Abbott Elementary season 4 trailer reveals hilarious challenges in store

The first episode of Abbott Elementary season 4 is titled "Back to School," and the staff are definitely going to have their hands full based on the trailer! As always, the school is very underfunded, and the hilarious trailer starts with Melissa and Barbara asking Principal Ava for books and paper towels for their classrooms. You know, basic necessities. But we know these poor guys have to work with what they've got. And of course Ava has a sarcastic response in return.

Jacob seems to have another mystery enemy other than Mr. Morton, the class pets may not be as great as they sound (the teachers asked for money for after school programs and got this instead), there's a visit from HR, and ringworm is going around. A lockdown might be in store based on the video with Ava all suited up.

But we know this group of educators is going to get through all the challenges together. And even though some of these issues really aren't funny - cue the ringworm - I know that their reactions and how they tackle them are going to make us laugh. And that's one of the things I love most about this show.

Abbott Elementary season 4 premieres Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. It's not far now, but I'm on pins and needles waiting for this awesome sitcom to come back! And while Janine, Gregory, and the rest of the staff have these problems to deal with, there's a much bigger one that was teased as well.

Creator of the comedy and lead actress Quinta Brunson previously shared a "looming change" in the neighborhood where the school is located is coming, and producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker said this change is going to be gentrification. This of course massively impacts the school and teachers. And that might be their biggest challenge yet this season. And personally, Janine and Gregory are going to have to navigate their new relationship. I can't wait for this!

There's also a big crossover episode in the fourth season that will "change television as we know it," per Brunson's comments at San Diego Comic-Con. I'm predicting (see here) that it's going to be an Abbott Elementary/It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia crossover episode. Perhaps the school and the bar are in the same neighborhood and they'll team up to stop the gentrification? It's in my mind now guys and it won't leave. This needs to happen! And if you know the It's Always Sunny gang and this does actually happen, the Abbott staff will definitely have their hands full with them!

Abbott Elementary season 4 premieres Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 on ABC.