Abbott Elementary is about to reach a milestone few network comedies hit anymore. The ABC sitcom airs its 100th episode in December, then returns from its winter break on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 8:31 p.m., the network said Friday.
The date was part of ABC's midseason schedule, as first reported by TheWrap.
Why the 100th episode matters
Reaching 100 episodes is a rare feat for a broadcast comedy in the streaming era, and it underlines the staying power of one of network TV's most talked-about sitcoms. Season 6 has already drawn big guest names; Cup of Soul reported that Bill Hader is joining the season for a guest appearance.
A packed winter on ABC
Abbott comes back during one of the busiest stretches on ABC's calendar:
Sunday, Feb. 7: The Grammy Awards air in their new network home on ABC at 7 p.m. ET.
Monday, Feb. 8: American Idol opens Season 25, a week after the American Idol at 25 anniversary special on Feb. 1.
Sunday, Feb. 14: Super Bowl LXI airs on ABC at 6:30 p.m. ET, with Jay-Z headlining the halftime show and High Potential following at 10:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 14: The Oscars return with Conan O'Brien hosting again.
Sunday, March 21: The Bachelor launches Season 30.
For Abbott, the timing means its return lands just weeks before ABC's biggest live events of the year, a window when the network will have plenty of chances to promote its comedy lineup to a huge audience.
Earlier in January, ABC brings back Will Trent and High Potential on Jan. 5 and pairs The Rookie with its new spinoff, The Rookie North, on Jan. 6.
