WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17, episode 1!

The highly anticipated second part of the crossover event between Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has finally premiered, showcasing some dramatic shifts from the typical tone of the ABC sitcom. The first episode aired in January and was part of the PG-rated sitcom’s fourth season, while the eagerly awaited second installment, which explores the crossover from the viewpoint of the It’s Always Sunny characters, made its debut on July 9 as the season 17 premiere of the MA-rated series.

In It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17, episode 1, titled “The Gang F***s Up Abbott Elementary,” viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes footage that reveals the gang’s mischievous behavior, including Frank’s antics of stealing copper wiring. This darker portrayal of the gang’s shenanigans is complemented by the Sunny’s TV-MA rating, which grants more leeway for profanity and mature themes, allowing for a level of irreverence and humor not seen in the ABC sitcom.

Janine’s Unforgettable and Profane Insult to Dee in It’s Always Sunny’s Second Crossover Episode

Janine’s Strong Language Surprised Everyone Beyond Expectations

Highlighting the stark contrast in content restrictions between PG and MA-rated television, audiences finally witness Abbott Elementary’s central characters unleash remarkably strong language, revealing a much darker side of their personalities that is rarely seen on the ABC network. This includes Janine, who is known for her family-friendly demeanor and typically avoids using profanity; however, she delivers the most shocking expletives of the entire Always Sunny episode.

In a talking-head segment featuring the new couple Janine and Gregory, after reviewing the footage of Dee attempting to “steal” Gregory, Janine initially struggles to voice her frustration. With Gregory’s encouragement, she warns the crew that her temper may lead her to call Kaitlin Olson’s character an expletive. However, what Janine ultimately verbalizes is much more shocking, as she boldly refers to Dee as a “total f*ing ct.”

Gregory’s stunned reaction to Janine’s outrageous insult mirrors the audience’s shock, as such intense language seemed unfathomable for Quinta Brunson’s character in Abbott Elementary. Viewers at home, along with Gregory, expected Janine to use a milder term like “b***h,” but she took it to an entirely unprecedented level, with no censorship applied.

Fans of It’s Always Sunny are accustomed to hearing such explicit language from the main characters, including Dee, Dennis, Charlie, Frank, and Mac. However, casual viewers of Abbott Elementary, who may have tuned in solely to watch the crossover event, were in for a significant shock regarding their favorite sitcom characters.

It’s Always Sunny’s Unique Take on the Crossover Episode Reveals Abbott Elementary’s Characters in a Light That May Never Be Seen Again

Abbott Elementary’s Characters Are Bound to PG Restrictions Once More

Given that Abbott Elementary is categorized as a TV-PG show, such strong language is unlikely to be heard again from Quinta Brunson’s Janine or any of the main characters unless they make another appearance in It’s Always Sunny or a similar TV-MA series. The teachers depicted in Abbott Elementary are mature adults residing in Philadelphia, and while they share some similarities with It’s Always Sunny’s wild gang, their on-screen behavior is generally much more subdued.

In the season 17 premiere of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, viewers witness a darker, less restrained side of the elementary school characters. Ironically, the gang is portrayed in a more subdued manner in the second part of the crossover episode compared to their typical edgy, boundary-pushing personas.

This crossover event offers a unique opportunity to explore dimensions of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Abbott Elementary’s characters that may not be revisited in future episodes, unless another crossover is planned down the line.

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  Abbott Elementary
  

  

  9/10

  Release Date

  
  December 7, 2021
  

  Showrunner

  
  Quinta Brunson
  

  Writers

  
  Quinta Brunson
  

  • 

    Quinta Brunson

    Janine Teagues

  • 

    Tyler James Williams

    Gregory Eddie

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  It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
  

  

  10/10

  Release Date

  
  August 4, 2005
  

  Showrunner

  
  Rob McElhenney
  

  Directors

  
  Matt Shakman, Fred Savage, Daniel Attias, Randall Einhorn, Richie Keen, Todd Biermann
  

  Writers

  
  Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, David Hornsby
  

  • 

    Charlie Day

    Charlie Kelly

  • 

    Glenn Howerton

    Dennis Reynolds