Now that Abbott Elementary has been confirmed for a season 2, it's time for a guide to the cast, potential storylines, and any other info and updates related to the upcoming season of the ABC comedy. Abbott Elementary season 1 was a massive hit, becoming the first ABC comedy to quadruple its ratings in the days since its debut (via TV Insider). Abbott Elementary was created by comedian Quinta Brunson, previously known for her online content for Buzzfeed and Instagram as well as a co-starring role in the first season of the HBO sketch comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show. Abbott Elementary is inspired by the experiences of her mother and coworkers, who taught at the same Philadelphia public school Brunson grew up attending.
Abbott Elementary focuses on the lives of teachers (and one hilariously out-of-touch principal) who work together in an inner-city Philadelphia public school. The main character is Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), an optimistic second-grade teacher who is passionate about her job and wants to bond with her fellow colleagues: Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams), who comes to Abbott as a substitute teacher but wants to be a principal, Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), a snarky fellow second-grade teacher, Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), an older kindergarten teacher that Janine looks up to, and Jacob (Chris Perfetti), a nerdy history teacher who shares Janine's optimism. Abbott Elementary, a workplace sitcom and mockumentary, also follows Ava Coleman (Janelle James), Abbott's inept principal with a vibrant personality.
Abbott Elementary season 1 received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, with an impressive 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, the series was also highly popular with audiences, earning the highest ratings for an ABC comedy since the Modern Family series finale, which bodes well for an Abbott Elementary season 2. Thankfully, ABC renewed the show, so audiences can be assured that more shenanigans featuring the Abbott Elementary characters are on the way. Here's what's known about Abbott Elementary season 2's cast, story, and release date.
Abbott Elementary Season 2 Renewal
ABC renewed Abbott Elementary for a second season on March 14, 2022. The announcement, presented as an in-universe social media post from Ava, came a week before Abbott Elementary episode 10, "Open House." Abbott Elementary's organically-growing fanbase and the positive critical buzz made a season 2 renewal inevitable.
Abbott Elementary Season 2 Cast: Who Will Return?
It's safe to say that Abbott Elementary's diverse cast will feature plenty of returning members. Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti, and Janelle James are sure to return for Abbott Elementary season 2. It's probable that William Stanford Davis will be back as Mr. Johnson, the quirky custodian, as well as Reggie Hayes, who plays school superintendent Denzel Collins. Larry Owens could come back as Jacob's boyfriend, Zach, and Iyana Halley, who plays Barbara's daughter, Taylor, could reappear as well. The one cast member who is unclear is Zach Fox, who plays Janine's boyfriend, since the couple decided to take a break. However, Fox could still appear again in some capacity.
Abbott Elementary Season 2 Story: What Season 1's Ending Set Up
Abbott Elementary's season 1 ending, which featured the Abbott teachers taking the kids on a field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, sets up a few plot points. Quinta Brunson has teased (via EW) potential storylines for Abbott Elementary season 2 based on how the first season ended, saying that Abbott Elementary season 2 would show Janine navigating life as a single woman in her 20s. The next season would also touch more upon Barbara now that she's decided to delay her retirement from teaching, follow Melissa as she explores her new relationship, and see Jacob–as well as the other teachers–learn and grow as educators. Abbott Elementary season 2 will probably also follow Gregory's relationship with Taylor, which was confirmed in the Abbott Elementary season 1 finale.
Abbott Elementary Season 2 Release Date Prediction
A release date for Abbott Elementary season 2 is currently unknown. Quinta Brunson has revealed (via Twitter) that she has started writing the first script for Abbott Elementary season 2. Abbott Elementary season 1 was filmed from August to November of 2021 and premiered on December 7, 2021, so it's possible that Abbott Elementary season 2 could have a winter 2022 premiere.