Exciting Teaser for Latest Crossover Episode of ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ Previews Chaos and War

You know what they say: New year, new iconic TV crossover event.

When January 8, 2025 comes around, viewers can look forward to the crossover episode between Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Decider has a special treat for those eagerly anticipating this episode.

As we countdown the two and a half weeks until ABC’s unique “Sunny-on-Abbott” night, Decider presents an exclusive promotional image and a two-minute teaser trailer that gives an exciting preview of what to expect for both the It’s Always Sunny characters and the staff at Abbott Elementary.

The exclusive promo image from Decider unveils a chalkboard at Abbott Elementary featuring the message “PADDY’S wuz here!” The chalkboard is signed by Frank, Charlee, Dee, Mac, and Dennis, implying that the It’s Always Sunny crew will be visiting the school. This leaves It’s Always Sunny fans wondering how they managed to enter and stay in the building!

Let the record show that in addition to “was” and “here,” Charlie’s name is also spelled incorrectly on the chalkboard, so while he’s at Abbott, maybe he can learn some literacy skills from Janine (Quinta Brunson), Gregory (Tyler James Williams), Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), Jacob (Chris Perfetti), Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and perhaps even Ava (Janelle James). After all, Day’s character reportedly has a “pretty significant storyline,” per Abbott executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker.

As for what else the highly-anticipated crossover episode has planned, ABC shared an exclusive teaser trailer with Decider that doubles as a hilarious nod to Charlie’s famous “WHO IS PEPE SILVIA?” conspiracy theory board from It’s Always Sunny Season 4, Episode 10. Whether you’re a fan of the long-running sitcom or not, you’ve likely seen screenshots and memes of the scene online, which show a spiraling Charlie — cigarette in hand — as he makes his elaborate case.

The crossover teaser, located at the top of this article, debuts a new conspiracy board and is narrated by Abbott’s beloved janitor, Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

“I know what’s going on. In fact, I’ve been praying that it wouldn’t breach our walls. No one’s getting past me. Behold,” Mr. Johnson says, while connecting some mysterious dots. “This is worse than I thought. We’re going to war. This is just the tip of the trash can. Let me tell you something, this is gonna end in chaos. Trust me.”

As Mr. Johnson teases trouble ahead for Abbott, keep an eye out for Easter eggs on the board. In addition to top secret folders, surveillance photos, what appears to be red Fruit by the Foot “string,” and Post-It notes that say “SUS,” the clip gives fans a glimpse at a “WORST Bar in Philly” newspaper clipping, photos of the gang, lots of lizard imagery, Pennsylvania maps, and more.

We see the the word “INVASION” written in big red letters, a Janitor Weekly World News alert that warns Philly of Skinwalkers, and another article from October 21, 2024 titled “5 Arrested in Connection to Baby Oil Spill.” The intriguing teaser concludes with Mr. Johnson drawing an arrow towards a photo of Abbott and warning “this is gonna end in chaos,” so if you need us, we’ll be on the edge of our seats until January 8.

While extensive crossover details remain under wraps, Abbott‘s Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob, recently teased that the two crews will be “pit against each other.” Then, after the gang visits Abbott, Janine and company will be head over to Paddy’s to appear on an episode of It’s Always Sunny and keep the crossover fun going.

Since the history-making episode was announced earlier this year, Abbott and It’s Always Sunny cast members have shared several behind-the-scenes group photos on Instagram, so be sure to scour the socials if you want to get even more hyped. Until then, start thinking about your dream #ItsAlwaysFunnyInPhiladelphia pairings. Charlie and Jacob? Frank and Ava? Melissa and Dee? The possibilities are thrilling.

It’s Always Sunny at Abbott Elementary, so we can’t wait to see how these two legendary shows join comedic forces.

Abbott Elementary returns with its highly-anticipated It’s Always Sunny crossover event January 8, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.