Quinta Brunson considers the future of Abbott Elementary as cast eyes new opportunities

As Abbott Elementary heads into its fifth season, creator and star Quinta Brunson reflects on the show’s remarkable success—and whether its future may soon pivot to make space for other creative pursuits. In a candid new interview, she acknowledges the growing ambitions of her cast and hints at what might come next for her career beyond the classroom walls.

Navigating success with an eye on what’s next

Quinta Brunson is well aware of what a rare feat it is to have a network comedy survive, and thrive, for five seasons. Speaking in a June 30 cover story for Bustle, the Emmy-winning writer and actress reflected on the journey of Abbott Elementary, the beloved mockumentary-style sitcom that she created, showruns, and leads as optimistic second-grade teacher Janine Teagues.

“We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans,” Brunson said. While her tone is one of gratitude, she was honest about the pressures that come with sustaining a show of this scale—especially one that films seven months out of the year. That production schedule, she admits, can make it challenging for her cast to pursue other creative ventures.

“I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects,” she shared. “That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.”While she hasn’t set a definitive timeline for Abbott’s conclusion, the thought of an endpoint has crossed her mind. Not as a sign of fatigue, but as a recognition that success can—and should—serve as a launching pad for new opportunities.

A creator with range and ambition

For Brunson, who began her career producing viral skits and rose to industry stardom with Abbott, the success of the show has created a new chapter in her creative life. She’s now not just a performer and writer, but also a tastemaker with the platform and influence to uplift others.

“Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground,” she told Bustle. She’s currently reading scripts and waiting for that next story to spark inspiration—one that might lead her to play against type.

“I’m always interested in playing against type,” she said. “Right now my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit.”Brunson’s desire to step into more diverse roles is a natural evolution for an artist who has already rewritten what success can look like in broadcast television. She has shown that sharp, character-driven storytelling with diverse casts can both win critical acclaim and build devoted audiences—proof that there’s a hunger for more voices and perspectives in prime-time TV.

Still a lot of love for Abbott

Despite murmurs of possible changes ahead, the Abbott Elementary team remains committed to season five, which was officially renewed in January 2025. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, new episodes are expected to follow the show’s traditional fall or winter debut—coinciding with the school year.

The main cast is expected to return, including Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis, alongside Brunson. And if their past comments are any indication, the ensemble is still deeply invested in the project. In a February 2024 interview, Chris Perfetti, who plays the earnest and eccentric Jacob Hill, shared his ongoing attachment to the show. “It is a real gift to be able to play a character for as long as I’ve been able to be Jacob, and these people are my family now,” he said. “There was a connection from the get-go.”

That familial bond seems to extend beyond the screen. Lisa Ann Walter, who plays the brash-yet-lovable Melissa Schemmenti, joked in an October 2024 interview about receiving modest pay bumps before the fourth season—“Yes, we got a little more money in there and all the Hot Pockets we could eat,” she teased—showing the cast’s camaraderie remains intact.

A possible evolution, not a goodbye

While Brunson’s recent remarks have prompted speculation about Abbott Elementary’s future beyond season five, nothing is confirmed. If anything, her reflections point more toward evolution than finality—a desire to balance ongoing success with room to grow as an artist and to make space for others.

In an era where network sitcoms are increasingly rare and short-lived, Abbott Elementary stands as both an exception and a triumph. It’s proof that fresh, heartfelt storytelling rooted in community can still resonate at scale. And whether the show continues for many more seasons or prepares for a graceful exit, Quinta Brunson seems determined to make every chapter matter.

As she continues to shape the cultural conversation—whether as Janine Teagues or beyond—there’s little doubt that her next act will be as meaningful as the one we’re still lucky enough to watch unfold.