It’s Always Sunny Star Kaitlin Olson Names The Best Episodes For Abbott Elementary Fans

The highly anticipated crossover between ABC’s Abbott Elementary and FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is finally here. The two-part special marks a meeting of comedy worlds that couldn’t be more different: Abbott Elementary is a heartwarming workplace sitcom centered on a Philadelphia public school, while It’s Always Sunny season 17 will continue to follow the outrageous antics of a morally bankrupt bar-owning gang, also based in Philly. The crossover stems from a chance encounter between Abbott creator Quinta Brunson and Sunny creator Rob McElhenney at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, where a joke soon turned into a hilarious reality.

Through A.V. Club, Kaitlin Olson, who plays Dee Reynolds on Sunny, has provided a beginner’s guide for Abbott fans curious to explore the darkly comedic world of It’s Always Sunny. Olson’s list highlights episodes that balance hilarity with slightly less chaos—perfect for viewers not yet accustomed to Sunny‘s taboo topics and biting satire. Olson introduced her curated list with a characteristically cheeky message:

Hi! Are you a big Abbott Elementary fan excited for the crossover episode but have never seen Sunny and are excited to dive in? Great! Except…you might want to take some baby steps. 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.)

You Can Find Sweet Dee’s (Olson) Suggested Episodes Below:

• “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)
• “The Gang Goes on Family Fight” (Season 10, Episode 8)

What Olson’s Primer List Means for Fans of Both Shows

The Gang Goes PG

Kaitlin Olson’s curated It’s Always Sunny episode list is a thoughtful bridge between the distinct comedic styles of the family-oriented Abbott Elementary and adult-themed Always Sunny. By selecting episodes that are “tamer” but no less hilarious, Olson provides a soft landing for Abbott fans unfamiliar with Sunny’s more mature humor, but are eager to learn more after watching the first part of the crossover between It’s Always Sunny and Abbott Elementary, where the gang of Paddy’s Pub is assigned to complete a few hours of community service at Abbott.

While It’s Always Sunny is renowned for pushing boundaries and reveling in the taboo, Olson’s list proves it can also be approachable and welcoming to new viewers. For Abbott Elementary fans, the list offers a perfect starting point as they watch the gang go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon or compete in a Family Fued-esque game show, or try to pass a health inspection. Fortunately, part two of the crossover will air later this year as an It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode, featuring the Abbott teachers away from the mockumentary-cams in the FX series’ 17th season.

Our Take On Olson’s Always Sunny Picks

The Gang Awaits You

Olson’s episode recommendations are spot-on for Abbott Elementary fans looking to spend a night binging the somewhat more tame episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. The selections offer a taste of the gang’s lawless charm, including some of my own personal favorite misadventures, without diving headfirst into Always Sunny‘s worst moments. Whether you’re a Sunny veteran or an Abbott newcomer, Olson’s guide ensures you’ll be ready to appreciate the chaos when It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia airs its half of the crossover later this year.

Source: A.V. Club

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It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a Sitcom and Black Comedy created by Rob McElhenney. It stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, and Danny DeVito. The series follows a group of friends that own and frequent the Irish bar, Paddy’s Pub, and get into all sorts of troubling adventures.

Release Date

August 4, 2005

Seasons

16

Story By

Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton

Writers

Rob McElhenney
, Glenn Howerton
, Charlie Day
, David Hornsby

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu

Directors

Matt Shakman
, Fred Savage
, Daniel Attias
, Randall Einhorn
, Richie Keen
, Todd Biermann

Showrunner

Rob McElhenney

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