'Abbott Elementary' Star Janelle James Embraces Ava's Romantic Side in Season 5

As the hit mockumentary series "Abbott Elementary" prepares to return for its fifth season on October 1st, 2025, the show's star Janelle James is poised to take center stage with a significant character evolution for her role as the eccentric principal, Ava Coleman.

According to James, this season will see Ava genuinely smitten for the first time, as her romance with a new character, O'Shon (played by guest star Matthew Law), takes center stage. "Ava is in love," James reveals, "She can't shut up about it. Six episodes [into table reads], she's smitten. That's a new flavor for her, and I'm having a good time figuring out how to play a woman who's actually feeling vulnerable."

The series, which has been nominated for a total of 30 Emmy awards and has won 4, including a supporting comedy actress award for Sheryl Lee Ralph, continues to garner critical acclaim. Series creator Quinta Brunson, who is herself a triple Emmy nominee and two-time winner, is hopeful that this will be James' year to take home the coveted trophy.

"Janelle does something so well that people think it's easy, and it's not," Brunson says. "She's playing a character who could be grating, over-the-top -- but she's not. She makes people laugh and care about Ava. That's not common."

As the show expands its world beyond the school walls, fans can expect to see more of Ava's personal life, with James envisioning the principal's home as "a downtown loft. Clean, minimal, everything expensive. She's single, stylish, and has a safe full of jewelry from her exes. You know, hood rich."

With the series' continued success and the exciting developments in store for the upcoming season, "Abbott Elementary" remains one of network television's most compelling destinations, powered by an ensemble cast that transforms everyday education into extraordinary entertainment.