The fourth season of ABC's school-centric comedy was probably one of the best, if not the best, season of the series so far! There was character development for many of our favorite teachers (and principal), plot twists, Janine and Gregory's relationship finally flourished, and so much more. That's why we're looking forward to Abbott Elementary season 5, and also wondering whether the whole cast is coming back.
A show entering its fifth season is no easy feat, even for a sitcom. Though we know this one is amazing and will hopefully still continue to go on for plenty more seasons! ABC announced the renewal of Abbott back in January 2025, and the comedy will be a part of the network's 2025-2026 schedule. Though not confirmed yet, the new season is expected to air in fall 2025. So will we see everyone reprise their roles?
All the main cast members are coming back in Abbott Elementary season 5
With Ava's firing and then subsequent return in season 4, this has kind of made us all nervous for the cast and characters and whether anyone is leaving. I mean, Ava and actress Janelle James never left. But, you never know. Thankfully, Janine actress and creator of the series, Quinta Brunson, confirmed to Extra that "of course, yes!" All of the main cast members are returning. Phew!
Other than Brunson and James, that of course also means the return of Tyler James Williams as Gregory, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa, Chris Perfetti as Jacob, and William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson. Now us fans can go in rest assured that all of our faves will be back in Abbott Elementary season 5. I do hope, and assume, some of the familiar faces we've gotten used to now like Tariq and O'Shon will also continue to pop up. Fingers crossed!
The biggest plot point that happened at the end of the fourth season is the big step in Janine and Gregory's relationship, and that was her meeting her boyfriend's strict father. Though Janine being Janine is able to bring that playful side of him back out, just the way Gregory's mother used to. And it was really sweet to see. Ava also gets back to work at the school and she and O'Shon are still progressing in their relationship nicely.
We weren't really left with any major cliffhangers, which is great after the roller coaster ride of the final few episodes with the storyline of Ava getting fired! Though there are some things I think we can speculate will be a part of next season's story. I really do think that the writers are going to explore Gregory potentially leaving Abbott to become a principal at a nearby school.
This will definitely change up the dynamics not only between the teachers who have become close friends, but Janine and Gregory not being able to see each other at work everyday too. Though honestly, he deserves it and I do hope that's where his storyline goes next.
There's also the curiously entertaining Mr. Johnson who I hope we learn a bit more about! Though that mystery around him is what makes him so interesting, we just want a few more nuggets here and there, please. If you can't wait to see the Abbott staff until the likely fall 2025 premiere date, be sure to catch them on the second part of the Abbott Elementary and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover episode when the FX series premieres July 9, 2025. It's not too far away now!
Stay tuned to GeekSided as we bring you updates about Abbott Elementary season 5 on ABC.