Abbott Elementary season 5 is taking a short break after its November 5 episode “No Phones,” but fans won’t have to wait long. The hit ABC comedy will be back with a midseason finale on December 11, 2025. On January 7, 2026, new episodes will begin.
The Abbott crew is getting ready for what’s coming up in the new year, so viewers can expect more laughs, classroom chaos, and touching moments.
When Does Abbott Elementary Season 5 Return From Hiatus?
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The Confirmed 2026 Midseason Return Date
Abbott Elementary season 5 will return from its winter hiatus on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The show’s fifth season will run until late November 2025. It will then take a short break in December, as it does every year for the holidays.
- Midseason release date: January 7, 2026, Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Hiatus timing: The break mirrors past seasons, ending in December and resuming in early January.
- Programming note: No new episode on February 25, as ABC gives that slot to the Scrubs revival premiere.
What’s Happening So Far in Abbott Elementary Season 5?
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Recapping Key Episodes and Plot Threads
The new season brings new problems to the classroom, a new guidance counselor, and the usual chaos that comes with being at Philadelphia’s most popular public school.
- Episode 1: The Abbott crew welcomes fresh faces and prepares for big changes ahead in the classroom.
- Episode 2: The new guidance counselor joins the faculty.
- Episode 3: The teachers head to the Philadelphia Phillies game for a lively Teachers’ Appreciation Night.
- Episode 4: Gregory hosts a friendly game night at his apartment as Mr. Johnson, Ava, Barbara, and Melissa make a chaotic DMV trip to renew their licenses.
- Episode 5: Barbara leads a Halloween camping trip for older kids, where lessons in patience mix with plenty of outdoor mishaps.
- Episode 6: Abbott Elementary joins the district’s tech-free “No Phones Day,” forcing students and teachers to get creative without screens.
Character Growth and Story Themes
Season 5 of Abbott Elementary is all about growth, both inside and outside of school. It shows how each teacher faces new challenges while keeping their bond with their students.
- Melissa’s big change: Melissa moves up to teach sixth graders and struggles to manage their mischievous energy.
- Barbara’s realization: Barbara feels both proud and old when a new faculty member turns out to be one of her former students.
- Janine’s challenge: Janine juggles an overcrowded second-grade class that now includes her ex-boyfriend Tariq’s stepson.
- Ava’s new chapter: The slightly tone-deaf principal Ava dates the IT guy O’Shon, revealing a more grounded side of her character.
- Gregory’s dilemma: Gregory and Janine face relationship tension as he adjusts to his minimal lifestyle.
What Can Fans Expect From the Upcoming Episodes?
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Inside Episode 7 “Birthday”
Upcoming episodes still follow the teachers through new semester challenges, classroom changes, and renewed focus on mentorship. Jacob plans Abbott’s annual winter show, and Janine’s 30th birthday party is at work, where her coworkers are present. The storyline blends laughter and emotion as the teachers rally to support one another during the busy school event.
- Main event: Jacob leads the abbott’s annual winter show with help from Barbara and Mr. Johnson.
- Character focus: Janine celebrates her 30th birthday during the school’s winter festivities.
- Tone: Warm, funny, and reflective, showing the faculty’s unity amid chaos.
Who’s in Abbott Elementary Season 5?
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Returning Main Cast
In season 5, the much-loved Abbott crew is back and stronger than ever. Fans can look forward to the same chemistry and chaos in the classroom that make the show so popular.
- Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues
- Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie
- Janelle James as Ava Coleman
- Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard
- Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti
- Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill
- William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson
- Kimia Behpoornia as Emily
- Lela Hoffmeister as Courtney
- Pam Trotter as Dia
- Pier Peters as Charlie
New Faces and Guest Appearances
Season 5’s new characters bring new life and ideas to the show. These characters, including former students who are now teachers and visitors from outside the district, make Abbott’s daily life funnier, more emotional, and more surprising.
- Luke Tennie as Dominic: A rookie teacher and Barbara’s former student.
- Mikey Day as Craig: A district staffer leading team-building activities.
- Jerry Minor as Morton: A rival teacher with sarcastic flair.
- Elena Alamar: The new guidance counselor who joins midseason.
Where Can I Watch Season 5 of Abbott Elementary?
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Network Broadcast Details
The fifth season of Abbott Elementary will continue to air on ABC every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET in the time slot between The Golden Bachelor and Shifting Gears.
- Broadcast schedule: Every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Episode rollout: Each new episode of the elementary season premieres weekly unless adjusted for network events.
- Viewing access: ABC is free via cable, satellite, or digital antenna.
- Best practice: Check local ABC listings to confirm airtime in your region.
Streaming Options on Hulu and Disney+
For those who prefer streaming, Abbott Elementary season 5 is available the day after airing on Hulu and through the Hulu on Disney+ bundle.
- Hulu access: Streams new episodes the day after ABC’s broadcast.
- Disney+ bundle: Combines Hulu access under one convenient subscription.
- Viewer tip: Watch with captions or rewind features to catch every quick classroom joke.
Final Thoughts
Abbott Elementary season 5 keeps the laughs coming as teachers get ready for a new school year full of new students, heartfelt chaos, and getting to know each other better. The Abbott crew heads to the Phillies game, Gregory hosts game night, and Melissa starts a new job. All of these events show how much this faculty has grown.
With the guidance counselor joins storyline and a season title directed by Randall Einhorn, the show stays smart, warm, and endlessly relatable, perfect for every classroom comedy fan.
FAQs
When did season 5 of Elementary come out?
Abbott Elementary season 5 premiered on October 1, 2025, starting the upcoming school year storyline as teachers prepare for a new semester.
Why is Ava leaving Abbott Elementary?
Ava isn’t gone for good. Although she was fired at the end of season 4, she returns in Abbott Elementary season 5, with Janelle James confirmed to reprise the role.
Is Abbott Elementary filmed in a real school?
Yes, some scenes are filmed in real Los Angeles schools while interiors are recreated on set, making it feel like a genuine elementary season experience.
Who helps Melissa head the class in Abbott Elementary season 5?
Melissa head teaches sixth graders this season with help from colleagues as the abbott crew supports her through each new classroom challenge.
Who is the new guidance counselor that joins Abbott Elementary?
The new guidance counselor at Abbott Elementary is Elena Alamar, introduced in season 5 as a fresh addition to the faculty.