Here’s Everything We Know About "Abbott Elementary" Season 3

    School is almost back in session!

    Jamie Spain
    by Jamie Spain

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Unless you're living under a rock, you've probably watched or at least heard of Abbott Elementary, the hilarious sitcom created by Quinta Brunson about a group of teachers at a poorly funded elementary school in Philadelphia.

    ABC

    After two entertaining seasons, and a bunch of awards (including three Golden Globes), there's no question as to why this show got picked up for a third season all the way back in January.

    ABC

    It's also been nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and won in three categories in 2022: Outstanding Casting for a Comedy, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. 

    In case you forgot, Season 2 ended with Gregory and Janine finally sharing their feelings with one another after two seasons of slow burn and will-they-won't-they.

    Gregory and Janine confessing they like each other in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    While they both revealed that they've liked one another for a long time, they've decided to stay friends since Janine is hoping to focus on her personal growth at this time. After her talk with Maurice, she made a decision to stay single and avoid hurting anyone else by getting into a relationship she's not ready for. This talk has been a long time coming, especially after the kiss they shared earlier in Season 2.

    Janine spent most of the season in a deep personal growth mindset, but still has a ways to go and will likely be doing more in Season 3.

    Quinta and Taraji in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    Throughout Season 2 she was able to make some new non-work-related friends, create a healthier relationship with her family, learn a bit more about who she is outside of her relationship with Tariq, and explore herself.

    Janine's not the only one. Ava has also been displaying *some* personal growth this past season, but beloved fans don't have to worry that she'll stop being her hilarious and antagonistic self.

    Ava in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    "We tried to dimensionalize Ava...but that’s not to say Ava’s all of a sudden gonna become traditionally great at her job, or that she’s going to become a self-sacrificing hero over time," says co-executive producer Patrick Schumacker in an interview with Decider. "I don’t know that that’s necessarily her arc."

    Gregory and Jacob developed their bromance even further when Gregory let him in on his secret attraction to Janine, and then about their kiss.

    Jacob and Gregory in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    To be fair, Jacob discovered both things without Gregory actually saying anything, but it still made their friendship stronger since Jacob was in on the secret. They even shared a heartfelt hug at the end of the Season 2 finale when Jacob stepped up to comfort him. Let's hope more of their friendship is built out in Season 3.

    Now that you're all caught up, here's what we know so far about Season 3:

    1. There’s likely gonna be 22 episodes.

    Quinta in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    2. The third season will follow a "larger overarching idea" that is "really interesting and [has] never been seen on TV before."

    Abbott Elementary School sign
    ABC

    According to co-executive producer Justin Halpern, each season of Abbott Elementary follows an overarching theme. For example, in Season 1, the theme is how the staff makes the best of working at a wildly underfunded school, while Season 2's theme is about the complexities of charter schools when they grapple with the possibility of Abbott Elementary becoming one. While it hasn't been revealed what exactly the theme for Season 3 is, it's apparently going to be something completely new to TV.

    3. It was renewed back in January 2023, but won't air anytime soon.

    Twitter: @quintabrunson
    You may have been hoping for a new season the second Season 2 ended, but unfortunately, we likely won't be getting new episodes at the start of the school year (or anytime soon). Due to the current writer's strike, the estimated release date hasn't been made public just yet.

    4. The writer's strike may affect Season 3 in a few different ways.

    Barbara in Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    Aside from delaying the release date, Schumacker mentioned that "in the event of a strike, [it] could affect the amount of episodes in the season." This means instead of 22 like planned, there may be a few less. 

    5. All of the main cast members will be returning for Season 3.

    Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Chris Perfetti
    ABC

    No need to worry about missing your favorite characters. Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Chris Perfetti will all be returning for Season 3. Hopefully, we'll also get some cool new guest stars or see some more of Janine's (or the rest of the cast's) family like in Season 2.

    6. It will air on ABC but be available to stream on Hulu the following day.

    Abbott School from Abbott Elementary
    ABC

    Rewatch some of your favorite episodes from Season 1 and 2 here while you wait. 

    7. We can probably expect some intense romantic tension between Janine and Gregory.

    Janine and Gregory from Abbot Elementary pose in front of a camera
    ABC

    You thought the past two seasons were bad? Just wait until these two have to interact every day with the knowledge that the other one likes them. Although they've revealed their true feelings in the Season 2 finale, because they've decided to just stay friends as Janine focuses on her personal growth, this season will probably be filled with longing glances, accidental touches, and intense moments. Let's just hope this is the season they finally get together.

    8. The teachers will be up to their usual shenanigans, but hopefully with a fun new twist.

    ABC

    We don't know much about what Season 3 will bring since we're still waiting on the release of a teaser or trailer, but we can bet that our favorite teachers will be up to the same shenanigans that they brought to Season 1 and 2 in both their home and work lives. 

    Are you counting down the days until Season 3 just like me? Let us know in the comments if you have any theories to share while we wait for the Season 3 trailer.

    Twitter: @quintabrunson