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October 04, 2024

An 'Abbott Elementary' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' crossover episode appears to be on the way

Rob McElhenney shared photos of the sitcoms' stars on the set of the fictional school created by Quinta Brunson.

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Abbott Elementary Always Sunny @RMcElhenney/X

'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' stars Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney pose with 'Abbott Elementary' star Quinta Brunson, center, on the set of Abbott Elementary. McElhenney posted this photo to social media, teasing a crossover an episode.

Two sitcoms set in Philadelphia are about to collide: a crossover between "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Abbott Elementary" appears imminent based on photos shared Thursday by Rob McElhenney.

The photos show McElhenney and stars from both shows posting on the set of "Abbott Elementary." McElhenney, who co-created "It's Always Sunny," shared them on social media. 


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The first photo shows McElhenney and his "It's Always Sunny" co-star Charlie Day posing with "Abbott Elementary" creator Quinta Brunson in front of the fictional Willard R. Abbott Public School.

Another picture shows those three with "It's Always Sunny" star Danny DeVito and "Abbott Elementary" actors Tyler James Williams and William Stanford Davis, all in their respective characters' costumes, with snow in the background.

In July, Brunson told a Comic Con panel that "Abbott Elementary" would crossover with another show but stayed mum on additional details.

"We will be doing an interesting crossover this season," Brunson said. "I'm not gonna tell you with who, or with what, or when, but it's really exciting and I think it'll change television as we know it."

Fan immediately speculated that it wold involve "It's Always Sunny," a natural fit because both shows are based in Philly. They also also each are broadcast by Disney-owned networks, with "Abbott Elementary" on ABC and "It's Always Sunny" on FXX.

McElhenney and Brunson, both Philly natives, publicly flirted with the idea of a collaboration in February after McElhenney compared the infamous Willy's Chocolate Experience debacle to a hypothetical crossover episode between the two shows.

Brunson responded to McElhenney's post in an Instagram story, saying: "Just say the word," adding "I love you guys."

It is unclear what form the crossover will take, including whether it will be a single episode on one of the shows or multiple episodes across both. Season 17 of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" is in production. Season 4 of "Abbott Elementary" begins Wednesday, Oct. 9.

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