Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams reflect on the working relationship that has underpinned five years of Abbott Elementary, from their first sketch together to playing central couple Janine Teagues and Gregory Eddie. Brunson says their trust as scene partners helped shape the series, while both actors emphasise that the characters needed to remain compelling individuals before becoming a romantic pairing.

The pair first met while filming a demanding, iambic-pentameter sketch for A Black Lady Sketch Show, where Brunson recognised Williams as a reliable collaborator. When developing Abbott Elementary, she later thought of him for Gregory, and the characters’ arc has progressed from workplace uncertainty to a brief Season 5 split and reconciliation. Brunson suggests the Season 5 ending may lead to an engagement storyline in Season 6, but does not confirm it.