Quinta Brunson Is Ready To Walk Away From Abbott Elementary
As Abbott Elementary heads into its fifth season, creator, star, and showrunner Quinta Brunson, 35, signals that an eventual departure is on the horizon, but it’s not imminent. In a June 30 Bustle cover interview, Brunson reflected on the intense demands of the series, noting the cast is “very fortunate and blessed” to still be on network TV after five seasons. Yet filming spans around seven months each year, leaving little room for actors to pursue outside projects.
Brunson candidly admitted that several long‑time cast members “would love to pursue other projects,” driving her own desire to diversify her career. She is carefully vetting scripts, waiting for a role that feels right—“against type” and outside the beloved character of Janine, the optimistic Philly teacher.
While she hasn’t announced a formal end date, Brunson seems to be laying groundwork. She envisions leveraging the show’s success to uplift other creators: “use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground.” As a multi‑Emmy‑winning powerhouse—having made history as the first Black woman to solo‑win Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series—Brunson’s next moves command significant anticipation.
Industry insiders support this approach. One producer emphasized that Abbott will end “as long as Quinta wants it to,” underscoring her influential role.
For now, though, Abbott remains renewed (ABC confirmed Season 5 in January) and production continues. Brunson’s path forward balances honoring the show’s legacy with creative exploration. Whether she formally sets a series end date or remains a guiding force, it’s clear Quinta Brunson is ready to step into fresh roles—on and off screen.
