Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom set in a marginalized Philadelphia public school. The show follows Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), a young, determined, and optimistic teacher. Janine and her coworkers, Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Anne Walter), and Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti), are thrown together in one of the worst public schools in the country. Its reputation speaks for itself — there is an unwritten expectation that young teachers will typically not remain in their teaching positions for more than a year. Abbott Elementary School is underfunded, its students range drastically in academic ability, and its leadership is, at best, inconsistent. Despite this, the teachers are invigorated with a fiery passion for their students.
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Season one of Abbott Elementary saw the growth of Janine Teagues alongside her coworkers. She and Jacob Hill, the youngest teachers on the staff, were thrust into the school year without the necessary supplies, training, or support. Gregory Eddie, a substitute-turned-hired teacher, later joins them in their endeavor for success. They all fought for and earned the approval of their mentors, Mrs. Howard and Ms. Schemmenti. The teachers eventually enter into a reciprocal relationship with eccentric Principal Coleman, navigating a complicated, bureaucratic school administration. United at last, Abbott Elementary staff embrace the school year, one full of hilarious, heartfelt, and heavy moments that mirror real-life public education.
Abbott Elementary recently set records at the 2022 Emmy Awards. The show garnered seven nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series. The show won Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series. What’s more, Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations for a comedy in the same year, the youngest Black woman to receive a nomination for the comedy acting category, and the second Black woman to win an Emmy for Best Writing in a Comedy.
In addition to Brunson’s historic win, Sheryl Lee Ralph won an Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. In doing so, Ralph became the second Black woman in history to win in that category behind Jackée Harry’s 1987 win for 227.
As the show returns this fall, here’s what to expect for season two.
Season 2: The Plot
ABC
There has not been an official announcement about the plot of season two. It will likely continue the stories developed in season one: the teachers confronting the everyday realities of public school education, Mr. Eddie flourishing as a teacher now that he has fully committed, and most notably, Janine thriving in this new stage of her life.
Related: Abbott Elementary Cast: Other Roles You’ve Seen the Actor’s Play
In an Elle interview following the season one finale, Quinta Brunson and the cast detailed their aspirations for season two.
“Brunson wants to take more field trips, literally and figuratively, outside of the Abbott Elementary halls; Ralph wants Barbara to start a choir in the vein of Sister Act 2; Walter wants the crew to travel to a teaching convention, except “they can’t afford an expensive one, so it’s, like, Atlantic City.” Williams hopes for more will-they, won’t-they romance from Gregory and Janine: “[Gregory’s] got to grow a lot before he’s ready for a relationship, period, let alone with Janine. However, we can see, from the outside point of view, how if they do the work, they could really have something special.”
There is a wealth of unanswered questions and unfinished plots from season one that we are likely to see in season two. Will Janine and Gregory finally get together? What’s the plan for keeping Superintendent Collins off of Ava’s back? How is the relationship between Mrs. Howard and her daughter, Taylor? Is Taylor still having a fling with Gregory? How is Janine handling her breakup with her long-time boyfriend, Tariq?
Season 2: The Cast
ABC
Every lead actor will be returning for season two, including Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Janelle James as Principal Ava Coleman, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard, and William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, the school’s janitor.
Related: 5 Shows Like Abbott Elementary to Watch Next
Similar to season one, the upcoming season of Abbott Elementary is likely to have celebrity guest roles and minor cameos.
Release Date
Season two of Abbott Elementary will premiere on ABC on September 21st, 2022, at 9 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available on Hulu and HBO Max the following day.
Abbott Elementary Helps Teachers
ABC
Brunson and the production team behind Abbott Elementary made a collaborative decision to donate part of the allocated promotional budget for the 2022 Emmy Awards. Quinta stated that she felt comfortable and confident in the show’s success thus far. Since the ratings were good, the reviews were glowing, and in her opinion, the money could be better used elsewhere. In an NPR interview with Terry Gross, Quinta explained the team’s decision.
“We chose to put the marketing money toward supplies for teachers. It’s about being able to make those kinds of decisions that really excite me, things that can really materially help people.”
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