As Abbott Elementary gears up for its highly anticipated fifth season, creator and star Quinta Brunson is signaling a shift in her career. In a new cover story with Bustle, the Emmy-winning writer-producer revealed that she’s “looking forward to moving away” from her role as Janine Teagues.
“I’m always interested in playing against type. … Right now my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit,” Brunson told Bustle.
A Creative Turning Point
Brunson noted that the show’s production demands are substantial. The filming schedule stretches over roughly seven months each year, which limits cast members’ abilities to balance other projects. She expressed appreciation for the show’s success:
“We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans,” she said.
Yet Brunson also acknowledged the cast’s desire to branch out creatively. She hinted at wanting the show’s momentum to uplift other voices:
“Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground,” she explained.
New Roles on the Horizon
Even while wrapped in Abbott’s extended production (approximately seven months annually), Brunson confirmed she’s already receiving scripts and waiting for that “exactly what I’ve been looking for” project.
This openness to new roles represents a turning point in her multi-faceted career. Brunson has penned scripts for iZombie, Single Parents, Miracle Workers, and more, as well as voiced characters in Lazor Wulf and the upcoming Zootopia 2. Her ambitions include stepping behind the camera on projects she isn’t starring in.
Balancing Success and Future Ambitions
Abbott Elementary debuted in December 2021 and quickly became a cultural touchstone. The show has earned critical acclaim, multiple Emmys, and Golden Globes, and a crossover event with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia boosted viewership even higher .
After ABC renewed it for a fifth season in January 2025, stars like Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, and William Stanford Davis are expected to return . However, consensus is forming that Brunson is beginning to look beyond her current role for fresh opportunities.
What Comes Next for Brunson?
Brunson, at 35, is entering a new chapter. With her production deal at Warner Bros. Television, she has pledged to support diverse Black storytelling beyond Abbott. She’s seeking roles that challenge her, scripts that excite her, and chances to develop others’ stories.
“I’m receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, ‘Oh man, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for,’” she told Bustle.