AceShowbiz - Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia made a surprising yet successful crossover, blending two very different comedic tones in a shared Philadelphia setting. Actor William Stanford Davis, who portrays Mr. Johnson on Abbott Elementary, recently discussed the possibility of a sequel to this crossover in an interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender.

The crossover first took place during Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 9, titled “Volunteers.” This episode featured the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia gang volunteering at the school as part of their court-ordered community service, introducing the two ensembles to each other’s worlds. The story continued in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17, episode 1, “The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary,” where the chaotic volunteers’ antics further unfolded and both groups eventually gathered at Paddy’s Pub, the iconic bar central to the It’s Always Sunny series.

When asked about future crossover events, Davis shared that while he has no confirmed information, he is hopeful that more collaborations will happen, especially with the It’s Always Sunny cast. He praised the professionalism of Danny DeVito, highlighting an anecdote about DeVito’s commitment to his role, where he was already covered in mud and inside a raccoon trap well before filming began.

“If I did know, I wouldn’t be able to tell you! But I’m hoping that we can do more crossovers. Especially another crossover with It’s Always Sunny. They were so much fun to work with, and Danny DeVito was such a pro. He wasn’t hesitant about doing anything,” Davis explained.

He recounted the moment when DeVito was found already in costume and covered in mud before shooting, a dedication that inspired the rest of the cast. Davis humorously added, “It would’ve taken me two days! I’d have been all prissy in there.” This story illustrates the camaraderie and fun atmosphere on set when both casts came together.

Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson has brought an impressive roster of guest stars to the show, and Davis expressed confidence that the high standards set so far will continue. With both series renewed—Abbott Elementary for season 6 and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for season 18—the potential for additional crossover episodes remains strong.

The initial crossover featured several notable character interactions: Mr. Johnson spent significant screen time with Frank Reynolds (played by DeVito), Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) taught Charlie Kelly (Charlie Day) how to read, and Ava (Janelle James) made Mac (Rob McElhenney) her vice principal. However, there are still many unexplored character pairings that could offer new comedic possibilities in future episodes.

Audience reception to the crossover has been highly positive. On IMDb, the “Volunteers” episode holds an 8.6/10 rating, tying it as the highest-rated episode of Abbott Elementary alongside season 3, episode 14, “Party.” This suggests that viewers are eager to see more stories that blend the distinct comedic styles of both shows.

While the crossover with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia remains the only one between Abbott Elementary and another TV series, the latter has welcomed numerous other notable guest stars from various entertainment and sports backgrounds. Philadelphia Eagles players Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce, and Brandon Graham have made appearances engaging with students virtually, and the teachers have been shown attending a Philadelphia Phillies game, meeting Kyle Schwarber.

Celebrity guest appearances from Bradley Cooper and Questlove have also been featured, both appearing in scenes set inside the school. Additionally, some recurring guest stars are part of Janine’s family, including her sister played by Ayo Edebiri and her mother played by Taraji P. Henson.

Davis’ comments underscore the enthusiasm among cast members for further crossovers, especially given the creative possibilities and fun that arose from working with the It’s Always Sunny team. With Quinta Brunson at the helm, who has already brought in a variety of exciting guests, fans can expect that Abbott Elementary will continue attracting notable talent regardless of crossover plans.

New episodes of Abbott Elementary air on Wednesdays on ABC and become available the following day on Hulu, allowing fans to stay up to date with the series as it progresses toward its sixth season.

Given the strong fan interest, positive critical reception, and the ongoing success of both shows, a sequel to the crossover seems like a promising possibility. Davis’ hopeful remarks and behind-the-scenes stories offer fans an encouraging glimpse into what might come next for these two beloved Philadelphia-based comedies.