School is almost back in session for Abbott Elementary! On October 1, Quinta Brunson’s beloved ABC comedy will return for its fifth season, and with a new year comes a slew of new challenges and, of course, plenty of laughter. But before the bell rings, there is plenty to remember from Season 4, as it was one of the series’ most jam-packed years thanks to various threats, relationship shake-ups, and even a twist for one of the school’s most important characters. Of course, trying to rewatch the entire season before the new year begins may be reminiscent of cramming for an all-important test, but, luckily, we’re is here to help you study.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 4 Began With a Slew of Change
When Abbott Elementary’s third season came to an end, there was quite a bit of speculation brewing around its next chapter. The season finale saw Janine (Brunson) and Gregory (Tyler James Williams) finally come together with a passionate kiss. The Season 4 premiere immediately establishes that Janine and Gregory are now officially a couple. Though they are trying to keep their newfound courtship a secret, the rest of the faculty is on to them. It soon becomes apparent that they are an item, and much of the first half of the season focuses on the joys and struggles they face while navigating their relationship.
Of course, Gregory and Janine aren’t the only ones dealing with change. Audiences got to see a softer side to Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter), after she falls for the classroom pet, a guinea pig named Sweet Cheeks. Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is faced with a challenge during the show’s Halloween outing, when she’s forced to cancel one of her most beloved traditions. In the weeks that follow, Barbara starts to question her relevance at the school and even considers retirement at one point.
Perhaps no one experiences more change than Ava (Janelle James), whose past comes back to haunt her when her absentee father, Frank (Keith David), re-enters her life. Ava is reluctant to accept his desire to reconnect and rejects opportunities to do so. At the same time, she begins a flirtation with O’Shon (Matthew Law), an IT tech from the district. Though there is a weariness from both parties at first, their attraction is undeniable. Of course, it isn’t Abbott Elementary without a crisis threatening the school at large, and Season 4 introduces one of the show’s most interesting yet.
‘Abbott Elementary’ Entered New Territory with Its Season 4 Threat
Abbott Elementary has a history of going up against powerful adversaries and coming out ahead. Season 4, however, introduced a surprising foe in the way of a new golf course being built in the area. The construction presents several problems for the school, but after some digging, the teachers find out that the course isn’t exactly doing things by the book. As a result, Melissa and Jacob (Chris Perfetti) lead the other teachers as they promise to keep the golf course’s secrets in exchange for favors. Miles Nathaniel (Matt Oberg), a lawyer for the company, provides the school with a slew of new supplies and other essentials the teachers demand. This led to an Abbott filled with riches, the likes of which the school hadn’t seen before. However, this arouses the suspicions of Ava’s sorority sister, Crystal (Tatyana Ali). This leads to a district investigation that threatens the careers of the school’s beloved staff members. In a moment of extreme growth, though, Ava takes the blame and is ultimately dismissed. It’s a twist that shook audiences and led to one of the school’s biggest challenges yet.
Following her dismissal, Gregory is promoted to acting principal, which helps remedy financial issues he faced early in the season. Janine takes it upon herself to try to find a way to get Ava rehired, and while the former principal herself surprises everyone by becoming a prominent motivational speaker. It’s a complicated time for the trio to say the least. Other prominent storylines during the second half of the season feature Barbara getting out of her funk after numerous storylines that help her rediscover her love for teaching. A transportation strike shakes up Philly and the school itself regarding student attendance (though this is quickly resolved), and Jacob takes a student, R.J. (Logan Carter), under his wing. The main focus, of course, though, is Ava. Getting the district to reconsider her termination is not an easy task for Janine, especially because Ava initially rejects Janine’s help. Luckily, the final installments of the season massively reset the show.
The Final Episodes of ‘Abbott Elementary’ Bring the Show Full Circle
Abbott certainly had a lot of hurdles to overcome in the final weeks of Season 4. But after Ava helps the school throw an impromptu Ava Fest, she reveals to Janine that she does indeed miss the school, and the staff gets to work. Though the faculty is unsuccessful in convincing the district to reverse its decision to fire Ava, the community at large rallies together during a meeting. Everyone from the PTA to local businesses and even Crystal and Frank come to Ava’s defense and successfully get Ava reinstated. Ava is finally able to make peace with Frank, and the school prepares for its famous end-of-the-year field trip. If the season’s penultimate episode wasn’t satisfying enough, the show’s visit to an interactive museum sends the season off in a cathartic and massive way.
Many of the show’s long-running storylines are resolved in this outing. Gregory’s relationship with his father, Martin (Orlando Jones), has always been of a serious nature. But when Martin comes along as a field trip chaperon, Gregory is shocked to see how well he enjoys Janine’s playful personality. Janine sets the two up for a beautiful heart-to-heart that not only helps bring their relationship to a new level but also helps solidify a special new chapter for Janine and Gregory.
Likewise, Ava and O’Shon, who have faced difficulties due to lifestyle differences, come to a new level of understanding, and their relationship begins to blossom. Meanwhile, Melissa, Barbara, and Jacob struggle with the idea of some of their longtime students maturing and leaving Abbott, but a community play reminds everyone why they stay with Abbott despite the challenges. It’s a beautiful installment that almost feels like a series finale. However, as we prepare for Season 5, the show has set up a clean slate and exciting new storylines. From new relationships and possibilities to the inevitable challenges on the horizon, the new school year promises to be one of Abbott Elementary’s best yet.
Abbott Elementary returns on October 1, 2025. Stay tuned to Collider for more details.
