ABC's comedy series, Abbott Elementary, creator Quinta Brunson, revealed that the show's backstories were constantly expanded in its fifth season. One example was the team of teachers being transported to an abandoned mall for a couple episodes, inspired by real-life situations in L.A. schools after the wildfires in 2025. Another notable addition was a baseball episode featuring the staff attending a Phillies game. The series also introduced conflict between Brunson’s Jeanine and Tyler James Williams’ Gregory, which both actors addressed during the panel.