The staff of Abbott Elementary has survived breakups, firings, and even a chaotic crossover with the It’s Always Sunny crew. But this school year, it’s not heartbreak that threatens to break them—it’s the crumbling ceiling in the teachers’ lounge.
ABC has dropped the official season 5 trailer, and Philly’s favorite underfunded school is back in session with big changes in store. Janine (Quinta Brunson) is stepping into her toughest challenge yet: teaching 40 second-graders. Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) moves up to middle school, Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) reunites with a former student who’s now a colleague, and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) takes on the surprisingly difficult task of teaching Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis) how to ride a bike. Oh, and yes—that really is Mikey Day popping up in the halls of Abbott.
Janine Faces Her Biggest Test Yet
While Ava (Janelle James) jokes that 40 kids might finally break Janine, the series hints at deeper growth for the eternally optimistic teacher. The storyline echoes Melissa’s overcrowded classroom from season 2, but unlike Melissa—who had to juggle two different grade levels—Janine’s challenge is wrangling one very large group of second graders. It’s an opportunity to showcase how far she’s come as a teacher, relying on structure, creativity, and resilience to prove she can handle the chaos.
New Faces at Abbott
Season 5 introduces Luke Tennie (Shrinking) as Dominic, a new teacher making his debut in the October 1 premiere. He joins the Emmy-winning ensemble alongside Brunson, Williams, James, Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti (Jacob), and Davis. Ava’s boyfriend O’Shon (Matthew Law) will also return, keeping things unpredictable in the principal’s office.
A Philly Field Trip Like No Other
For the first time, Abbott Elementary filmed an episode at a live Philadelphia Phillies game. The cast hit Citizens Bank Park for a special bottle episode that promises laughs, local pride, and a cameo from the Phillie Phanatic. It’s a love letter to the city that has always been at the heart of the show.
Romance, Chaos, and a Game-Changer Ahead
Brunson has teased “more relationship milestones” for Janine and Gregory as they navigate life as a couple. Fans will also get fresh character pairings, new teachers shaking up Abbott’s dynamics, and even a “really major” storyline that Brunson hints could change everything for the school. Add in another epic Christmas episode and Ava’s never-ending chaos, and season 5 looks like the show’s most ambitious yet.
When and Where to Watch
Abbott Elementary season 5 premieres Wednesday, October 1 at 8:30/7:30c on ABC, followed by The Golden Bachelor and Shark Tank. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
In the words of Quinta Brunson herself: Go, Birds!