Major Changes in Store for Janine Teagues in Season 3 Premiere of Abbott Elementary
The highly anticipated third season premiere of the hit ABC sitcom, Abbott Elementary, brought major changes for the show’s lead character, Janine Teagues. Played by series creator and Emmy Award-winning actress Quinta Brunson, Janine finds herself stepping outside of the classroom and into the school district. This shift in setting promises to explore a new world of bureaucracy and challenges for Janine.
“We’re focusing a lot on the district [this season],” co-showrunner Patrick Schumacker reveals in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re going to start to explore that world … and Janine is going to see what that type of bureaucracy is in counterpoint to the bureaucracy that she has to deal with at Abbott.”
The one-hour season three premiere, which aired on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET, sets up this new plotline. The episode sees the return of series regulars Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis. It also introduces guest stars Josh Segarra, Kimia Behpoornia, and Benjamin Norris as district members who entice Janine to participate in their fellowship program.
However, Janine quickly realizes that the grass may not be greener on the other side. Her decision to join the district temporarily creates more ambiguity between her and Gregory (played by Tyler James Williams) after they shared a kiss in season two. Additionally, her suggestion of introducing a career day at Abbott Elementary goes awry when Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts unexpectedly shows up. Janine learns that even the best-laid plans can go wrong.
In an interview with THR, series co-showrunners Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker discuss various aspects of the show and its new season. They reveal that the decision to have a one-hour premiere was driven by the creative needs of the story. While logistically challenging, they felt it was necessary to properly set up the new season.
When asked about approaching the third season of a well-received show, Schumacker explains that they had conceptual discussions with the staff early on. The focus on the district was always part of the plan, but the writers had to adjust their timeline due to the strike. This led to a time jump and the introduction of a stolen equipment storyline.
The writers also discuss the impact of the recent WGA strike and how the new contracts provide more financial security for the show’s staff. They believe that this security will free up creativity and allow the writers to focus on other aspects of the show.
One of the highlights of the season three premiere is a cameo appearance by Jalen Hurts and his teammates, Jason Kelce and Brandon Graham. Halpern reveals that Hurts expressed interest in being on the show during season two. They incorporated him into the career day episode, adding an exciting element to the premiere.
Abbott Elementary has become a popular destination for guest stars, with many actors expressing interest in appearing on the show. However, the co-showrunners emphasize that they only consider guest stars who fit organically into the show’s documentary-style format. They want to maintain the authenticity of the show while still providing exciting guest appearances.
The season three premiere also introduces new guest stars Josh Segarra, Kimia Behpoornia, and Benjamin Norris. Their characters play a crucial role in enticing Janine to join the district and explore new opportunities.
As for Janine’s romantic storyline with Gregory, Halpern explains that they prioritize staying true to the characters’ arcs. While they won’t force a romantic relationship if it doesn’t feel natural, they also won’t dismiss it if it aligns with the characters’ development.
In a broader context, Abbott Elementary stands as a testament to the success and value of shows with majority Black casts. Halpern hopes that the show’s success will debunk the fallacy that such shows can’t be profitable or appeal to a wide audience. He believes that the industry should recognize the potential of diverse storytelling and move away from copycat formulas.
Abbott Elementary continues to air new episodes on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. With its engaging characters, compelling storylines, and exploration of educational bureaucracy, the show promises an exciting and thought-provoking third season.