WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17, episode 1!
This article contains references to strong profanity.
The second part ofAbbott ElementaryandIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s crossover event has finally arrived, and it comes with someshocking differences from the ABC sitcom’s typical tone. Thefirst episode ofAbbott ElementaryandIt’s Always Sunny’s crossoverdebuted in January as part of the PG-rated sitcom’s fourth season, with the second part – told more from theIt’s Always Sunnycharacters’ perspectives – arriving on July 9 as the MA-rated sitcom’s season 17 premiere.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaseason 17, episode 1, “The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary,” usesAbbott’s “extra” mockumentary footage to reveal what the gang was really doing behind the scenes, such as Frank stealing copper wiring. Alongside the gang’s darker antics,Sunny’s TV-MA rating guidelines giveAbbott Elementary’s charactersmore freedom with profanity and maturity, crossing lines that would never be permitted on the ABC sitcom.
Janine’s Profane Insult To Dee In It’s Always Sunny’s Second Crossover Episode Was Extremely Unexpected
Janine’s Strong Language Went Even Further Than Imagined
Emphasizing the differences between restrictions on PG and MA-rated TV shows, we finally get to hearAbbott Elementary’s main characters use extremely strong language, showing a darker side to them than seen on the ABC show. That includes Janine, who notoriously avoids using profanity and maintains a family-friendly demeanor, yetdrops the most intense expletives of the entireAlways Sunnyepisode.
In a talking head withnew couple Janine and Gregoryafter seeing the footage of Dee’s intentions to “steal” Gregory, Janine is initially hesitant to express her anger. With support from Gregory, she warns the crew that she can’t resist calling Kaitlin Olson’s character an expletive. However, what Janine ultimately says is far worse than what Gregory or audiences were expecting,calling Dee a “total f*ing ct.”
Gregory’s shocked look after Janine’s insult simultaneously serves as a manifestation of audiences’ responses, as that intense language crosses a line that never seemed possible forQuinta Brunson’sAbbottcharacteron-screen.Gregory, doubtlessly like viewers at home, had thought Janine was going to call Dee a “b***h,”but she took it to an unprecedented next level, with no words being bleeped out.
It’s Always Sunnyfans have heard that kind of language from the main characters on countless occasions, and have even come to expect it from Dee, Dennis, Charlie, Frank, and Mac. But, casualAbbott Elementaryviewers simply tuning in to finish the crossover event are in for a major shock regarding their own sitcom characters.
It’s Always Sunny’s Version Of The Crossover Episode Shows A Version Of Abbott Elementary’s Characters That Won’t Be Seen Again
Abbott Elementary’s Characters Will Return To PG Restrictions
WithAbbott Elementarybeing a TV-PG show, strong language like that won’t be heard again from Quinta Brunson’s Janine, or any other main characters, unless they happen to appear onIt’s Always Sunnyor a similar TV-MA series again.Abbott Elementary’s teachers are grown adults living around Philadelphia, and some even share comparable interests and backgrounds withIt’s Always Sunny’s debaucherous gang, buttheir on-screen behavior is typically much more tame.
InIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s season 17 premiere,the darker, less restricted, elementary school-friendly side of those characters is stripped down. Ironically, we also see much more tame versions of the gang in the second part of the crossover episode compared to their typically dark, boundary-pushing, degenerative selves.
Abbott Elementarywas officially renewed for season 5 on Jul 23, 2025.
In meeting each other halfway, the crossover shows sides ofIt’s Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaandAbbott Elementary’s characters that likely won’t be seen again in their respective shows. That is, unless they do yet another crossover in the future.
Abbott Elementary
Cast
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary comedy series centered around a group of dedicated teachers at a struggling public school in Philadelphia. The show highlights their efforts to overcome bureaucratic challenges and underfunding, while showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact on their students' lives.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a television series that premiered in 2005, chronicling the chaotic lives of four self-involved friends running an Irish pub in Philadelphia. Their misguided decisions and skewed perspectives often result in amusing and uncomfortable situations, complicating their professional and personal relationships.
