Chris Perfetti Feels 'Very Attached' to HisAbbott ElementaryCostars: 'These People Are My Family Now' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Chris Perfettiis excited to be back on screen and on set with the cast ofAbbott Elementary.

While appearing on the latest episode of PEOPLE in 10, the 35-year-old actor explains what it was like to return to set with his costars and what fans can expect from this season of the mocumentary sitcom.

“Season 3 ofAbbott Elementaryis going to blow you away,” he says. “I feel like we are back and better than ever.”

Although the season will be shorter than the past two due to a break in filming during the writer’s strike, Perfetti says it only highlights the cast’s ability to connect with their audience. He teases that “the laughs are coming quicker” this season.

From left: Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chris Perfetti and Tyler James Williams in ‘Abbott Elementary’.Gilles Mingasson/Disney

Gilles Mingasson/Disney

When it comes to how he resonates with his character Jacob now that the show has reached its third season, he says he has seen a deeper level of character development.

“I think that Jacob is nothing like me, butQuinta [Brunson]obviously saw something in me that resonates with her idea of this character, and the more that we do it, you kind of get permission to believe that you are this person,” he says of Brunson, who is the show’s creator, executive producer, co-writer and also stars in the series.

“Where Chris ends and Jacob begins is kind of a mystery right now,” he adds.

The cast of ‘Abbott Elementary’.Disney/Pamela Littky

Disney/Pamela Littky

Along with getting to know his character better, Perfetti also says the cast of theaward-winningshow has grown into a family. Their connection is something he says he knew was “special” since the show began.

“Right now I’m feeling very attached to myAbbottfamily,” he says. “It is a real gift to be able to play a character for as long as I’ve been able to be Jacob and these people are my family now — there was a connection from the get-go.”

During a round of rapid fire questions, Perfetti confesses out of his costars, he’d most like to be stuck on a deserted island withJanelle James, swap lives with Brunson and sing at a karaoke party withSheryl Lee Ralph.

Perfetti also reveals that the cast has collectively connected with the city the show takes place in — Philadelphia.

“I feel like you can’t be a part of this show and not be rooting for the Eagles at this point, and knowing all the slang, throwing it around like you’ve been in Philly your whole life,” he jokes.

Chris Perfetti and Quinta Brunson on ‘Abbott Elementary’.ABC/Gilles Mingasson

ABC/Gilles Mingasson

Crediting the writers of the hit show, Perfetti shares that he and his costars don’t often improvise while filming (although he admits diving into a trash can this season was an act of his own accord).

“We are so blessed with the writing on this show, I would say there’s a real air of improvisation on the set ofAbbot Elementary, but most of the time I feel like it’s just not needed,” he says. “Anything I would come up with in the moment is usually not as good as what they have written.”

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Abbott Elementaryairs on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and episodes can be streamed the next day onHulu, where seasons 1 and 2 are also available.

source: people.com