Abbott Elementary returned in the 2026 TV schedule without the actual elementary school, following the fall finale reveal that the students (and staff) would have to relocate while their building was being repaired. That meant the new year kicking off with Ava and the teachers adjusting to getting back to business within an abandoned mall. For Ava, it has meant having to be proactive about her job and all the unexpected challenges of school in a derelict Philadelphia mall. Janelle James spoke with CinemaBlend about the twist and the real-life weird smells that came along with it.
Janelle James started the new year strong courtesy of being nominated alongside costar Chris Perfetti at the Critics Choice Awards, and she ultimately took home the trophy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy with her first win after four consecutive nominations. Her character had less of a positive start to 2026, with Ava having to cut her winter break short and get the school up and running within the walls of a mall. The actress shared her initial reaction to the twist:
