Is ‘Abbott Elementary’ On Tonight? Here’s When ‘Abbott Elementary’ Returns With New Episodes On ABC

Our dearly beloved Abbott Elementary has been on hiatus before, but some might say this wait for new episodes is the most agonizing yet. Why? Well when the hit ABC comedy returns it’s airing its highly-anticipated It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover event!

That’s right, folks! Two legendary Philly comedies are teaming up for what’s sure to be an epic, unforgettable night of television, and we’ve got the latest updates on what to expect from the big event.

So when does Abbott Elementary return with new episodes on ABC? How many episodes are in Abbott Elementary Season 4? And what do we know about the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover episode? Consider class in session, because you’re about to get schooled!

Here’s everything to know about Abbott Elementary‘s return date, what the It’s Always Sunny crossover episode has in store, and more.

Is Abbott Elementary On Tonight (12/25/24)?

Sadly, Abbott Elementary fans won’t be getting a new episode this Christmas. Instead, you can tune in to ABC to watch the Warriors and the Lakers face off in a holiday game at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 25.

When Does Abbott Elementary Return With New Episodes?

So when will Abbott Elementary be back? The series returns with new episodes on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

When Does Abbott Elementary‘s Crossover Episode With It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Air On ABC?

Like we said, when Abbott returns on January 8 at 8:30 p.m. ET, it returns with a bang in the form of its highly-anticipated It’s Always Sunny crossover episode. Curious what to expect from the big event? ABC recently shared an exclusive promo image and teaser trailer with Decider that offer some compelling insight into what’s in store for the It’s Always Sunny gang and Abbott’s staff.

Photo: Disney/Gilles Mingasson

What Will Abbott Elementary And It’s Always Sunny‘s Crossover Episode Be About?

Glad you asked! Per ABC, the crossover episode is titled “Volunteers” and the synopsis is as follows: “Ava announces the school district is sending a group of volunteers to help out at Abbott; however, when they arrive, things don’t go as planned.”

Decider’s exclusive promo image revealed a chalkboard at Abbott Elementary that reads “PADDY’S wuz hear!” which means Frank (Danny DeVito), Charlee (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson), Mac (Rob McElhenney), and Dennis (Glenn Howerton) are indeed headed to school, despite It’s Always Sunny fans having no idea how they’re legally allowed in one!

ABC also shared three dozen (!!!) stills from the episode on their press site, which show the gang in school and some intriguing scenarios. Charlie is talking to Barbara! Dee is chatting with Eddie! Mac is in Ava’s office! And So! Much! More!

Photo: Disney/Gilles Mingasson

As for what else awaits, ABC also shared an exclusive teaser trailer with Decider that doubles as a hilarious nod to Charlie’s famous “WHO IS PEPE SILVIA?” conspiracy theory board from It’s Always Sunny Season 4, Episode 10. Whether you’re a fan of the long-running sitcom or not, you’ve likely seen screenshots and memes of the scene online, which show a spiraling Day — cigarette in hand — as he makes his elaborate case.

The crossover teaser, located at the top of this artice, shows a new conspiracy board full of Easter eggs and clues and is narrated by Abbott’s janitor, Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).

“I know what’s going on. In fact, I’ve been praying that it wouldn’t breach our walls. No one’s getting past me. Behold,” Mr. Johnson says, while connecting some mysterious dots. “This is worse than I thought. We’re going to war. This is just the tip of the trash can. Let me tell you something, this is gonna end in chaos. Trust me.”

Abbott‘s Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob, recently teased that the two crews will be “pit against each other.” And we know that Charlie Day’s character has a “pretty significant storyline,” per Abbott executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker. After the gang visits Abbott, Janine and company will also be head over to Paddy’s to appear on an episode of It’s Always Sunny to keep the crossover fun going.

Photo: X/@RMcElhenney

How Many Episodes Are In Abbott Elementary Season 4?

As a result of delays and shifted schedules from the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Abbott Elementary Season 3 was an abbreviated 14-episode season, but fans will be happy to know that Season 4 is returning to the 22-episode model.

How To Watch Abbott Elementary Live On ABC:

Want to watch Abbott Elementary Season 4 episodes live? Of course you do! If you have a cable subscription that includes ABC, you can watch Abbott Elementary live by setting your TV to the proper channel a few minutes before new episodes air. You can also use your cable username and password to watch live ABC episodes live on ABC.com or with the ABC app. And if your cable package includes a DVR, you can always record live episodes for later viewing.

Don’t have cable? Don’t worry! There are other live viewing options, like live TV skinny bundles, which give you access to networks without cable. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV, all come with ABC. But if you don’t have cable or a live TV skinny bundle, you can stream episodes the following day on Hulu. Here’s how to watch Abbott Elementary online.

How To Watch Abbott Elementary On Hulu:

You’ll need to be a Hulu subscriber in order to watch Abbott Elementary Season 1 through Season 4 online now — or watch new episodes of Abbott Elementary the day after they air on ABC. The good news is you’ll have access to the episode with any version of the streaming service. The streamer’s least expensive ad-supported plan costs $7.99 a month (or $79.99 a year), while its ad-free option is $17.99 a month. If you choose to add Live TV to your plan you can select an ad-supported Hulu + Live TV now with Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle for $76.99 a month or go ad-free for $89.99 a month.