'Abbott Elementary' cast celebrates upcoming 100th episode milestone
As ABC's "Abbott Elementary" returns for its sixth season, members of the cast are looking ahead to a major milestone: the show's 100th episode.
LOS ANGELES -- As ABC's "Abbott Elementary" returns for its sixth season, members of the cast are looking ahead to a major milestone: the show's 100th episode.
Creator and star Quinta Brunson said reaching the mark is the result of years of hard work.
"It is intentional. It's no fluke. It's something that you have to really put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into, especially these days. So I'm honored to be able to do it," Brunson said.
Brunson's co-stars also reflected on what the achievement means. William Stanford Davis compared the series to some of television's most recognizable programs.
"The shows [like] 'I Love Lucy,' 'MAS*H,' all these shows, we're in that group. And that's amazing. That's something that me, personally, I've just never anticipated being a part of that family," Davis said.
For Sheryl Lee Ralph, the milestone carries special significance because it marks the second time she has been part of a show reaching 100 episodes.
"I'm, like, 'Wow! Thank you, God, again and again and again,'" Ralph said.
Lisa Ann Walter jokingly responded with a laugh, "And by 'God,' she means Quinta.'"
The new season will include some changes for the staff of the fictional school, including the arrival of two new teachers. Another character will take on a new role as assistant principal.
The cast also weighed in on whether principal Ava could eventually move up to superintendent.
"Respectfully?" Brunson said when asked if she could see the character in the role. "No. Yes. No. That's just a role that I feel is probably not where Ava would want to go."
Janelle James added, "That sounds boring."
As the cast begins its sixth season together, they say their close-knit environment remains one of the show's strengths. Walter credited Brunson's leadership for helping set the tone on and off screen.
"I mean, she leads with kindness and that is what is expected across the board in every department. And so it's beautiful with everyone, not just us," Walter said.
With the show approaching its 100th episode, the cast says the milestone is both a celebration of its success and a reflection of the work that has gone into building the series over six seasons.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.
