Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 9, "Volunteers."

The crossover between of Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, cooked up for the event. The two TV shows couldn't be more different, and they air on different networks. So, many were intrigued to see how they could interconnect.

Part 1 of the Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover (Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 9) aired on Wednesday, January 8, while part 2 (an episode in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17) will premiere in mid-2025, per TODAY.

Whereas Abbott Elementary is geared more toward families, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is very much a series for adults. Despite their different tones, the writers find a way to make the two worlds mesh in part 1. The It's Always Sunny crew has to subdue their usual behavior, while still feeling like their characters. On the other hand, the Abbott Elementary cast has to act about the same as they usually do. Thankfully, certain circumstances (like why Mac, Dee, Charlie, Dennis, and Frank are at Abbott) allow all of the above to make sense.

The It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia Characters Are Sent To Abbott Elementary For Court-Ordered Community Service

They Need Ava To Sign Their Volunteer Slip

At first, the Abbott Elementary season 4 characters aren't aware of the real reason why the It's Always Sunny gang is volunteering at the school. However, once Melissa learns they're the owners of Paddy's Pub, she and the others confront them. Mac, Dee, Charlie, and Frank (Dennis doesn't want to be on camera) explain that they have a court order to do 100 hours of community service. So, they aren't volunteering out of the goodness of their own hearts.

Mac, Dee, Charlie, Dennis, and Frank dumped 100 gallons of baby oil, 500 Paddy's Pub t-shirts, and a Cybertruck in the Schuylkill River. Consequently, they must do community service. They also have to be on their best behavior (well, as best as any It's Always Sunny character can be) to ensure they fulfill their court order, get Ava to sign their volunteer slip, and because they're on camera.

Why Ava Lets The Always Sunny Gang Stay Even Though They Are "Criminals"

Ava Needs The Help

Janine, who has a great experience with Dee helping in her classroom at first, explains why Ava should let the It's Always Sunny crew stay. First of all, they're (free) volunteers. Second of all, if Ava sends Mac, Dee, Charlie, Dennis, and Frank back, the district will likely never send them help again. Plus, since Mac desperately wants Ava to sign their volunteer slip, he goes the extra mile for her.

However, once Mac explains that he sent every teacher a "Thank You" card at the end of Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 9, Ava is disgusted. She signs the slip and lets them all go.

Mac gets Ava's car detailed, brings her cinnamon rolls, etc. Ava then tells Janine in part 1 of the crossover that she might frame Mac, Dee, Charlie, Dennis, and Frank for another crime so that they can stay. However, once Mac explains that he sent every teacher a "Thank You" card at the end of Abbott Elementary season 4, episode 9, Ava is disgusted. She signs the slip and lets them all go.

Source: TODAY