“Saying words I can’t say”: Quinta Brunson on Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny crossover

Crossovers have been known to be fun, cringey, or utterly disastrous — but this one? It's making fans go wild! During a recent interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson spoke of an unexpected connection with Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a series that's become a cult for its unapologetic humor.

The combination may sound strange initially, but it turns out that there is more convergence than you would imagine between a warmhearted school sitcom and one of television's most over-the-top sitcoms.

Following an interview with host Jimmy Kimmel that included discussion of Brunson's meeting Jill Biden at the Super Bowl and her encounter with Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special, the subject of the crossover came up. Brunson characterized the Always Sunny portion of the crossover as explaining how Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny — a series she's had much respect for — affected the way she interprets comedy.

As per Collider, she explained,

"It was fun! It was fun seeing what Janine, the character I play on the show, what she sounds like when she's saying words I can't say on this program."

This highlights the artistic liberty that Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny represents. Although Abbott Elementary is still anchored in its network television constraints, the notion of taking cues from the Always Sunny franchise isn't an afterthought. It has already manifested itself in the guise of a small but significant crossover that viewers might not have even known was occurring.

Here's the interview for your reference:

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The crossover you may have missed

The tie-in between Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia was evident when Charlie Day, who plays Charlie Kelly on Always Sunny, guest-starred as a voiceover on Abbott Elementary. His appearance wasn't center stage, but it was intentional. Day played a voiceover for a radio DJ on an episode, which was a subtle nod to the long-running Philly-set sitcom. For viewers familiar with both shows, the subtle crossover felt like an inside joke made just for them.

Brunson went on to explain that casting the inclusion of Day was an artistic decision born out of her tremendous love for Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny. She said she has talked about how the show can push boundaries in ways she just can't on network TV, and how that confidence makes its way into her writing. The tone of the two shows couldn't be different, but the admiration between the creators is deep.

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Why this crossover matters

This isn't merely about a cameo. It is about two vastly different versions of Philadelphia comedy finally nodding at one another. Abbott Elementary offers a realistic, slice-of-life take on school life, while Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny revels in chaos and absurdity. The crossover is a shared cultural thread, and for the fans of Philly-themed comedy, it is an unusual moment of convergence.

The low-key option also demonstrates the tone of both programs. Abbott Elementary generally is not based on the use of celebrity cameos or over-the-top gimmicks. And Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny — while notorious for crossing the line — has frequently embraced quiet winks in the way it pays homage. Such a crossover preserves the sensibilities of both brands without pushing too far.

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Brunson's take on comedy limits

Quinta Brunson has spoken candidly about the disparity between writing for network TV and cable or streaming. She spoke about how Abbott Elementary’s Always Sunny encourages her to push more creative boundaries, even if they don't pass the censors. The statement, "saying words I can't say," sums up her appreciation. It also illustrates the limits she operates within — and how she artfully pushes against them without going over the line.

Her words point to a larger problem with TV writing: How platform and format determine what writers can and cannot say. Brunson's admiration for Always Sunny is based on its power to say the unsayable, and yet her own show is effective without resorting to shock value.

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What's next for Abbott and Philly-based comedy?

Although there's no official word on a full-fledged crossover episode, Brunson has not eliminated further collaborations or Easter eggs with the Always Sunny cast or creative team. Whether in the form of subtle voiceovers or behind-the-scenes influence, it is evident there is a developing overlap for the two fan bases. And for Philadelphia-set shows, this crossover moment only adds to the city's comedic heritage on television.

This moment, however brief, is laying the groundwork for more genre-twisting to come. It won't be showy, but it will be meaningful for the people taking notice. In a landscape where television continues to evolve, moments like these serve as a reminder that creativity prefers to blossom in understated, unexpected ways.

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