10 Must-Watch It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Episodes for Fans of Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary recently featured a highly anticipated crossover episode with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Despite their contrasting themes—where Abbott Elementary leans towards warmth and optimism while It’s Always Sunny embraces chaos and irreverence—the integration of these two beloved casts proved to be successful. With both shows rooted in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, fans witnessed unexpected camaraderie, notably between Janine Teagues and Dee Reynolds, who bonded over their shared alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania.

As viewers eagerly await the continuation of the crossover, anticipation builds around how the Abbott Elementary staff will adapt to the unpredictable environment of the It’s Always Sunny gang. For avid followers of Abbott Elementary looking to explore It’s Always Sunny, we’ve compiled a list of 10 episodes that are ideal for newcomers.

1. The Gang Gets Invincible

Season 3, Episode 2

This episode, inspired by the film *Invincible*, centers around the Philadelphia Eagles hosting open tryouts. With Melissa Schemmenti’s fervent support for local teams echoing the spirit of Philadelphia, it showcases how deeply ingrained sports are within the community. Dee’s defiance when faced with the stereotype that girls can’t compete in sports mirrors Janine’s tenacity when challenged.

She embodies a determination to succeed, only to face the humbling reality of being cut from the professional football scene. The episode’s subplots dive deeper into the more absurd aspects of It’s Always Sunny, with Frank Reynolds typically leading the chaotic charge alongside Charlie. This combination makes “The Gang Gets Invincible”one of the standout episodes featuring Frank and Charlie.

2. Sweet Dee Has a Heart Attack

Season 4, Episode 10

Underfunding in public schools is a recurring theme in Abbott Elementary, paralleling the struggles of the It’s Always Sunny gang as they manage the dilapidated Paddy’s Pub. In this episode, Dee’s heart attack prompts a wake-up call among the group, revealing their lack of health insurance. Their attempts to adopt healthier lifestyles are comically misguided, leading to an ending that sees them in a similar, if not worse, position than before.

This situation echoes the efforts of characters like Janine in Abbott Elementary, where good intentions often take unexpected turns. Notably, this episode features Frank in a nod to early film *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*, presenting a clever homage to Danny DeVito’s cinematic roots.

3. The Gang Cracks the Liberty Bell

Season 4, Episode 11

Set against the backdrop of historical Philadelphia, “The Gang Cracks the Liberty Bell” imagines ancestors of the gang participating in the iconic event of the bell’s cracking. This narrative style shifts away from the typical format, intertwining humorous anachronisms with historical retellings, delivering laughs while blatantly disregarding historical accuracy.

Though the storytelling strays far from what would be appropriate for Abbott Elementary’s curriculum, it adds a unique flavor to the It’s Always Sunny universe, showcasing the creative freedom the show embodies.

4. The Gang Hits the Road

Season 5, Episode 2

Highlighting the dynamic of friendship in Abbott Elementary, this episode showcases the gang’s attempt to work together for a heartwarming road trip to the Grand Canyon. When they discover that Charlie has never left Philadelphia, they embark on a journey filled with well-meaning but misguided detours.

While their grand plans falter, this episode still manages to highlight their unique bonds, culminating in a back-to-reality conclusion where they return to Paddy’s Pub, maintaining the series’ signature humor.

5. Paddy’s Pub: Home of the Original Kitten Mittens

Season 5, Episode 8

In this creativity-driven episode, “Paddy’s Pub: Home of the Original Kitten Mittens, ” the gang splits off to develop products for a local merchandise convention. Charlie’s quirky invention, aimed at silencing noisy cats, encapsulates the show’s unique humor without descending into chaos.

This episode resonates with the competitive spirit observed between the teachers in Abbott Elementary, providing a lighthearted yet familiar exploration of camaraderie and creativity.

6. Sweet Dee Gets Audited

Season 7, Episode 4

When the gang reflects on their operational decisions at Paddy’s Pub in “Sweet Dee Gets Audited, ”their misguided attempts to implement a democratic process devolve into chaos, reminiscent of Janine’s overzealousness to fix issues at Abbott Elementary which often lead to unintended dilemmas.

Dee’s outrageous exploits cast a humorous light on the absurdity of tackling bureaucracy, portraying a lens through which even Principal Ava might find merit in Dee’s antics.

7. Mac Day

Season 9, Episode 5

Straying from its typical dynamics, “Mac Day” centers around a day dedicated to Ronald “Mac” McDonald, showcasing the gang’s willingness to support one another for the occasion. This heightened camaraderie unveils a relatable yet comedic exploration of friendship that parallels the bond between teachers in Abbott Elementary.

8. The Gang Saves the Day

Season 9, Episode 6

This experimental installment depicts the gang’s fantastical interpretations of heroism amid a convenience store robbery, allowing their unique personalities to shine through their humorous and often delusional self-perceptions. While Abbott Elementary maintains a grounded mockumentary style, It’s Always Sunny frequently pushes narrative boundaries, providing a rich, comedic tapestry for viewers.

9. The Gang Goes on Family Fight

Season 10, Episode 8

In this episode, the gang participates in a Family Feud-style game, demonstrating their struggle to behave normally even when attempting to win. The underlying humor stems from their attempts to suppress their unique quirks, resulting in hilariously expected outcomes. Featuring a guest appearance by Keegan-Michael Key as the exasperated host, it provides insight into the comedic charm that fans of Abbott Elementary may similarly enjoy.

10. Mac Finds His Pride

Season 13, Episode 10

In an emotionally rich episode, “Mac Finds His Pride” culminates a longstanding character arc with Mac’s breathtaking dance performance, expressing his journey of self-acceptance as a gay man. This poignant revelation presents a balance of humor and genuine sentiment, highlighting the emotional stakes that can resonate with viewers from both Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny. The standing ovation from the audience mirrors the acceptance Mac yearns for.

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