Abbott Elementary is presented in a mockumentary format similar to one of The Office and Modern Family, and follows a documentary crew recording the lives of teachers working in underfunded schools including the fictional Willard R. Abbott Elementary School, a predominantly Black Philadelphia public school.
Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, a second-grade teacher at Abbott and hopes to improve the lives of her students by making the best of the poor situation the school district makes teachers work in. She currently dates Gregory.
Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, a first-grade teacher who was initially hired as a substitute replacement, and who is dating Janine.
Janelle James as Ava Coleman, the school's tone-deaf principal who consistently bullies Janine and gives the staff reasons to believe she is poor at her job; a job in which she received after blackmailing the superintendent.
Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, a second-grade teacher at Abbott who has questionable connections with the Philly locals, but uses them to help the school.
Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, an eighth-grade history teacher who tries his best to help Janine with her plans to improve Abbott.
Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard, a religious kindergarten teacher, adamant about keeping with tradition, and a mother-figure whom Janine looks up to.
Guest
Jerry Minor as Joseph Morton, a colleague of Jacob whom he shares a complicated relationship with.
George Sharperson as Wendell, a custodian at Abbott.
Luke Tennie as Dominic Clark, a new fourth-grade teacher at Abbott who is a former student of Barbara, now working alongside her.
Mikey Day as Craig, a district worker sent to help Abbott with team building exercises.
Taylor Garron as Tasha Hoffman, a teacher who dislikes Janine.
Zack Fox as Tariq Temple, Janine's ex-boyfriend who is now the president of the PTA.
Marcella Arguello as Elena Alomar, a new school counselor responsible for many schools.
Confirmed to appear
Matthew Law as O'Shon, an IT worker who is dating Ava.
During Development Day, the district implements mandatory team building exercises for the staff at Abbott. A gas leak forces everyone outside. A new teacher, Dominic, was once one of Barbara's students and she is delighted. Janine struggles with her place now that she isn't a new teacher. Jacob and Mr. Morton prepare Melissa for teaching sixth graders. Gregory teaches Mr. Johnson how to ride a bike. After fixing the gas leak, the repairman tells Ava the school building has several other problems.
Melissa is confident in teaching the sixth graders. However, her confidence is tested when Gregory informs her that the students are cheating. Tariq's girlfriend's son is now in Janine's class. Meanwhile, a new counselor arrives to the school and Barbara and Jacob take unnecessary advantage of her presence.
Abbott Elementary was renewed for a fifth season on January 21, 2025, while still airing the fourth season.[8] Alongside the announcement, the main cast, including executive producer and creator Quinta Brunson, was confirmed to return.[9]
Filming for the fifth season began on August 6, 2025.[10] An episode of the season was filmed at a live Philadelphia Phillies baseball game, with the entire cast and crew in attendance.[11] In an addition to a special episode with the Phillies, the season will also feature the return of holiday episodes, specifically those for Halloween and Christmas.[12] A major plot line throughout the season is set to follow Barbara Howard, a character who is portrayed by Sheryl Lee Ralph.[13]
Like the previous seasons, the fifth season of Abbott Elementary features many supporting actors. Including Jerry Minor, Matthew Law, Zack Fox and Jaboukie Young-White, who all return from appearing in previous seasons.[14][15] In September 2025, Luke Tennie was announced to recur during the season as Dominic, a new teacher who was in the classroom of Barbara Howard as a young student.[16]
Reception
Ratings
The season is set to premiere on October 1, 2025, shelved between Shifting Gears and The Golden Bachelor. The series moved to its new time slot of Wednesday nights at 8:30p.m. ET/PT.[13]
Viewership and ratings per episode of Abbott Elementary season 5
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