2023 Emmy Nominee: Wendy O’Brien On Casting New Faces for the Halls of ‘Abbott Elementary’

What a miracle Abbott Elementary is.

Season two of the ABC smash hit upped the game in terms of story, character, and, most importantly, laughs. One of the reasons the first season sung so sweetly was because the casting provided us familiar faces (Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tyler James Williams) mixed it with talent that we are thrilled to get to know (like Janelle James and Chris Perfetti). Wendy O’Brien rightfully won the Emmy for Casting for a Comedy Series last year for assembling a cast with so much comedic gumption it should be illegal.

When your show is hot, everyone wants to be part of an upcoming season, and Abbott added a plethora of guest stars that fir perfectly in the hallowed public halls of Abbott Elementary. O’Brien and I discuss how Leslie Odom Jr. is a superstar in his own right, but he never feels like he’s “too big” to be part of this second season. Lauren Weedman, as Melissa’s sister, Kristin Marie, is the perfect adversary for Lisa Ann Walter. The glorious Taraji P. Henson, as Janine’s mom, Vanetta is one of the most inspiring casting choices across any sitcom currently on television.

What should actors consider when walking into an Abbott audition? O’Brien reveals what someone should keep in mind if they land a slot for an upcoming season of the comedy juggernaut.

Abbott Elementary is streaming now on Hulu.