In a shrewd move, actress, creator, head writer, co-showrunner, and executive producer of the hit ABC comedy series Abbott Elementary, Quinta Brunson, announced that she signed a big, five-year overall deal with 20th Television for her female-led entertainment company, Fifth Chance Productions. Brunson is transitioning from a four-year overall deal at Warner Bros. Television, which produces the Emmy-winning ABC comedy in association with 20th TV, a part of Disney Television Studios.
Under the new partnership, Brunson will write, develop and executive-produce series across Disney Entertainment Television’s brands and platforms via her banner Fifth Chance Productions. Industry insiders consider Brunson’s move a rare, surprising one. However, moving to Disney will keep Brunson in the Abbott family as she will be based at the series’ co-producer, 20th TV, with the show’s network, ABC. “Quinta is a cultural force and one of the most original and influential storytellers in entertainment today. Through Abbott Elementary, she has redefined the half-hour comedy and built one of television’s most beloved and acclaimed series,” said Debra O’Connell, Chairman, Disney Entertainment Television, in a statement. We’re proud to expand our partnership and continue investing in Quinta’s extraordinary creative future as she brings new stories to fans across our iconic brands and platforms.”
Brunson will continue to star in Abbott, as she has an eight-season acting deal on the show and has been confirmed as the executive producer for the duration of the series. She will also continue to juggle leading her show while leading her staff at Fifth Chance, which was established a year ago with the hire of Wehrenberg at 20th TV.
“I am so grateful to work alongside Disney, Warner Bros. Television, and 20th Television on Abbott Elementary. Building this show together has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished through this partnership,” Brunson said in a statement. “As we continue to grow and evolve the series, I’m thrilled to officially establish Fifth Chance under the Disney and 20th Television banner. This partnership represents an exciting next chapter for me as a creator, producer, and storyteller, and I look forward to developing new projects with the incredible teams at Disney and 20th Television. I’m deeply thankful to Dana Walden, Debra OConnell, Craig Erwich, Karey Burke, and everyone who has supported our vision and placed their trust in me and my team.”