Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2 Preview: Cheating
It’s always a good day for us when Tariq stops by Abbott Elementary.
Unfortunately for Janine on Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2, “Cheating,” the return of her ex-boyfriend, recent “father”, and the head of PTA is not a welcoming sight.
Tariq stops by to see her, but accidentally causes chaos to erupt in her classroom.
While Janine deals with Hurricane Tariq, Melissa navigates a new challenge with her middle-grade students. When she suspects some of the teenagers are cheating, she attempts to outsmart them at their own game.
Additionally, a new guidance counselor joins Abbott’s ranks as Jacob and Barbara strike up a new feud.
Here’s everything you need to know about this episode, including the air date, cast, promo, and how to watch.
Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2 Details
- Title: “Cheating”
- Air Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
- Time: 8:30/7:30c
- Network: ABC
How to Watch Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2
- Live: ABC at 8:30 pm EST
- Streaming: Stream episodes the next day on Hulu.
Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2 Description
Melissa tries to outsmart her students; Tariq causes chaos in Janine’s class, and a new guidance counselor joins the school.
Guest Stars & Returning Characters
- Main Cast: Quinta Brunson (Janine Teagues), Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie), Janelle James (Ava Coleman), Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill), Lisa Ann Walter (Melissa Schemmenti), William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard)
- Notable Returns: Zack Fox (Tariq Temple)
Promo & Photos
Check out the photos from Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 2:
LISA ANN WALTER
Promo Video:
What are your hopes for this episode of Abbott Elementary? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to catch up with our review of Abbott Elementary Season 5 Episode 1, “Team Building,” right here.
Abbott Elementary airs Wednesdays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf