Bill Hader announced the gig on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, joking he "had to act like I was from Philly" to get it. He grew up in Oklahoma. ABC hasn't said who he plays or when his episode airs.
Bill Hader is enrolling at Abbott Elementary, and he had to fake some Philly pride to get in. Or so he says.
The Barry and Saturday Night Live star said Monday, Nov. 2, on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live that he'll guest star on ABC's Abbott Elementary this season. "I do a guest spot on Abbott Elementary this year," he said. "I'm excited."
Kimmel joked that creator Quinta Brunson rarely lets outsiders on the show. Hader had an answer ready: "I had to act like I was from Philly. It was hard for me."
He then acted out telling Brunson "I love the ... Phillies" while grimacing and miming blood pouring out of his ears, PhillyVoice reported. Hader is from Oklahoma, and PhillyVoice noted he appears to root for the San Francisco Giants. Method acting.
What we don't know yet: who he plays and when his episode airs. Hader didn't say, and ABC hasn't announced it. ABC Audio confirmed the guest spot, and Deadline and Variety reported it Tuesday.
One ABC show announcing a guest spot on another ABC show. Disney synergy at its finest.
How did Bill Hader end up on Abbott Elementary?
Hader didn't explain how the spot came together. But he and Brunson have spent a lot of time together lately.
They co-star in Warner Bros.' animated The Cat in the Hat, which opens in theaters Friday, Nov. 6. Hader voices the Cat, and Brunson voices Sherri, an HR director. Hader was on Kimmel to promote it.
So yes, the Cat in the Hat is about to visit a public school in Philadelphia. Somebody warn Principal Ava.
Who is Bill Hader?
Hader spent 2005 to 2013 on Saturday Night Live, where he created Stefon, the club kid who knew every wild hot spot in New York. He later co-created, directed and starred in HBO's Barry, which won him two Emmys for lead actor in a comedy. He also co-created the mockumentary series Documentary Now!
Disney fans know his voice, too. He played Fear in Pixar's Inside Out and had voice roles in Finding Dory and Toy Story 4.
Hidden Remote pointed out that Abbott's famous cameos, like Bradley Cooper and Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, played themselves. With Hader's sketch background, he could just as easily play a full character. We'd vote for a very confused substitute teacher.
Who else is guest starring on Abbott Elementary Season 6?
Hader joins a busy guest list this year. Here's who's been announced or already shown up:
Miranda Cosgrove: a substitute teacher who's secretly a nun, in Episode 3, "Tryouts"
Ali Wong: Ms. Pittman, a special education certification instructor
Edi Patterson: announced in October alongside Cosgrove and Wong
Jaboukie Young-White: Jacob's boyfriend, in the Halloween episode
Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe: the Philadelphia 76ers players showed up in the premiere
Season 6 also comes with some big changes at school. Gregory is now assistant principal, and Melissa is the teachers' union rep.
How can I watch Abbott Elementary?
Season 6 premiered Oct. 7. New episodes air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
Episodes stream the next day on Hulu. Disney bundle subscribers can also watch through Hulu on Disney+.
The season runs 22 episodes, so there's plenty of room for one Oklahoman pretending to love the Phillies.
If you don't have cable, ABC is also available through live TV streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Fubo.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
PhillyVoice (Nov. 3, 2026), Hader's Kimmel comments, the Phillies bit and recent guest stars
ABC Audio via Yahoo Entertainment (Nov. 3, 2026), Hader's quote and ABC's confirmation
Hidden Remote (Nov. 3, 2026), the Kimmel exchange, Cat in the Hat roles and Season 6 guest roles
Deadline (Nov. 3, 2026), the guest-star report
The Philadelphia Inquirer (Oct. 14, 2026), Season 6 guest star announcement, premiere cameos and time slot
Disney+ (Oct. 8, 2026), streaming details and episode count
The Express Tribune (Nov. 3, 2026), Hader's career background
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