Being a teacher is tough enough without dodging flying produce. The new teaser for the fifth season of Abbott Elementary shows our favorite Philly educators literally under fire as a student pelts them with apples.
The Season 5 sneak peek finds each teacher handling the chaos in character: Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) turns to prayer, Ava (Janelle James) snatches an apple midair with a fierce “Oh, hell no!,” and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) grabs a baseball bat, taking a swing at the incoming fruit. The bat proves especially fitting as the new season will feature a special crossover with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last season saw Janine (Quinta Brunson) and the gang fight their way through a bribery scandal and ultimately restore Ava as principal. This year, though, the stakes shift. Alongside the Phillies storyline—which Brunson revealed will play out in the third or fourth episode—the season promises a big arc for Barbara, a Halloween installment, and what Brunson has teased as a “game-changer” Christmas episode.
The Emmy-winning comedy also isn’t shying away from real-life struggles that educators face. Brunson told Entertainment Weekly that Season 5 will dive deeper into the realities of teaching, from staff shortages and teacher turnover to the physical challenges of working in an aging building.
The Phillies crossover came together after MLB Studios, big fans of the series, reached out to Warner Bros. and the Phillies. Their collaboration resulted in a special bottle episode filmed on location at Citizens Bank Park, with full access to the field and mascot Phillie Phanatic. Just last month, the cast was spotted filming at a live Phillies game—one that ended in a memorable 19–4 win over the Braves.
Abbott Elementary Season 5 premieres October 1 on ABC, continuing its tradition of blending heartfelt comedy, timely commentary, and plenty of Philly pride.