“Abbott Elementary”'s Chris Perfetti Teases Season 5 Will Include More Backstory for His Character Jacob (Exclusive)
- - “Abbott Elementary”'s Chris Perfetti Teases Season 5 Will Include More Backstory for His Character Jacob (Exclusive)
Madison E. GoldbergJanuary 12, 2026 at 12:51 AM
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Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Chris Perfetti attends the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. -
Abbott Elementary star Chris Perfetti tells PEOPLE exclusively that viewers will soon "get to meet some of the people that make Jacob the way he is, and I'm so trilled by that"
The hit comedy's fifth season returned after a mid-season hiatus on Wednesday, Jan. 7
Perfetti added that he is "so excited" for his co-star Janelle James after her Critic's Choice Awards win
Abbott Elementary star Chris Perfetti tells PEOPLE that viewers will soon learn more about his character Jacob Hill's backstory in the upcoming second half of season 5.
Perfetti, 37, tells PEOPLE exclusively at the Broadway premiere of Bug in New York City, "We get to meet some of the people that make Jacob the way he is, and I'm so trilled by that."
"And yeah, I think we're exploring this idea that Jacob, seeing what happens when Jacob gets what he wants. And I would be excited to play around with that next year," Perfetti added.
When asked about his Abbott costar Janelle James' recent Critics Choice Awards win for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy series, Perfetti tells PEOPLE, "My poor, cold, delicate heart. Yeah. I'm so excited for her. I love her so much. It's a long time coming. As much as I like to think I'm guarded against those things, when they call your friend's name, it is an unparalleled feeling. I'm so happy for her. I'm so proud of her. I'm so excited to go back to work with her on Monday."
Disney/Sami Drasin
Janelle James as Ava, Chris Perfetti as Jacob, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara, Quinta Brunson as Janine, Tyler James Williams as Gregory, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, and Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa on Abbott Elementary
While Abbott is yet to be officially renewed for a sixth season, Perfetti is already looking forward to what's in store for his character. "Oh man. I'm so blessed. I feel like as soon as I have a good idea for Jacob, they have a better one. We get to do some really cool stuff in the second half of season five," Perfetti says.
Seeing as Abbott Elementary is known for its legendary guest stars, including Bradley Cooper, Jason Kelce, Ayo Edebiri, Jalen Hurts, and more, Perfetti has his own hopes for guest stars to come.
Perfetti added that while "Only Murders in the Building steals all the great theater actors," he would love to see Michael Chernus or Bess Wohl in guest appearances on the show. When asked about an Only Murders in the Building crossover episode, Perfetti says "Let's do it."
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New episodes of Abbott Elementary air on ABC on Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. E.T., and stream on Hulu the next day. Season 5 returned after a mid-season break on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
