Class is (almost) back in session.
The upcoming school year at Abbott Elementary, which commences Oct. 9, may be the most stressful yet for its teachers, played by Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter and Chris Perfetti, as seen in E! News' exclusive season four trailer.
After all, the teaser sees the teachers dealing with poorly behaved class pets and a case of ringworm. And even Principal Ava, played by Janelle James, may not be immune to the havoc.
“We want books,” Ava mocks her faculty in the teaser, released Sept. 25, “We want paper towels in the class. I bet y’all want raises, too.”
To which Melissa answers, “I like money.”
And Barbara deadpans, “I’m still waiting on the paper towels.”
As with every season of Abbott, the issues plaguing the elementary school are all too real, including a problem Janine brings up during a season four confessional.
“We asked the district for more money for after school programs,” she says in the teaser. “They gave us $50 for class pets instead.”
Naturally, Barbara manages to avoid the chaos by choosing a fish for her classroom, saying to the creature as she picks up its tank, “We are going to get along swimmingly.”
And that’s not the only drama taking over the public school’s halls this year. Elsewhere in the trailer, Jacob notifies the other teachers of a ringworm case in his classroom, causing understandable hysteria.
In response to hearing about the circulating illness, Melissa shrinks away from Jacob in the teacher’s lounge while, in another scene, Gregory covers his nose with his face as he vigorously sprays Lysol around his classroom. The scenario culminates with Ava wearing a hazmat suit and janitor Mr. Johnson, played by William Stanford Davis, taking charge.
“I love you like a son Jacob,” Mr. Johnson tells Jacob in the hallway. “But I will beat you down.”
In fact, the ringworm may be the defining moment for the season as it turns into a nightmare scenario for the germophobic teachers.
“Cancel classes,” a frazzled Gregory says slamming his classroom door. “Burn Abbott down!”
Season four of Abbott Elementary premieres Oct. 9 on ABC.
While you wait, check out all the shows coming to your TV screen this year.
Virgin River (Netflix) - Dec. 19
This sixth season promises fresh twists and turns, escalating love triangles, delightful wedding drama, as well as uncovered secrets from Mel’s father’s past which will transport us to the magic and mystique of Virgin River in the 1970s.
Laid (Peacock) - Dec. 19
In the new series, a woman finds out her former lovers are dying in unusual ways and must go back through her sex timeline to confront her past in order to move forward. Laid is a f--ked up rom-com where the answer to “why can’t I find love, is there something wrong with me?” is a resounding “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.”
Ilana Glazer: Human Magic (Hulu) - Dec. 20
The Broad City alum tackles everything from motherhood to being a stoner in her new stand-up special.
Josh Groban & Friends Go Home for the Holidays (CBS) - Dec. 20
Hosted and executive produced by Josh Groban, the special features a new format combining compelling stories, music, comedy and a live adoption on stage, celebrating the creation of a new family. Musical performances include holiday classics, new releases and original duets with Groban and his guests, including James Bay, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly and The War And Treaty.
2024 Back That Year Up with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson (Peacock) - Dec. 23
2024 Back That Year Up With Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson returns for a third annual special highlighting the biggest moments of the year. The comedic duo will close out the year with their unfiltered humor as they recap the past year of pop culture, sports, social media and politics. The special will feature guest appearances from the year’s most talked about celebrities, including Nate Bargatze, Mookie Betts, Kenny G, Blake Griffin, Jon Hamm, Jonquel Jones, Seth Meyers, mgk and Rashida ‘Sheedz’ Olayiwola.
The Flipping El Moussas (HGTV) - Dec. 26
Real estate power couple Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa will continue to grow their working relationship while juggling the addition of a rambunctious toddler to their busy family life in the newest season of their follow-doc series.
The season will kick off in Hawthorne, California, where Tarek and Heather Rae tackle their most extreme flip project to date.
Squid Game 2 (Netfix) - Dec. 26
Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the states and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion won.