Abbott Elementary: How Long Should the Beloved Show Really Last?

Another school year at Abbott Elementary has come to an end, and Season 4 delivered a year packed with unexpected developments, partnerships, and cliffhangers. It arguably presented the most significant challenges yet for our cherished educators. In true Abbott fashion, however, the show continued to surprise viewers with imaginative solutions, culminating in a season finale that felt particularly rewarding.

The satisfying conclusion to the recent episodes has prompted a familiar question: how many more seasons will *Abbott Elementary* continue? The final two episodes of the season effectively resolved many of the issues that had been central to both the season and the series as a whole. As we anticipate the show's fifth season, we're left wondering not only about its longevity, but also about how long it *should* continue.

A Season of Twists and Turns *Abbott Elementary* has consistently displayed ambition in all the right ways. Never content with maintaining the status quo, each season has introduced significant changes and shake-ups. From Janine's (Quinta Brunson) stint at the school district in Season 3 to Jacob (Chris Perfetti) and Melissa (Lisa Ann Walter) becoming roommates, the series continually reinvents itself. Season 4, however, truly raised the bar.

This season pushed all the characters to their limits. Ava (Janelle James) grappled with her father's (Keith David) issues, while Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) confronted the fact that her traditional approaches were becoming outdated. While still full of humor, this season was undeniably the series' most emotionally intense.

A Finale That Felt Like an Ending Season 4 was undeniably packed with new and dramatic storylines, but its final two episodes managed to bring everything together in a masterful way. The penultimate episode stood out as one of the best in the series, not only saving Ava and the teachers, but also resolving the school's long-standing conflict with the district. The legal complications involving the golf course had intensified the already fraught relationship between Abbott and the district, but this conflict had always been a driving force behind the series. Watching the series resolve it so skillfully was impressive, and the season finale only strengthened that feeling.

In one of the series' most heartwarming episodes, nearly all the show's loose ends were tied up. Janine and Gregory were left on solid ground, as were Ava and O'Shon (Matthew Law). Barbara rediscovered her passion, and the students even performed a touching play, expressing their gratitude to the teachers for their dedication. It truly felt like a fitting way to conclude the entire show, but of course, it's set to return. This naturally leads to the question: how long should *Abbott Elementary* continue?

Ending on Its Own Terms Network television operates in a unique environment. Due to the format, it's almost expected that a show's quality will eventually decline. Even some of the most beloved series, like *Friends*, stayed on the air longer than they should have. *Abbott Elementary* finds itself in a unique position as it moves into Season 5. Given the show's success, ABC could renew the series indefinitely, but that doesn't necessarily mean they should.

*Abbott* is a fan favorite, and the thought of suggesting it end sooner rather than later might seem disheartening. However, Brunson and the writing team have consistently created compelling stories that keep viewers engaged. Season 4 was nearly flawless, and it would be a shame to see the network continue the show beyond the wishes of its creators. The writing staff delivered a season finale that was both heartfelt and resolved many long-standing anxieties. We truly hope that the decision to end the show rests with those who know it best, even if that means Season 5 becomes its swan song.

While we would miss it, allowing *Abbott Elementary's* creators to conclude the story when they feel it's right would ultimately be the best thing for the show. *Abbott Elementary's* fourth season was undoubtedly one of its best. Each episode managed to surprise, entertain, and even touch our hearts. It was also one of the most satisfying seasons in terms of storytelling. We finally saw resolutions to many drawn-out storylines and celebrated our characters' hard work. The show certainly seems to be heading toward a conclusion, and we hope the network allows Brunson and her team to end the show on their own terms, even if that means Season 5 is the last.