PEOPLE Magazine and IHG Hotels hosted a conversation with the cast of Abbott Elementary on 12 Sep, 2024 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood. The panel was moderated by Breanne L. Heldman, Executive Editor of TV and Events for PEOPLE. William Stanford Davis, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti talked about their characters and what the audience can expect for season 4, scheduled to air on Oct 9, 2024.

The panel discussed how the show has started a national conversation about underfunded public schools and the lives of those who continue to fight to keep the system afloat. Even though Abbott Elementary is a fictional school in Philadelphia, the show captures the struggles and hopes of teachers and students who dream of better things in life despite the limitations and neglect of their underdeveloped communities, a reflection of the current state of our public educational system.

The actors teased about the expansion of their respective characters and their evolution. Anecdotes about working with little kids and the respect and admiration they have for the actors in real life is something that speaks volumes about the special bond that is brewing among the cast as the show continues its successful run.

But this bond is transpiring beyond the set. The audience is also heavily invested in the show. Both critics and viewers have fallen in love with the story and the characters. A solid viewership and positive reviews continue to make it one of the favorites shows currently on air. The writing, directing, acting, and the harsh realities pictured in the show have shown a high level of engagement. Everything is in place for the storytelling and the characters to continue to grow in season 4.

William Stanford Davis plays Mr. Johnson, a custodian. Sheryl Lee Ralph plays Barbara Howard, a kindergarten teacher. Lisa Ann Walter plays Melissa Schemmenti, a second-grade teacher. Chris Perfetti plays Jacob Hill, a sixth-grade history teacher.

For the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, Abbott Elementary has been nominated for the following categories, 7 major, 9 in total:

Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series

• Wendy O’Brien, CSA, Casting by
• Chris Gehrt, Casting by

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series

• “Party”
• Randall Einhorn, Directed by

Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling

• “Mother’s Day”
• Moira Frazier, Department Head Hairstylist
• Dustin Osborne, Key Hairstylist
• Christina Joseph, Hairstylist

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series

• Quinta Brunson, as Janine Teagues

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series (two nominations)

• Janelle James, as Ava Coleman
• Sheryl Lee Ralph, as Barbara Howard

Outstanding Comedy Series

• Quinta Brunson, Executive Producer
• Justin Halpern, Executive Producer
• Patrick Schumacker, Executive Producer
• Randall Einhorn, Executive Producer
• Brian Rubenstein, Executive Producer
• Jordan Temple, Co-Executive Producer
• Brittani Nichols, Supervising Producer
• Josh Greene, Producer
• Scott Sites, Produced by

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series

• “Career Day”
• Quinta Brunson, Written by

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series

• Tyler James Williams, as Gregory Eddie