Abbott Elementary: Janine & Gregory’s 10 Most Important Episodes

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The show Abbott Elementary centers on the developing romance between Janine and Gregory. While the entire cast has great chemistry, the sitcom deliberately created a slow-burn relationship for Janine and Gregory over two seasons, constantly finding reasons to delay their connection and emphasizing their mutual attraction.

With Gregory and Janine officially a couple on Abbott Elementary, it’s interesting to look back at how they got there. Their friendship, especially Janine supporting Gregory’s growth as a teacher, created a strong connection that makes their romance feel genuine and well-deserved.

Wishlist

Season 1, Episode 3

Photo: ABC via MovieStillsDB

In the first episode of the show, Janine tries to help Gregory liven up his plain classroom. It’s a reflection of his own uncertainty about fully embracing his role as a teacher at Abbott Elementary. Her suggestion to personalize the space makes Gregory, who quickly becomes a central character, really consider what kind of teacher he wants to be.

Okay, so at first, his attempts to decorate were…well, let’s just say they lacked personality. But watching him respond to her encouragement was really sweet. By the finale, he’d completely shifted gears, proudly displaying his students’ art. It’s a small detail, but it felt huge – a clear sign he was finally starting to feel like he belonged at Abbott Elementary. It was a lovely, understated moment of growth.

Gregory secretly likes Janine, and he subtly minimizes how much work he’s doing for her, hoping to cheer her up. Though they’ve only just become friends, she’s already helping him figure out what truly makes him happy.

Holiday Hookah

Season 2, Episode 10

The midseason finale of Abbott Elementary season 2 finds Janine navigating life as a single woman and trying out dating again. Her friend Erica, a fan-favorite character on the show, convinces her to go to a hookah bar, where they unexpectedly run into Gregory. Even though they both want to remain just friends, their strong connection keeps drawing them back together.

Okay, so things really heat up when Janine and Gregory step outside. There’s this incredible moment – they’re about to kiss, seriously, you can feel the electricity – but then Gregory’s phone buzzes and ruins it. It’s classic rom-com stuff! Janine looks at the falling snow and says it’s beautiful, but the way Gregory agrees? He’s totally looking at her, not the snow, and it’s just adorable and a little heartbreaking.

This episode really solidifies their bond – it’s a sweet, complicated connection that’s impossible to deny. While the moment isn’t quite right, they’re undeniably drawn to each other.

Valentine’s Day

Season 2, Episode 14

On Abbott Elementary, during the show’s Valentine’s Day episode in season 2, Jacob unintentionally tells Janine that Gregory likes her. Everyone else at the school already knew—they thought it was incredibly obvious—but Janine struggles to admit her own feelings, partly because they are both currently seeing other people.

The moment Gregory gives his girlfriend Lego flowers—a thoughtful alternative since she’s allergic to real ones—but she thinks they’re for her child, and Janine receives a designer purse she initially believes is just a gift bag, perfectly illustrates a larger point. Both women receive gifts meant for someone else, symbolizing that their relationships aren’t likely to succeed.

Janine hopes Gregory’s kind gift proves Jacob wrong, but she’s secretly still disappointed, revealing her deeper wish for something different. This moment perfectly captures the show’s bittersweet and hopeful heart.

Teacher Conference

Season 2, Episode 16

Gregory unexpectedly shows up at a teacher conference right after a difficult breakup. This leads to a particularly strong episode of Abbott Elementary, where he comes to realize that Janine is the only person who genuinely understands him – she not only knows about his unusual way of unwinding with a detailed schedule, but she actually appreciates it.

Janine and Gregory connect over drinks while sharing their frustrations with dating. Their night takes a romantic turn with a kiss in a beautiful indoor garden – a moment that’s both sweet and exciting, and comparable to the memorable first kiss from the show New Girl.

Okay, so these two claim they weren’t sending signals to each other, that any perceived connection was just in our heads as viewers. But honestly? The look on their faces when they found out the other one said that was a dead giveaway. They’re definitely feeling something. And things get even messier because Janine is currently dating one of Gregory’s friends, which throws a serious wrench into any potential romance brewing.

Franklin Institute

Season 2, Episode 22

Janine is thrilled to discover Gregory watched the movie she suggested, Night at the Museum – it’s a sweet sign that he pays attention and values her opinions. However, a call from her ex, Maurice, who accuses her of being selfish, shakes her confidence and makes her question how her behavior impacts those around her.

With a nudge from Jacob, Gregory worked up the courage to tell Janine how he felt. However, she explained that while she still feels the same way about him, she’s realized she needs to understand herself better first. She wants their relationship to develop authentically, without being forced or hurried.

This episode is moving and doesn’t offer a neat resolution. As season 3 of Abbott Elementary begins, their relationship settles into a friendship, even after overcoming obstacles—a realistic and gently sad moment in their developing story.

Double Date

Season 3, Episode 11

Photo: ABC via MovieStillsDB.

One of the highlights of Abbott Elementary season 3, episode 11, is when Gregory starts to let his guard down in a really funny and honest scene. Jacob sets him up on a double date, but Gregory gets distracted when he sees Janine at the same restaurant with Manny from the school district – and he’s unsure if they’re on a date.

I’ve always seen Gregory as such a composed guy, almost holding everything in. But it was fascinating – and honestly a little heartbreaking – to see him completely lose it when he thought Manny was getting close to Janine. He just blurted everything out! It was so unlike him, especially since he usually keeps his feelings so tightly controlled. It felt really important, like a turning point, because their romance hadn’t been the focus for a while, and this moment really brought it back to the surface.

Party

Season 3, Episode 14

Photo: ABC via MovieStillsDB

The third season of Abbott Elementary ends with Janine organizing an end-of-year party. True to form, she anticipates the chaos and cleverly gives Melissa tasks to handle it. However, when problems arise, it’s Gregory who comforts her.

Gregory hesitates to make a move, claiming he believes Janine is seeing someone else, but the real issue isn’t bad timing. It’s whether they’re both ready. This episode shows Janine and Gregory finally on the same page emotionally, able to choose each other clearly and without the usual confusion.

This kiss feels different than their spontaneous, alcohol-fueled one at the teacher conference. Now, they both seem ready and on the same page, hinting at the start of a genuine relationship in the next season.

Costume Contest

Season 4, Episode 4

Photo: ABC via MovieStillsDB.

By season 4, Janine and Gregory are officially a couple, allowing the show to delve into their relationship. For the Halloween episode, they choose a unique couples costume: Janine dresses as a DNA strand, and Gregory as the mosquito frozen in amber from Jurassic Park.

You know, I really connect with filmmakers who have a very distinct vision – something a little sophisticated, maybe even a bit quirky. It’s like they’re unapologetically themselves, and that shines through in their work. Sometimes, when audiences don’t get their references, they seem to briefly question everything. But what I admire is they always double down, staying true to their artistic voice, and that’s just fantastic.

This scene perfectly shows what makes their connection special – they just get each other in a way no one else could. It’s a charming and humorous moment that proves they’re a great match, and highlights how their three years of friendship have created a strong and genuine bond.

District Budget Meeting

Season 4, Episode 14

Janine is both surprised and thrilled when she believes Gregory has finally told her he loves her in a voice message. However, when she realizes it was a misinterpretation, she’s deeply disappointed and falls back on her old pattern of confiding in Barbara instead of talking to Gregory about it.

Even though Janine and Gregory are now a couple, Abbott Elementary still finds humor in their relationship. When Gregory finally admits his feelings for Janine, it feels genuine and sweet. The show proves it can balance romance and comedy by focusing on realistic emotions, rather than artificial drama.

Game Night

Season 5, Episode 4

Photo: ABC via MovieStillsDB.

Janine and Gregory’s connection is blossoming in season 5 of Abbott Elementary. A lively game night provides the backdrop for showing how well they work together as a couple.

Gregory volunteers to host, but his house is so clean and organized – with things like exercise balls for seats and self-brewed kombucha – that it doesn’t feel very warm or inviting. Janine tries to get everyone to pretend it’s okay, but eventually the uncomfortable situation leads to conflict.

Gregory wasn’t upset about the party being a flop; he was bothered by Janine treating him like a child. He clearly expressed his desire to plan a fun party on his own, without being micromanaged. When he let Janine offer a few ideas – like adding pillows, pizza, and drinks – the party actually started to come together and become enjoyable.

Their relationship is perfectly reflected in the party – she offers a friendly, inviting atmosphere, while he provides organization and stability, and together they create something special. The show, Abbott Elementary, hints at a promising future for them, as they’ve decided to co-host again next time.

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2025-11-03 06:32