Abbott Elementarymay be losing an actor soon, and the ABC series might not survive it. Despite enviable success, Abbott Elementary star and creator Quinta Brunson is interested in trying new things, and her pioneering spirit could negatively impact the show’s future.
Quinta plays Janine Teagues — a teacher at the titular school who embodies the series' sunny spirit. Ahead ofAbbott Elementaryseason 5, she and the rest of the cast mingled with fans at the2025 San Diego Comic-Con International. Weeks prior, however, she candidly admitted to thinking about moving away from the ABC series.
Quinta Brunson Admits To Wanting To Move Away From Abbott Elementary
Quintaadmits wanting to move away from Abbott Elementaryand take on fresh projects that help her to be perceived in thrilling new ways. Since herAbbott Elementaryrole is so wholesome, for example, she might want to try something edgier, with more intense emotions.
One option for breaking away from typecasting would be to play the villain. However, she may change her image as an artist by getting new projects going, too. Whatever it is, her desire to branch out is clear.
“Right now, I’m receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, ‘Oh man, this isexactlywhat I’ve been looking for.’Abbotthas been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground.”
That’s admirable and even understandable. One of the downsides of being in a network show is that it can become repetitive and tedious. Those shows require mental and physical stamina to finish their annual filming, but aside from that, they also expect full commitment from their actors.
At this point,Abbott Elementaryis already a modern classic. So, anything that pulls her focus away could potentially harm the show. If she had less screen time, it would be felt across the show. Aside from his role as a teacher,Janine’s romance with Gregory Eddieis also a major plot inAbbott Elementary.
Why Abbott Elementary May Not Survive Losing Brunson’s Janine Despite Being An Ensemble Show
Despite being an ensemble,Janine is often projected asAbbott Elementary’s beating heart. She’s its hopeful spirit, its conscience. In fact, inAbbott Elementary’s very first episode, she was the first person shown onscreen — an early indication of how prominent she will be in the ABC comedy.
Sharp and funny without being mean, no one compares to Janine inAbbott Elementary. Aside from that, Brunson is also the main creative force behind the series as its creator. If Quinta gets tired ofAbbott Elementaryand takes on fewer duties onscreen, and/or as a writer, it may change the show’s chemistry.
While it could hurt or end the series if she steps back, there are always glimmers of hope, as the other characters are often quirky and fabulous. Brunson stepping away from the show could offer the rest of theAbbott Elementarycastmembers a chance to shine.
Ultimately, however, the show can make people feel good. It also offers thought-provoking social commentary. It would be ideal if Quinta decided to juggleAbbott Elementaryand new projects. Hopefully, she won’t decide to move on from the beloved series for good.
