The cast of Abbott Elementary recently dropped more hints about their highly-anticipated crossover episode, which is set to make waves in the upcoming fourth season of the Emmy-nominated ABC series. During a pre-Emmys panel hosted by PEOPLE in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, the cast, including Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, shared their excitement about what’s to come.
“The crossover episode is going to be killer! Killer! And I’m not going to say another word about it,” Walter, 61, teased, adding to the anticipation.
The show’s creator and star, Quinta Brunson, first hinted at the crossover back in July, calling it an event that will “change television as we know it.” While Brunson kept tight-lipped about the details, including which show Abbott Elementary would crossover with, her bold claim was reinforced by Perfetti, who said the statement was not “hyperbolic in the least.”
Walter humorously added, “We are going to come out of the TV. Melissa’s going to feed you meatballs,” referencing her character Melissa Schemmenti. “This is going to be wild.”
Brunson, 34, explained to Variety that the crossover episode was inspired by classic Disney Channel mash-ups that brought together stars from That’s So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and Hannah Montana. She expressed her desire to create something similarly nostalgic and fun for Abbott Elementary’s audience while staying true to the show’s unique “mockumentary” format.
“Those things reinvigorate TV viewers, and I think it’s always fun to find ways to reinvigorate our audiences,” Brunson said. “We have to protect what we’re doing, but to find a way for it to still be possible to do something cool like that makes me really, really happy. It’s an ode to the medium.”
Reflecting on the opportunity to create such “magic moments” on television, Brunson continued, “I just live for those kinds of moments, and I’m excited to bring one to TV with Abbott.”
During the PEOPLE event, Walter also spoke about the tight-knit bond between the cast, particularly her relationship with Perfetti. “Chris doesn’t have family out here. He’s Italian. I’m Italian. He comes to the house and eats dinner,” Walter shared. “We get ready for award shows together. I feel very maternal towards him, so I promised his mother I would look after him.”
Walter also expressed her deep gratitude for being part of Abbott Elementary, saying that she’s “beyond thrilled” to get up and go to work every day. “The first three seasons were great, but when I get up in the morning, knowing that I get to work with these guys — I literally can’t wait. It’s 4:30 in the morning, and I’m ready to see what they’re going to come up with.”
The ABC hit is nominated for nine Emmys this year, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Brunson. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and Tyler James Williams have also received nods for their performances.
William Stanford Davis reflected on the show’s broader impact, explaining why Abbott Elementary resonates with viewers. “It’s a tribute to teachers in this country. Everybody has been touched by a teacher,” Davis said. “The show’s kind of an homage to teachers — and how they’re mistreated sometimes — and I think it’s a great thing. We make history.”
As the cast gears up for the new season and the crossover that promises to shake up the world of television, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for the beloved educators of Abbott Elementary.