There are going to be some new faces at Abbott Elementary this school year.
ABC announced during its Television Critics Association portion Sept. 14 that season two of the hit series will see the addition of guest stars Leslie Odom Jr., Lauren Weedman and Keyla Monterroso Mejia.
The Hamilton alum is set to play Draemond, described by the network as "the owner of a string of charter schools in the area who pays a visit to Abbott."
As for Weedman, the actress who recently starred in HBO Max's Hacks, she's going to portray Kristin Marie, a character that is sure to ruffle the feathers of at least one other teacher. According to ABC, Kristin Marie is a "tough-talking teacher from a neighboring school" who looks eerily similar to Abbott's own Melissa.
Curb Your Enthusiasm's Mejia will join the Abbott teachers as Ashley, who ABC described as "a teacher's aide at Abbott Elementary whose go-with-the-flow personality contributes to classroom chaos."
ABC's announcement comes on the heels of the 2022 Emmys, where Quinta Brunson picked up an award for Outstanding Writing and Sheryl Lee Ralph accepted the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Not to forget their award for Outstanding Casting!
Brunson spoke about the surreal night during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, sharing that she was in such shock she didn't even realize that host Jimmy Kimmel, who was supposed to present the award, was laying on the stage during her acceptance speech. "I was wrapped up in the moment and just having a good time," she explained."I didn't see any of that. I saw you, and I saw Will Arnett, and my Emmy and I was just like, 'Oh my god I'm having so much fun!'"
Nonetheless, Kimmel apologized for his behavior, explaining that he thought he'd do a funny bit and didn't realize that it might be perceived as disrespectful. "The last thing I would ever want to do is upset you because I think so much of you," he insisted. "And I think you know that. I hope you know that."
One of Kimmel's biggest critics was Ralph, who told reporters at the TCA event that she scolded the comedian for his bit. "I didn't know what was going on," Ralph said, adding that she thought to herself, "I wish that man would just get up off the ground."
Kimmel is just lucky he didn't get sent to detention!
Season two of Abbott Elementary premieres Sept. 21 on ABC.