ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” Renewed for Season 5 After Record-Breaking Viewership

Class is officially in session for the fifth year! ABC has announced that its hit series Abbott Elementary has been renewed for a fifth season.

Currently airing its fourth season, the mockumentary-style sitcom continues to win over audiences and critics alike. Its winter premiere recently drew a viewership high of 8.05 million people, boosted by a crossover episode with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Episodes air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

The show stars Quinta Brunson as the optimistic and determined teacher Janine Teagues, alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie), Janelle James (Principal Ava Coleman), Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti), Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill), William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson), and Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard). Set in an underfunded Philadelphia elementary school, the series follows this group of dedicated educators, their unconventional principal, and a resourceful custodian as they navigate the challenges of public education while finding joy and humor in their work.

Shot in mockumentary format, Abbott Elementary channels the comedic legacy of The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family. Since its debut, the series has earned widespread acclaim, including four Emmy wins. Brunson and Ralph have both received acting honors, with Brunson also recognized for her writing.

The next episode of Season 4, titled “Strike,” tackles timely themes. According to the logline, “City buses have stopped running due to a strike, resulting in many students being absent from school. The teachers at Abbott try to find creative solutions and adapt to hybrid learning. Meanwhile, Gregory and O’Shon strike up a friendship.”

Abbott Elementary was created by Quinta Brunson, who also serves as executive producer alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions, Randall Einhorn, and Brian Rubenstein. The series is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.