ABC

Quinta Brunson says she is "looking forward to moving away from" her 'Abbott Elementary' type

By Sophia Soto | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 11:02 AM ET

Abbott Elementary took the world by storm when it debuted in 2021, with fans and ABC falling in love with the hit comedy. However, with the show already renewed for a fifth season, creator and star Quinta Brunson is opening up about its future.

"We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans," she expressed to Bustle. "That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things."

The rest of the cast includes Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, Janelle James, William Stanford Davis, and Chris Perfetti.

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As for what she wants to do next, the actress shared, "Right now, I’m receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, 'Oh man, this is exactly what I've been looking for.' Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people's projects off the ground."

Brunson continued to say, "I'm always interested in playing against type. I think that’s any actor's dream. Right now my type is 'Janine' and 'teacher.' I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit."

She recently received Philadelphia's Key to the City from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker during a special event at Andrew Hamilton School, which is the elementary school she attended that inspired the series. "I am so grateful to be receiving the key to my hometown, Philly. This city shaped me—and now I get to give back with a mural that celebrates all it gave me. I am truly honored," she commented at the time.

Abbott Elementary will return as part of the network's fall 2025 primetime schedule on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM.

Sophia Soto

Sophia Soto is a writer and interviewer with a passion for all things entertainment. She is a Senior Reporter at The Nerds of Color and contributes to Yardbarker, Screensphere, Den of Geek, What to Watch, Nerdtropolis, and Temple of Geek. You can see her past work on Remezcla, Young Hollywood, Looper, Paste Magazine, Primetimer, Soundsphere, and Starry Constellation Magazine

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