While Comic Con is typically known for genre fare, in recent years it’s also become known for its comedy panels, which made Abbott Elementary the perfect candidate for a Saturday slot in Indigo Ballroom.

Before the panel started, the audience were treated to a screening of the season 3 finale which (understandably) hyped up the room.

Making their debut at SDCC and fresh off earning nine Emmy nominations, the cast were in high spirits, and the energy was shared across the room.

Creator and lead actress Quinta Brunson (Janine) kicked things off by sharing how it was her dream to come to Comic Con and that she’s wanted to attend since she was a little girl. Taking full advantage of the experience, she even went to watch a Kevin Feige panel. Reflecting on the last 3 years and what has changed since starting the show, Brunson has said that SDCC has been the first time she’s been able to say she’s proud of herself. Abbott was almost a cartoon but ended up as live action. She believes it kept its cartoon roots which made it even more apt to be at Comic Con. Brunson also added that it was surreal to see the cast wrap on the side of the hotel.

Janelle James (Ava) echoed this and expressed her joy at the 50 foot billboard of her. She also wanted the room to know it was not her first time at Comic Con – “what’s up, nerds?”.

Like James, it wasn’t Lisa Ann Walter’s (Melissa) first tome at SDCC either but she’s always wanted to be here on a show so this is a dream come true for her. She’s also a “huge nerd like Quinta” which makes the experience all the more special. For Walter, the show has brought her a level of security which means she hasn’t had to scramble between jobs. All she ever wanted was the be an actor in an ensemble group and she gets to do that. She has also been able to buy a house.

Sheryl Lee Ralph hasn’t bought a house but she did change her car. So much has changed for her and it’s been wonderful – “baby it’s better than you can imagine”.

For William Stanford Davis (Mr Johnson) being on a show like Abbott has been a time coming. Despite his incredible comedic chops and talent, the show is his first series regular role ever. The work is gratifying and he finds it unbelievable he gets to work with such thespians – “I’m working and having fun. I’m with the greatest cast on television and it’s down to the fans”.

Echoing Davis, Chris Perfetti (Jacob) is so happy gets to work with people he considers family, and that he feels safe with. This enables him to enact the physical comedy in his role so well (his training/background in theatre and movement also helps) as well as his goal to try to make cast break/laugh. He believes he’s found “the greatest creative collaboration of his life” and that it’s a gift.

While most of the cast reflected on what had changed, Tyler James Williams (Gregory) was appreciative of what hadn’t. He’s been in the business for a long time so it was the nice for him to see the fans that had been there at the start of his career come with him for Abbott. He says they’ve grown with him.

The cast were then asked to reflect on season 3. Looking back on the season, it’s impossible not to discuss that finale kiss between Janine and Gregory. The panel discussed the importance of finding the balance between the loudness and energy of the party, and the intimacy of Janine and Gregory. Williams said that there were a lot of discussions and preparation for 2-3 weeks prior. Brunson shared that it was choreographed as it was important to convey the right emotion of the kiss.Randall Einhorn, who directed the episode, likes to step back and wanted to give them the freedom to speak execute it which obviously paid off. Although there were challenges in the thought process about how a mockumentary would film it e.g kneeling down to try to capture the kiss. Brunson shared that the episode/the kiss was such an important moment that everyone came to watch – “the writers were done with work but came to watch”.

Another relationship (albeit platonic) that was brilliant to watch develop in season 3 was Melissa and Jacob’s. Walter discussed that her character being nearer Jacob helped her explore her vulnerability more. Although she still recognised that Melissa was having fun – “Melissa is being a bit of a hoe but that’s okay”.

One person who wasn’t happy about Melissa and Jacob’s friendship was Barbara, and according to Lisa Ann Walter maybe even Sheryl Lee Ralph herself. Walter, who is very close with Ralph in real like, joked that she felt like Ralph was mad with her for being friends with Jacob. Ralph shared that she believed Barbara has a tiny bit of petty in her – “She’s the type of woman that may pay you back, amen”. Ralph was also surprised in season 3 to see how much Barbara drinks.

Another character that may be described as a little petty (but that we just think is amazing) is Ava. James argues that people often get the wrong impression of Ava but people who are truly watching see she actually gets stuff done – “Ava is way more complex than people give her credit for (but I know Comic Con people get her)”.

Moving on from season 3, with the panel drawing to a close, the team looked ahead to season 4. Not much was given away, but executive producer Justin Halpern shared that Quinta has such a clear vision for the show – “like a North Star that guides the writers and cast”. This season we’ll see characters continue to grow. Executive producer Patrick Schumacker revealed that there would be 22 episodes. And most excitingly, Brunson announced the show would be doing a crossover but kept quiet about with what show. James joked Buffy and Walter joked House of the Dragons. We’d love to see either of those!

It’s no secret that Abbott Elementary has been a huge success for ABC (as we mentioned previously 9 Emmy noms this year alone) as well as a huge hit with audiences. And from this panel, we can clearly see why but what does the cast/crew think makes it stand out? Walter put it very simply – “it’s funny” which sounds obvious but is probably the most important goal of a comedy, a goal that they are scoring. Ralph believes it’s do with the team – “everyone plays their role to a T, and all the producers/writers/directors keep things moving”. Williams thinks it’s due to its relatability. People who have children likely “encounter teachers daily”, and most people have had a teacher in their life. He also mentions the simplicity of the show – “ it’s the simplest most heartfelt stories that connect with people the most”. Schumacher states that its success lies in how the characters don’t win everytime and not every episode ends in a victory but there’s still an uplifting feeling and message – “It makes you feel good”.

“Feel good” is the best way to describe Abbott Elementary as a show and the panel they put on at Comic Con where every audience member seemed to walk out with a smile on their face. I’m sure that feeling will continue on October 9th when Abbott Elementary season 4 premieres.