito also shared during an interview he gave to PEOPLE the highly awaited episode will feature “lots of surprises” along with great mix of people which includes cast from ABC show “Abbott Elementary”. The upcoming crossover will provide an “odd mix” but also will provide viewers with a truly memorable viewing experience which many will tune into based on both of these shows great track record.
Quinta Brunson Teases Crossover Chaos During EMA Awards Event as Crossover Premiere Date set on January 8
During the EMA awards gala on October 26 Quinta Brunson hinted at unpredictable nature of crossover which was so extreme it would prevent her mother from viewing which emphasized the wild ride ahead. ABC plans to broadcast the Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Wednesday January 8 at 8:30 PM EST showcasing this mash up in prime time . Brunson’s comments at the EMA Gala which took place October 26 amplified fan anticipation as many of the events surrounding the new television episode were set on a very tightly guarded information path for months. ABC viewers were shown clips with their favorite performers in situations completely new.
Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny Collision in Philadelphia: First look Teaser Highlights Character Clash
The first 30 second long teaser video opens with Quinta Brunson character Janine Teagues very happy welcoming the always rowdy Paddy’s Pub gang to the “best elementary school in the universe” setting off hilariously awkward moments. Kaitlin Olson character Sweet Dee is not impressed with this positive outlook of Janine stating “is that what this is” conveying her opinion of Abbott with her unique dry style of humour. According to ABC Network the crossover is called "Volunteers" and sees "chaos" ensuing when it’s time to get things done around school. Janine is very upbeat and optimistic even in light of these reactions showing the polar opposites on display.
Paddy's Pub Group Creates Chaos at Abbott and future It's Always Sunny team up episode Announced by Producers
ABC also presented a snippet of scene featuring Rob McElhenney as Mac flirting with Janelle James’s character Ava also showcasing many goofy scenes . William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson and Danny DeVito as Frank get into ridiculous dispute about being "trash" further exemplifying different styles at play. Dennis character acted by Glenn Howerton behaves suspiciously following a gym incident all while the new groups struggle to adjust. The Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny crossover is slated to air on January 8. This crossover also includes information regarding a future It’s Always Sunny episode where Abbott Elementary cast visits the group. A second episode featuring It's Always Sunny will be developed sometime later this year that will be announced with more specific date in future.
Executive Producer Insights: The Collaborative Creative Process Behind This TV Series Cross Over
Abbott Elementary executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker mentioned how the story was produced during interviews with Variety this past October emphasizing how difficult it was to align the distinct comedic styles of the two separate television series. The upcoming Abbott episode focuses mainly on character of Charlie acted by Charlie Day also star of the original show which highlights integration between cast and shows by both sides. Initial concerns over style differences were minimized once Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day started story boarding and filming new episodes proving collaboration was easier once cameras were in place. Many concerns of different style tones that producers held all vanished quickly showing how this process should also work on screen for viewers.