Fans of the hit sitcom Abbott Elementary have a lot to look forward to as the beloved series returns from its winter hiatus. The much-anticipated Season 5 Episode 10, titled "Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns," is set to air on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 8:30 pm EST on ABC, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu, according to Tell-Tale TV. This episode promises to bring both laughs and heartfelt moments as the teachers of Abbott Elementary navigate the unique challenges of their temporary home—an abandoned Philadelphia mall.
Tyler James Williams, who plays the earnest and often awkward Gregory Eddie, recently spoke with ABC News about the new direction the show is taking. "Viewers can expect some real growing pains as we all try to make this strange new space feel like a school again," Williams shared. The move from the iconic school building to the mall, initially intended as a short-term fix, has stretched on, and the staff are feeling the strain.
The temporary relocation is more than just a change of scenery; it’s become a central plot point, testing the resilience and creativity of the Abbott Elementary staff. As Tell-Tale TV describes, "The crew’s new digs continue to be the center focus of these episodes as Abbott Elementary staff attempt to make the cold, capitalist hellscape into a warm and inviting space for learning." That’s no small feat, especially when the PTA—and particularly Tariq, played by returning guest star Zack Fox—are breathing down their necks, eager for updates on when their children can return to the familiar halls of the old school.
Pressure from parents isn’t the only thing the teachers have to contend with. In "Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns," Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti) and Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) grow suspicious of Mr. Morton, portrayed by Jerry Minor. Their curiosity gets the better of them, and they embark on a mission to uncover what, exactly, Mr. Morton is up to in the winding, echoing corridors of the mall. Is he simply setting up his classroom, or is there something more mysterious afoot? This subplot brings a dose of intrigue and classic sitcom sleuthing to the episode.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Abbott Elementary without its ensemble cast of quirky, lovable characters. Quinta Brunson returns as Janine Teagues, the ever-optimistic and sometimes overzealous teacher who often finds herself taking on more than she can handle. Janelle James is back as the hilariously unconventional principal Ava Coleman, while William Stanford Davis reprises his role as the wise and sometimes mischievous custodian Mr. Johnson. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Barbara Howard, the voice of experience and reason, also continues to anchor the group as they adapt to their new reality.
For viewers who have grown attached to the school’s original setting, the mall is a jarring change. Yet, as Tyler James Williams told ABC News, "It’s in these moments of discomfort that the characters—and the show—find new ways to grow. We’re all being pushed out of our comfort zones, and that’s where the best stories happen." The writers seem to agree, using the mall as a metaphor for the upheaval and adaptation that so many schools and teachers have faced in recent years, whether due to renovations, natural disasters, or other crises.
Tell-Tale TV notes that the PTA, led by Tariq and other concerned parents, is not shy about voicing their displeasure with the current setup. They push Janine and Gregory for concrete answers about when normalcy will return. This pressure cooker environment is ripe for both comedy and drama, as the teachers juggle their own frustrations with the need to reassure anxious parents and students alike.
Meanwhile, Jacob and Melissa’s investigation into Mr. Morton provides a lighter, almost detective-story angle. Their suspicion that he might be up to something more sinister than classroom decoration injects a playful tone into the episode. The dynamic between Jacob’s earnestness and Melissa’s street-smart skepticism is always a treat for fans, and their partnership in this episode is sure to deliver both laughs and surprises.
The cast lineup for this episode is as strong as ever. Alongside Brunson, Williams, James, Perfetti, Walter, Davis, and Ralph, fans will be glad to see Zack Fox and Jerry Minor return to their roles as Tariq and Mr. Morton, respectively. Their presence adds continuity and depth, reminding viewers of the show’s rich tapestry of recurring characters.
For those eager to watch, ABC will air the episode at 8:30/7:30c, and it will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. This scheduling ensures that devoted fans and new viewers alike can catch up on the latest developments as soon as possible.
What is it about Abbott Elementary that keeps audiences coming back? Perhaps it’s the show’s deft blend of humor and heart, or its unflinching look at the challenges faced by public school educators. Or maybe it’s the way the characters—flawed, funny, and deeply human—reflect the realities of working in education today. Whatever the reason, the series continues to strike a chord, and this latest episode looks set to do just that.
As Williams hinted in his ABC News interview, "There’s a lot more to come, and I think people are going to be surprised by how we handle this new setting. It’s not just about the physical space—it’s about how we come together as a community, even when everything feels up in the air." That sense of community, and the show’s refusal to shy away from the messiness of real life, is part of what has earned Abbott Elementary its devoted following.
With the PTA breathing down their necks, mysterious happenings in the mall, and the ever-present question of when—or if—the staff will return to their beloved school building, "Mall Part 2: Questions & Concerns" promises to deliver all the wit, warmth, and unpredictability that fans have come to expect. As the episode airs on January 14, viewers will no doubt be tuning in, eager to see how the teachers of Abbott Elementary face their latest round of challenges.
In a television landscape crowded with reboots and reality competitions, Abbott Elementary stands out for its authenticity and heart. The new episode is poised to remind everyone why this show remains a must-watch, week after week.