Unveiling the Exciting Buzz and New Twists of ABC’s ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 3!
'Abbott Elementary' season 3 follows the dynamic journey of Janine and Gregory as they navigate their evolving friendship amidst their undeniable feelings Get ready for renewed excitement as returning cast members and a compelling storyline promise to captivate viewers once again
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Several characters at Abbott Elementary find themselves at a crucial juncture in season 3. However, the show has encountered additional hurdles behind the scenes, adding to the challenges.
In the season 2 finale, broadcasted in April 2023, the spotlight was on Janine (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) as they finally confronted their emotions for each other. Although fans eagerly anticipated their romantic union, the pair opted to maintain their friendship. Janine candidly acknowledged her need to focus on herself rather than her love life.
Viewers were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of the story, after a surprising decision was made. In the same month, coshowrunner Justin Halpern hinted that the writers room had mapped out the third season. Halpern explained that the second season explored the topic of charter schools and the challenges they face, while the first season focused on the struggles of being underfunded. He further revealed that there is an intriguing and unique overarching idea for season 3 that has never been seen on television before.
Following unsuccessful contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the Writers Guild of America (WGA) began a strike one month later. SAG-AFTRA later joined the picket line in July 2023 due to their own labor dispute with the AMPTP. However, in September, the WGA and AMPTP reached a three-year contract agreement, resulting in the resumption of production for season 3 in the Abbott Elementary writers room. Unfortunately, negotiations between the actors' union and the AMPTP hit a roadblock in October 2023, preventing the agreement of a new deal.
Scroll down for everything to know about season 3 of Abbott Elementary — including how the dual strikes affected the episodes:
Has ‘Abbott Elementary’ Been Renewed for Season 3?
ABC/Gilles Mingasson
In January 2023, ABC announced the renewal of Abbott Elementary for its third season. The commencement of production and writing, originally slated for four months later, was postponed due to the WGA strike followed by the subsequent SAG strike.
Who Is Returning for Season 3?
Joining Brunson, the mastermind and lead of Abbott Elementary, are the returning cast members Williams, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walters, and William Stanford Davis. As for the guest stars, their identities are yet to be revealed. However, previous seasons have introduced compelling characters like Janine’s sister Ayesha (Ayo Edebiri), Janine’s mother Venetta (Taraji P. Henson), Jacob’s boyfriend Zach (Larry Owens), and Melissa’s sister Kristin Marie (Lauren Weedman).
When Would ‘Abbott Elementary’ Return With New Episodes?
ABC/Gilles Mingasson
In October 2023, Brunson stated to Deadline that the AMPTP's delayed response to the WGA's call for fair compensation contributed to a decrease in the number of episodes.
"Why should we accept losing half a season, half a year? Our season will still align with the school calendar. However, unlike last year, when we premiered in September along with the start of school, we won't be doing that this year," she clarified. "Returning to this show is not akin to visiting a family sitcom where you can drop in on any episode. It's more about capturing the happenings within the school."
Brunson remarked that the previous season involved producing, writing, and starring in 22 episodes, which was an arduous task. Hence, he expressed his satisfaction with the shorter season, as it provided relief from the fatigue and exhaustion.
Where Did the Story Leave Off — and Will There Be a Time Jump?
Season 2 concluded with Janine opting out of a romantic involvement with Gregory and getting ready for her summer vacation. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the anticipated return of the show in September 2023 will be delayed, thereby altering the timeline and no longer coinciding with the start of the school year.
What Is the Vision for Season 3?
ABC/Eric Liebowitz
Brunson teased to Deadline that discussing the plan for season 3 helps them begin assembling episodes. They delve into their overall storyline, the narratives they aim to explore, and the quest for special, one-of-a-kind, humorous tales that align with that storyline. "It felt inspiring," Brunson added, "to construct something that is grounded yet simultaneously grand enough to entice viewers for the premiere."
Where Is Janine’s Story Heading?
Before production on season 3 was delayed, Brunson shared her original hopes for Janine.
"Especially Janine, at the end of this growth journey we've taken her on this season, I wanted her to have the freedom to make a decision that she genuinely believed was in her best interest, after discovering new insights about herself," stated the screenwriter in an interview with TV Line in July 2022. "It's really about their personal development. Both Janine and him are evolving. We aimed for that path of maturity to continue for them as individuals. I'm hoping to witness a little more individual growth in these characters, so we can discover where they ultimately end up."
Will ‘Abbott Elementary’ Continue to Focus on Janine and Gregory’s Love Story?
Brunson explained to TV Line that rather than focusing on dating, the show revolves around the school and its students. Janine and Gregory, therefore, are not the central storyline of Abbott. It feels satisfying to portray their relationship as tumultuous in the background as it accurately reflects the ups and downs of dating.
