(Editor’s Note: Included below Spoilers for Abbott Elementary SchoolSeason 4 Episode 9, “Volunteer,” streaming on Hulu.))
TV crossovers are one of the most fascinating and entertaining traditions on television. It doesn’t necessarily lead to Emmy-winning content, but create events that deal with fans of one or both shows that relate to your favorite whole new perspectives. And that’s exactly what we got when the gangs got from It’s always sunny in Philadelphia. I visited Abbott Elementary School The episode “Volunteer.”
The origin of the idea was born sunny With creator Rob McElhenny Abbott Quinta Brunson is a creator who connected with Emmy a few years ago. The idea, made possible by the fact that both shows are set in the city of Philadelphia, has also been filmed in Los Angeles. sunny It also happened to be produced during the 17 seasons from October to December 2024. That means the cast is already gathered and ready to go on a trip to Janine and Aba’s neighborhood.
The gang’s appearance is not a single scene cameo like Bradley Cooper pops out for last season’s Cold Open. The entire episode is hanging out with staff for a week on Mac (Rob McElhenney), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny Devito) as volunteers to make the school even better. (Their volunteer work rarely comes as a surprise due to screen shenanigans.)
As Abbott In many cases, episodes are split into multiple storylines. With the cast of both shows paired, Ava (Janelle James) claims Mac as her personal Gopher, Frank works with Gregory (Tyler James Williams) and Mr Johnson (William Stanford Davis) to fight off the raccoon in the garden, and Dennis does his best to avoid documentary cameras. Meanwhile, Dee and Janine (Branson) start craving Dee after Gregory, and hit it until Barbara (Cheryl Lee Ralph) and Melissa (Lisa Anne Walter) teach Charlie to read on a kindergarten level.
Almost doubling the size of the show’s typical ensemble means that a lot is ongoing, and all of that happens pretty quickly. The deepest storyline probably belongs to Charlie’s newly collided literacy. That’s because Abbott Elementary School staff asserts that they are true teachers.
For those who know well sunnywatching the gangster antics through the lens of broadcast television was pretty fascinating. It could be a little more confusing for newcomers in the FX comedy series. Episodes work under the assumption that you already know who you know sunny The characters drop both deep and obvious references to the long-running, but niche series.
In general, crossovers differ impressively based on the disparities between the shows involved. For example, the characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer It appeared above angelthat wasn’t necessarily a big deal angel It was a spin-off featuring the characters that were originally introduced. Buffy. And at this point, the NBC family Chicago The series finds semi-regular ways to gather firefighters, police officers and doctors who live in the same city.
In comparison, Abbott and sunny It may take place in different cities, but it’s a rather different show. It was produced in a very different atmosphere with various networks (although within the same corporate family), not to mention the intended audience.
It’s a pairing that’s been a bit of a brain-all since it was first announced – clearly, clearly, Abbott/sunny The crossover is do not have The most ridiculous crossover in modern television history. That honor is firmly dedicated to the era of characters in the Fox series Sleepy hollowThe supernatural drama is Not– Lemma Crime Solver bone. at least Abbott and sunny Technically, they both belong to the same genre.
“Volunteer” is not the perfect mesh for the two series, but it works very well. For one, it crosses Abbott Bringing out the potential sweetness from sunny Gangsters – how short-lived it may be. Meanwhile, we discover it Abbottas pure as it is loved for its good heart and charming character. It was certainly a bit strange to see these characters meet, but the owner of Paddy’s pub said, “Have you ever been in a fight in an Eagles match?”
Yes, Melissa may have called Paddy because she was garbage, but it’s easy to imagine her looking back at some beer there. who knows? If Dee pushes her further, it’s easy to imagine Janine’s inner wildcat coming out to protect her relationship. It all refers to the rich layers that have been created Abbott These comedy powerhouses continue to evolve with each season.
The most exciting thing is that this is just part of the fun. The events of “Volunteer” will be seen from a different perspective in the following season’s episodes. sunnyset to premiere in 2025. When Branson said Rolling Stone What she’s disappointed Abbott Fans I haven’t seen yet sunny The episode is particularly distinctive from the tuning Abbott Characters outside of the range of mockmentary format. So, in theory, you can see Barbara Loosen and cut.
It feels like it’s been too long since the two shows tried stunts as fun and bold as this. TV can do so much, but what we need now fun.
Abbott Elementary School It aired on ABC on Wednesday and streamed on Hulu – It’s always sunny in Philadelphia..
(TagstoTranslate)Abbott Elementary (T)Philadelphia (T)Quinta Brunson (T)Rob McElhenney is always sunny