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Crossover Extravaganza: The Gang from ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Enters the Classroom

Fans of both It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Abbott Elementary are in for a treat as the two iconic shows converge in an unexpected environment: a school. The much-anticipated crossover special kicked off on January 8, featuring the familiar antics of Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito) as they take on the roles of teaching assistants at the school showcased in the ABC series. With only three seasons of Abbott Elementary to binge-watch, die-hard fans of the latter find themselves facing the daunting task of catching up on 16 seasons of IASIP.

In light of this challenge, Kaitlin Olson has thoughtfully curated a list of accessible episodes from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia to ease Abbott Elementary fans into the chaotic world of Paddy’s Pub.

In a recent interview with AV Club, Olson welcomed new viewers with a humorous disclaimer. She playfully noted, “Hi! Are you a big Abbott Elementary fan excited for the crossover episode but have never seen Sunny and are excited to dive in?”

While encouraging enthusiasm, she also advised caution, humorously suggesting that new audiences might want to approach the show with a degree of restraint: “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).”

Olson’s recommended episodes include five standout selections that she believes showcase the series’ humor without delving into its more outrageous territory. The chosen episodes are: “The Gang Hits the Road” (Season 5, Episode 2), “The Gang Buys a Boat” (Season 6, Episode 3), “Sweet Dee Gets Audited” (Season 7, Episode 4), “Charlie Work” (Season 10, Episode 4), and “The Gang Goes on Family Night” (Season 10, Episode 8).

Kaitlin Olson’s Recommendations for New Viewers

While Olson’s selections may be deemed “tamer,” it’s important to understand that they still reflect the show’s irreverent humor. For instance, “Charlie Work” is a fan-favorite featuring an impressive 10-minute continuous shot that showcases the show’s unique storytelling style. However, potential viewers should be aware that even the lighter episodes retain a sense of edginess; “The Gang Buys a Boat” contains a notorious moment involving Dennis discussing his questionable pickup tactics, which centers around the concept of “the implication.”

The first part of the crossover special aired on January 8 and marks the beginning of a two-episode event within the fourth season of Abbott Elementary. The second episode is slated to air on January 15. For those looking to catch up on previous episodes, past seasons of Abbott Elementary are available for streaming on Max, while episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia can be found on Hulu.

As the worlds of these two beloved shows collide, viewers can expect a delightful mix of humor and heart, showcasing the unique charm that both series bring to television.

Source
movieweb.com