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Abbott Elementary didn’t just arrive; it settled in, won hearts, and started conversations. From the very beginning, the series struck a rare balance between being deeply funny and uncomfortably real. Set in a struggling public school in Philadelphia, it invites viewers into the everyday lives of teachers who, despite systemic obstacles, show up—often underpaid and overworked—with humor, heart, and resilience. Quinta Brunson, the show’s creator and star, brought something genuinely refreshing to TV: a comedy that respects its characters and its audience in equal measure.
Among those characters, one has consistently stood out: Gregory Eddie. Played with quiet intensity by Tyler James Williams, Gregory began as a substitute teacher, all crisp shirts and clipped answers. But as the seasons unfolded, so did he. We watched him slowly let his guard down, connect with students, wrestle with vulnerability, and navigate the complicated (and often hilarious) waters of school politics and maybe, just maybe, fall for a certain fellow teacher.
When the principal’s seat opens up
In Season 4, everything shifts. Ava Coleman, played with chaotic brilliance by Janelle James, steps down temporarily after owning up to a controversial decision regarding the school’s supply budget. In a move that feels both earned and incredibly complicated, Gregory is asked to step up as interim principal.
It’s the job he once wanted desperately. Back in Season 1, he applied for it, only to be overlooked. Now, the opportunity is his, but it comes with layers he couldn’t have anticipated. Gregory is disciplined, focused, and deeply principled. Ava, for all her wild-card energy, had built something—connections, culture, camaraderie. Filling that void proves harder than expected.
More than a job, it’s survival
Just when you think Gregory has found his footing, the show delivers a gut-punch of realism. We learn he’s working a second job, delivering pizzas. It’s a quiet moment in the storyline, but one that hits hard. Because it’s not just Gregory; it’s a reflection of many real-life teachers forced to take on extra work just to get by.
The brilliance of Abbott Elementary lies in these moments, the ones that sneak up on you. They say, Look closer. This is happening. And with Gregory, the message is clear: leadership, integrity, and even love for the job—none of it is always enough. Not in a system that doesn’t value educators as it should.
Ava comes back, and Gregory faces the next chapter
By the season’s end, Ava returns to her post, reinstated by the community she’d somehow, against all odds, won over. Gregory returns to teaching, but he’s no longer the same. He’s seen what the role demands. He’s questioned what he really wants. And maybe he’s more ready now than ever to figure out where he fits. Importantly, this turn doesn’t signal Gregory’s exit from the show.
On the contrary, it sets him up for even deeper growth. His story isn’t about winning or losing a title. It’s about evolving, and audiences are here for it. His slow-burn romance with Janine? Still very much in play. His role at the school? Far from finished.
Season 5 is coming, what’s next?
ABC has officially renewed Abbott Elementary for a fifth season, which is expected to premiere in late 2025 or early 2026. The writers haven’t revealed much, but if past seasons are any indication, we can expect the new episodes to lean into what the show does best: layering humor with emotional truth.
Will Gregory aim for leadership again? Will he continue to wrestle with the compromises the system demands? There are no easy answers, and that’s what makes his arc so relatable.
The show will likely deepen its exploration of faculty dynamics, student voices, and the broader, often invisible labor involved in running a school. Throughout, we can count on Abbott to remain grounded in the people who make that world turn.
Critics love it, and viewers keep coming back
While it may not dominate primetime ratings, Abbott Elementary is a streaming darling and a critical juggernaut. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an enviable 99% approval score. More importantly, it has carved out a space in pop culture that few comedies today occupy. It has picked up Emmys, Critics Choice Awards, SAG honors—you name it. But what really sets it apart is the way it resonates. The show makes people laugh, yes, but it also makes them feel seen.
So, is Gregory leaving? Not a chance.
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He may have left the principal’s office, but Gregory Eddie isn’t going anywhere. He’s staying, teaching, growing, and showing up. His story, like that of the school itself, is still unfolding.
And in a world that often overlooks the quiet heroes, Abbott Elementary reminds us to pay attention. Because the ones who care quietly, who lead without fanfare, and who stay even when it’s hard, those are the ones who really change things.
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