A.P. Bio
A.P. Bio is an American comedy television series created by Mike O'Brien, focusing on Jack Griffin, a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who, after failing to secure a prestigious job, returns to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, to teach Advanced Placement Biology at Whitlock High School, where he enlists his gifted students in schemes for personal revenge and gain.[1] The series premiered on NBC with a preview episode on February 1, 2018, followed by its official debut on March 1, 2018, and ran for two seasons before being canceled in May 2019.[2] It was subsequently revived by NBCUniversal's streaming service Peacock, airing its third season in September 2020 and fourth season in September 2021, after which it concluded.[3][4] Starring Glenn Howerton as the cynical and self-absorbed Jack Griffin, the ensemble cast includes Patton Oswalt as the eccentric Principal Ralph Durbin, Lyric Lewis as history teacher Stef Duncan, Mary Sohn as art teacher Mary Wagner, and Jean Villepique as teacher Michelle Jones, alongside a group of student actors portraying Jack's clever AP Biology class.[5] Produced by Broadway Video, Universal Television, and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions, with executive producers including O'Brien, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, and Andrew Singer, A.P. Bio drew acclaim for its sharp wit, character-driven humor, and satirical take on academia and small-town life, earning an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across its run.[6]Series overview
Premise
A.P. Bio centers on Jack Griffin, a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor who, after failing to secure a prestigious position due to his rival Miles Leonard stealing credit for his book idea, returns to his hometown of Toledo, Ohio, and reluctantly accepts a job teaching Advanced Placement Biology at Whitlock High School.[7][1] Initially, Jack shows complete disinterest in his teaching duties, viewing the classroom as a means to an end rather than an opportunity for education; he manipulates his gifted students into assisting with elaborate schemes aimed at personal revenge and self-advancement, often sidelining biology lessons entirely in favor of his own philosophical tangents or vendettas.[7][8] Throughout the series, Jack's relationships evolve from purely transactional to ones marked by reluctant camaraderie and growth. He develops an unlikely friendship with Principal Ralph Durbin, starting with professional friction but progressing to mutual support during personal crises, such as when Jack offers Durbin misguided advice that leads to temporary homelessness, prompting Jack to take him in.[9] Among his students, bonds form with standout pupils like Victor, the awkward and slow-talking student who provides comic relief; Heather, the eccentric and resourceful butcher's daughter whom Jack comes to respect as a confidante; and Sarika, the ambitious overachiever who challenges Jack's authority but earns his begrudging admiration through her persistence.[10][11] The narrative weaves recurring motifs of intense academic pressure on high-achieving teens, Jack's path toward personal redemption amid repeated failures, and absurd comedic mishaps arising from high school dynamics, such as bake sales gone wrong or rivalries with other faculty.[12] These elements underscore the tension between Jack's intellectual arrogance and the grounded realities of secondary education. Throughout the series, Jack undergoes a subtle arc from self-serving schemer to invested educator.[9]Format and style
A.P. Bio is a single-camera sitcom consisting of 22-minute episodes that blend workplace comedy set in a high school environment with satirical elements targeting academic and social dynamics.[13][14] The series draws on creator Mike O'Brien's experience as a Saturday Night Live writer to deliver absurdist, character-driven humor characterized by deadpan delivery, awkward social interactions, and escalating personal schemes.[15][16][17] This approach emphasizes sharp, satirical jabs at intellectual snobbery and high school hierarchies, often highlighting the protagonist's failed ambitions in philosophy clashing with his reluctant role teaching biology.[18][19] Unlike traditional multi-camera sitcoms with laugh tracks and staged audiences, the show adopts a more naturalistic, grounded visual style through its single-camera setup, fostering a tone adjacent to mockumentary realism without relying on voiceovers or overt breaking of the fourth wall.[20][21]Cast and characters
Main cast
Glenn Howerton portrays Jack Griffin, the show's central anti-hero and a disgraced Harvard philosophy professor forced to teach AP Biology at Whitlock High School in Toledo, Ohio. Griffin is depicted as a bitter, scheming, and self-absorbed teacher who uses his students for personal vendettas against rivals while neglecting his actual duties, drawing on Howerton's experience playing the narcissistic Dennis Reynolds in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia to infuse the role with sharp, dark comedic timing.[22] Patton Oswalt plays Principal Ralph Durbin, the overly optimistic and validation-seeking administrator of Whitlock High School who views Griffin as a potential ally despite the teacher's disdain. Durbin's earnest but irresponsible leadership often leads to chaotic school events, with Oswalt—known for voice work in Ratatouille and stand-up comedy—providing heartfelt physical comedy and emotional depth to the character, enhancing the mentor-antagonist dynamic with Howerton's Griffin.[22] Paula Pell stars as Helen Henry Demarcus, the cheerful school administrator who assists Principal Durbin and often gets involved in the faculty's antics while bringing her eccentric and supportive personality to the group. A veteran of Saturday Night Live as both writer and performer, Pell brings improvisational flair and warmth to Helen, making her a key foil and occasional voice of reason in the faculty ensemble.[22] Lyric Lewis appears as Stef Duncan, the straightforward history teacher and one of Griffin's few genuine colleagues, often caught up in the group's antics. Lewis contributes to the show's ensemble humor through Stef's no-nonsense reactions to the school's absurdities.[7] Mary Sohn plays Mary Wagner, the imaginative art teacher whose creative but bizarre ideas frequently intersect with the main plotlines, adding layers of whimsy to the faculty dynamics. Sohn's performance highlights Mary's role as the group's artistic outlier.[7] Jean Villepique portrays Michelle Jones, the health and physical education teacher who is part of the close-knit faculty group with Stef and Mary, and occasionally schemes with her colleagues while navigating school life. Villepique's portrayal emphasizes Michelle's fun-loving and supportive nature.[7]Recurring cast
The recurring cast of A.P. Bio features a ensemble of supporting characters, primarily high school students and school staff, who appear across multiple episodes to flesh out the Whitlock High School environment and support the central storylines. These roles provide comic relief and development opportunities, often highlighting the contrast between Jack Griffin's cynical schemes and the students' ambitions or the staff's bureaucratic quirks.[22] Among the students, Aparna Brielle portrays Sarika Sarkar, an ambitious Indian-American overachiever and self-appointed class leader who frequently challenges Jack's unorthodox teaching methods in favor of traditional learning. Sarika's character arc evolves from a rule-following antagonist to Jack's plans to a more collaborative participant, reflecting the show's theme of reluctant mentorship. Brielle, an up-and-coming actress from Beaverton, Oregon, who trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, debuted in major television roles with this series, bringing a sharp wit to Sarika's know-it-all persona.[23][24] Other key student characters include Nick Peine as Marcus Kasperak, a laid-back but resourceful class member often drawn into Jack's antics; Allisyn Ashley Arm as Heather, the quirky and intelligent student who grows in confidence through the group's misadventures; Eddie Leavy as Anthony, the enthusiastic but awkward participant in classroom schemes; and Spence Moore II as Dan Decker, a student who starts as a bully but gradually becomes part of the group's dynamics. These students collectively represent a diverse group of high-achievers whose involvement in Jack's revenge plots gradually leads to genuine educational breakthroughs, such as unexpected insights into biology concepts amid the chaos. Leavy, for instance, drew from his own experiences in school-set shows like Teachers to inform Anthony's relatable energy.[25][26] In the first season, additional recurring students like Jacob McCarthy as Devin, a tech-savvy but anxious member of the class, and Tucker Albrizzi as Colin McConnell, a quirky and imaginative student, contributed to early ensemble interactions before departing in later seasons due to cast adjustments following the NBC renewal. These changes, including the introduction of new students to refresh the ensemble, shifted focus post-pilot revisions.[27][28] On the faculty and staff side, recurring figures include David Gborie as Gary, a laid-back custodian introduced in season 3 whose interactions with Jack highlight workplace rivalries and absurd school politics. Charlie McCrackin recurs as Coach Novak, the overly competitive gym teacher whose clashes with the academic staff underscore inter-departmental tensions. These supporting roles emphasize faculty dynamics, with students occasionally bridging the divide in evolving subplots that blend humor with moments of school camaraderie. The student ensemble, many of whom were early-career actors, brought fresh energy to the series, evolving from tools in Jack's schemes to characters who occasionally outsmart him, fostering organic learning amid the comedy.[29]Guest stars
The guest star roster for A.P. Bio featured several comedic talents in one-time roles, enhancing the show's satirical edge by introducing authority figures, foils, or eccentric outsiders that clashed with protagonist Jack Griffin's schemes. These appearances often served to heighten the humor through exaggerated contrasts with the core ensemble, such as union reps or family members injecting tension or absurdity into school dynamics.[2] In the first season on NBC, Niecy Nash appeared as Kim Burke, a tough teacher's union representative, in the episode "Teacher Jail," where her no-nonsense demeanor amplified the bureaucratic chaos at Whitlock High.[30] Taran Killam guest-starred as Mr. Vining, a fellow teacher, in the same episode, adding to the workplace rivalries with his deadpan delivery.[30] Later in season 1, Erinn Hayes played Trish, a love interest for Jack, in "Freakin' Enamored," bringing physical comedy and romantic farce to the fore.[31] Season 2 continued this trend with high-profile cameos like Christopher Lloyd as a quirky guidance counselor in "Rosemary's Boyfriend," leveraging his iconic persona for mentor-like absurdity without overshadowing the students' antics.[32] Tim Heidecker portrayed a motivational speaker in "Personal Everest," serving as a satirical target for Jack's cynicism and boosting the episode's self-help parody. The Peacock seasons featured fewer but impactful guests, aligning with the platform's shift toward streamlined production. In season 4, Bruce Campbell debuted as John Griffin, Jack's estranged father, in a multi-episode arc that explored family dysfunction through his charismatic tough-guy archetype.[33] Joe Manganiello appeared as Malachi, an obsessive anime fan and potential rival, in "Malachi," injecting manic energy and physical humor into Jack's personal life.[34] Creator Mike O'Brien made uncredited cameos as minor teachers across seasons, providing subtle nods to the show's Saturday Night Live roots.[35] Overall, guest appearances were more frequent in the NBC era (seasons 1–2) to draw viewers with familiar faces, tapering off in the Peacock revival (seasons 3–4) for a focus on ensemble dynamics.[36]Production
Development
A.P. Bio was created by comedian and writer Mike O'Brien and received a straight-to-series order from NBC on May 8, 2017, for a first season consisting of 13 episodes.[37] O'Brien, who drew inspiration from his upbringing in Toledo, Ohio—the show's setting—served as writer, executive producer, and showrunner alongside producers including Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels.[35] The series premiered on NBC with a preview episode on February 1, 2018.[38] Despite modest live ratings averaging around 0.9 in the 18-49 demographic, NBC renewed it for a second season on May 8, 2018, citing improved viewership through DVR and delayed playback, which boosted totals to a 1.2 rating in the key demo.[13] The second season aired from March 7 to June 13, 2019, but NBC canceled the show on May 24, 2019, after it averaged just under 2 million viewers per episode and a 0.7 demo rating—placing it among the network's lowest-rated comedies.[20] Fan campaigns, including social media efforts and online petitions urging revival, gained traction in the ensuing weeks.[39] In response to the outcry and as part of NBCUniversal's push into streaming, the series was revived on July 17, 2019, for Seasons 3 and 4 as originals on the forthcoming Peacock platform, marking it as the service's first half-hour scripted comedy.[40] Season 3 premiered on Peacock on September 3, 2020, followed by Season 4 on September 2, 2021.[41] Peacock announced the cancellation on December 6, 2021, confirming no fifth season amid ongoing low metrics, though creator Mike O'Brien issued a statement expressing deep gratitude to fans for supporting the show through its ups and downs.[42] As of November 2025, no revival has materialized despite a significant popularity surge on Netflix in late 2024, where the series climbed streaming charts; all seasons departed the platform on November 15, 2025.[43][44]Casting
Glenn Howerton was cast as the lead Jack Griffin in early 2017 for the pilot episode, bringing his experience from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia to the role of a disgraced philosophy professor turned high school biology teacher.[45] Patton Oswalt joined shortly after in March 2017 as Principal Ralph Durbin, selected for his ability to portray a well-meaning but comically inept administrator who adds emotional warmth and absurdity to the faculty dynamics.[46] Supporting roles were filled with performers connected to creator Mike O'Brien's Saturday Night Live background, including Paula Pell as the eccentric school administrator Helen Demarcus, whose casting leveraged their prior collaboration during O'Brien's time as a cast member and writer on the show from 2009 to 2013.[47] Other key faculty members, such as Lyric Lewis as history teacher Stef Duncan and Mary Sohn as art teacher Mary Wagner, rounded out the ensemble through standard industry auditions emphasizing comedic timing and ensemble chemistry.[12] The student ensemble was assembled via open casting calls in Los Angeles targeting young, diverse actors to portray a realistic modern high school class, with final selections based on chemistry reads alongside Howerton to ensure natural group dynamics.[48] Eddie Leavy, who originated the role of the sassy, strong student Anthony Lewis as recurring in season 1, was promoted to series regular following the show's renewal, reflecting his standout improvisational skills during auditions.[48] Aparna Brielle, Nick Peine, and others were chosen similarly for roles like the overachieving Sarika Sarkar and laid-back Marcus Kasperak, prioritizing multicultural representation to mirror contemporary student bodies.[12] Role evolutions occurred across seasons due to scheduling and creative shifts; for instance, after season 1, actors like Jacob McCarthy (Devin) and Tucker Albrizzi (Colin) departed the main student cast, with new faces integrated to maintain the group's energy. The 2019 NBC cancellation created uncertainty, impacting actor commitments for season 2 production, but the 2020 Peacock revival enabled more flexible guest spots and retained core players like Howerton and Oswalt through renegotiated deals.[49]Filming
A.P. Bio was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California. Interiors were captured at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, while exterior shots of the fictional Whitlock High School were filmed at Millikan High School in Long Beach. Some on-location scenes were shot in Toledo, Ohio, including sequences at the Huntington Center arena to reflect the series' setting.[50] Production for season 1 began in early 2017, with the pilot filmed at Millikan High School during the week of March 20. The series followed a standard multi-camera sitcom schedule, producing 22-minute episodes over several weeks per season. Creator Mike O'Brien directed four episodes across the run, contributing to the show's comedic timing, while other directors like Oz Rodriguez helmed multiple installments. Cinematographer M. David Mullen, ASC, led the visual team, employing techniques that highlighted the ensemble cast's interactions through dynamic framing.[51][52][53] After moving to Peacock for seasons 3 and 4, production adapted to the streaming format with shorter overall timelines. Season 3, shot in 2019–2020, was limited to eight episodes when filming halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the cast and crew later resumed under safety protocols including testing and social distancing. Season 4 followed a similar accelerated window in 2021, enabling the series' continuation without network broadcast constraints.[54]Episodes
Season 1 (2018)
The first season of A.P. Bio consists of 13 episodes that aired on NBC from February 1, 2018, to May 3, 2018.[55] The series was given an initial straight-to-series order on May 8, 2017, allowing production to begin without a traditional pilot episode presentation.[45] Creator Mike O'Brien wrote or co-wrote multiple episodes, establishing the show's core schemes involving Jack's schemes against his rival and school dynamics. The season featured several guest stars, including Erinn Hayes and Tom Wilson, to generate early buzz.[52] Viewership peaked with the pilot episode at 3.2 million viewers and a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic, though ratings declined to an average of around 2.5 million by season's end.[56] Episodes 3 and 4 aired back-to-back on March 1, 2018.| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | US viewers (millions) | Brief description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Catfish | Oz Rodriguez | Mike O'Brien | February 1, 2018 | 3.18 | Disgraced Harvard professor Jack Griffin arrives in Toledo to teach AP Biology and recruits his students to catfish his academic rival on social media.[57][58] |
| 2 | 2 | Teacher Jail | Oz Rodriguez | Mike O'Brien & Rob Klein | February 25, 2018 | 2.49 | Jack's disruptive classroom antics land him in "teacher jail," prompting him to scheme his way out while navigating school politics.[55] |
| 3 | 3 | Overachieving Virgins | Julie Anne Robinson | John Blickstead & Trey Kollmer | March 1, 2018 | 2.32 | Jack attempts to boost his students' confidence by highlighting their academic strengths amid revelations about their social lives. |
| 4 | 4 | Burning Miles | Oz Rodriguez | Luvh Rakhe | March 1, 2018 | 2.45 | Jack confronts his past failures by dramatically disposing of a personal memento, while dealing with a school rival's taunts.[55] |
| 5 | 5 | Dating Toledoans | Ryan Case | Aseem Batra | March 8, 2018 | 2.38 | Jack explores the local dating scene, leading to awkward encounters that intersect with his teaching duties. |
| 6 | 6 | Freakin' Enamored | Oz Rodriguez | Shelly Gossman | March 15, 2018 | 2.41 | At a parent-teacher conference, Jack develops an interest in a student's mother, complicating his professional boundaries.[59] |
| 7 | 7 | Selling Out | Payman Benz | Donick Cary | March 22, 2018 | 2.30 | Jack pushes his students to create a viral video for his revenge plot, but faces ethical dilemmas when opportunities arise.[55] |
| 8 | 8 | We Don't Party | Daniel Gray Longino | Nicole Sun | March 29, 2018 | 2.28 | The faculty plans a low-key gathering that escalates, forcing Jack to balance his schemes with unexpected social pressures. |
| 9 | 9 | Rosemary's Boyfriend | Maggie Carey | Mike O'Brien & Charlie McCrackin | April 5, 2018 | 2.25 | Jack's interactions with a colleague's boyfriend reveal tensions in the school's interpersonal dynamics.[55] |
| 10 | 10 | Durbin Crashes | Andrew DeYoung | Mike O'Brien & Rob Klein | April 12, 2018 | 2.22 | Principal Durbin's personal crisis spills into school life, giving Jack an opportunity to advance his agenda. |
| 11 | 11 | Eight Pigs and a Rat | Carrie Brownstein | Mike O'Brien & Zeke Nicholson | April 19, 2018 | 2.20 | Jack enlists the class in a bizarre experiment tied to his rivalry, testing the limits of their loyalty.[55] |
| 12 | 12 | Walleye | Tristram Shapeero | Mike O'Brien & Britt Matt | April 26, 2018 | 2.18 | Jack convinces his rival that one of his students is his illegitimate child, while the faculty debates the theme for a school dance. |
| 13 | 13 | Drenching Dallas | Lynn Shelton | Mike O'Brien & Jeff Vanderkruik & Brian Ashburn | May 3, 2018 | 2.15 | As the school year ends, Jack pursues a final act of revenge on behalf of his students during a major event.[60] |
Season 2 (2018–2019)
The second season of A.P. Bio comprises 13 episodes that aired on NBC from March 7 to May 30, 2019.[55] Following its renewal in May 2018 despite modest first-season performance, the season incorporated effects from fan support, shifting toward more student-centric narratives while maintaining Jack Griffin's schemes to escape teaching.[13] Production emphasized integrations of guest stars from Saturday Night Live alumni, including Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney, enhancing the comedic ensemble.[52] Ratings remained modest in live viewing, averaging a 0.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.0 million viewers per episode, though DVR gains added approximately 0.3 points to the demo average, providing crucial uplift.[61] The season opens with the premiere episode "Happiness," which nods to the show's renewal through Jack's pursuit of personal fulfillment, and culminates in the finale "Adventure," centered on a chaotic class field trip that ties together ongoing character arcs.Episode list
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) | Brief description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 1 | Happiness | Maggie Carey | Mike O'Brien | March 7, 2019 | 1.88 | Jack seeks the secret to ordinary happiness for a new book idea to escape teaching, while colleagues face copier chaos at school.[61] |
| 15 | 2 | Nuns | Maggie Carey | Aisha Muharrar | March 14, 2019 | 1.96 | Jack capitalizes on a local tragedy for book publicity, as Durbin navigates a school visit from nuns.[61] |
| 16 | 3 | Wednesday Morning, 8 AM | Oz Rodriguez | Rob Klein | March 21, 2019 | 1.84 | Jack's book pitch falters amid personal setbacks, prompting him to rally his students for support.[61] |
| 17 | 4 | Toledo's Top 100 | Maggie Carey | Emily Cutler | March 28, 2019 | 1.76 | Inspired by a local list, Jack creates his own rankings, leading to faculty rivalries and student involvement.[62][61] |
| 18 | 5 | J'accuse | Andrew DeYoung | Mike O'Brien & Charlie McCrackin | April 4, 2019 | 1.69 | Jack accuses a fellow teacher of plagiarism in his writing, escalating school tensions.[62][61] |
| 19 | 6 | Professor in the Wild | Maggie Carey | Jess Lacher | April 11, 2019 | 1.67 | Jack takes his class on an observational field trip to gather material for his book, uncovering unexpected insights.[61] |
| 20 | 7 | Personal Everest | Oz Rodriguez | Zina Tawler | April 18, 2019 | 1.65 | Durbin attempts to motivate the staff with a personal challenge, while Jack deals with book-related pressures.[61] |
| 21 | 8 | Sweet Low Road | Maggie Carey | Aisha Muharrar | April 25, 2019 | 1.62 | As Jack's book gains traction, he navigates promotional demands and school duties.[61] |
| 22 | 9 | Dr. Whoopsie | Andrew DeYoung | Rob Klein | May 2, 2019 | 1.60 | Jack's students assist with a book tour mishap, highlighting his reliance on their ingenuity.[61] |
| 23 | 10 | Handcuffed | Oz Rodriguez | Emily Cutler | May 9, 2019 | 1.58 | Jack and Durbin find themselves literally stuck together, forcing collaboration amid chaos.[61] |
| 24 | 11 | The Big One | Maggie Carey | Mike O'Brien | May 16, 2019 | 1.55 | The school braces for a major standardized test, with Jack scheming to minimize his involvement.[61] |
| 25 | 12 | Mallionaires | Andrew DeYoung | Charlie McCrackin | May 23, 2019 | 1.52 | Students explore independence at the mall, intersecting with Jack's ongoing book pursuits.[61] |
| 26 | 13 | Adventure | Oz Rodriguez | Mike O'Brien & Jess Lacher | May 30, 2019 | 1.50 | The class embarks on a field trip adventure that tests Jack's patience and reveals growth in student dynamics.[61] |
Season 3 (2020)
The third season of A.P. Bio consists of 8 episodes and premiered on Peacock on September 3, 2020, with all episodes released simultaneously in a day-and-date streaming format.[63] This marked the series' move to Peacock as its first original scripted comedy, allowing for a binge-watching experience unbound by traditional broadcast schedules.[64] The season shifts toward more serialized storytelling, incorporating ongoing character developments such as romantic tensions and personal growth arcs among the faculty and students, while retaining the show's signature absurd humor and ensemble dynamics.[65] Actor Eddie Leavy was promoted to series regular for this season, continuing his role as the effeminate and strong-willed student Anthony Lewis.[52] Production for the season began in early 2020 but was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with filming halting in March and resulting in the shortened episode order from an initially planned 10. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited as primary, the impact is corroborated by creator statements in interviews.) Despite the disruptions, the season avoids direct references to the pandemic, focusing instead on pre-shutdown storylines.[64] The episodes are as follows:| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 1 | "Tiny Problems" | Oz Rodriguez | Donick Cary | September 3, 2020 |
| 28 | 2 | "Disgraced" | Oz Rodriguez | Teleplay by Shelly Gossman; Story by Charlie McCrackin & Gilli Nissim | September 3, 2020 |
| 29 | 3 | "Gary Meets Dave" | Andrew DeYoung | Michael J. Feldman | September 3, 2020 |
| 30 | 4 | "Get Hoppy!" | Oz Rodriguez | Donick Cary | September 3, 2020 |
| 31 | 5 | "Mr. Pistachio" | Oz Rodriguez | Teleplay by Aisha Muharrar; Story by Tim Harlow | September 3, 2020 |
| 32 | 6 | "That That That" | Richie Keen | Charlie McCrackin | September 3, 2020 |
| 33 | 7 | "Aces Wild" | Oz Rodriguez | Teleplay by Shelly Gossman & Brendan Jennings; Story by Michael J. Feldman | September 3, 2020 |
| 34 | 8 | "Katie Holmes Day" | Anu Valia | Teleplay by Debbie Jhoon & Michael J. Feldman; Story by Aisha Muharrar | September 3, 2020 |
- "Tiny Problems": Jack becomes frustrated with a faulty popcorn maker and enlists his students for payback, while Helen returns to education to earn her high school equivalency.[66]
- "Disgraced": Mr. Pugh organizes a field trip for local naturalists, and Jack seeks help to finish his book after struggling with writer's block.[67]
- "Gary Meets Dave": Jack misplaces a large sum of money that ends up with the students; Principal Durbin and Helen probe the incident, prompting confessions from staff and pupils.[68]
- "Get Hoppy!": Principal Durbin promotes Jack's philosophy book on local TV but succumbs to newfound fame; the teachers compete in the school's Young Entrepreneurs Club.[69]
- "Mr. Pistachio": Jack relies on Mary for a doctor's visit that goes awry due to a prank; Durbin and Helen face embarrassment during a school event.[70]
- "That That That": As winter break approaches, Jack records a lecture on transcendentalism to pitch to a university philosophy department but encounters unexpected hurdles.[71]
- "Aces Wild": Durbin and Helen conduct locker searches amid concerns over vaping; Jack uncovers discrepancies in Anthony's after-school activities.[72]
- "Katie Holmes Day": The town gears up for its annual Katie Holmes Day celebration, but Jack and Marissa scheme to disrupt the festivities.[73]
Season 4 (2021)
The fourth and final season of A.P. Bio comprises eight episodes, all streaming on Peacock, with the first seven released simultaneously on September 2, 2021, and the finale on October 21, 2021.[74] Renewed by Peacock in December 2020, the season wrapped principal photography in April 2021 after production began earlier that spring.[75] It serves as a conclusion to the series, emphasizing Jack Griffin's ongoing character development from a self-absorbed professor to a more integrated member of the Whitlock High community, while resolving key school dynamics and interpersonal tensions among the faculty and students.[76] The storylines incorporate meta-elements and callbacks that acknowledge the show's end, providing satisfying wrap-ups to multi-season arcs without relying on overt finality tropes.[77]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | Brief description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 1 | Tornado! | Katie Locke O'Brien | Michael Patrick O'Brien | September 2, 2021 | A tornado warning forces the school into lockdown, sparking superstitious fears among the staff and creative distractions for the students.[78][79] |
| 36 | 2 | Sweatpants | Katie Locke O'Brien | Rob Klein, Brendan Jennings & Clayton English | September 2, 2021 | Jack rallies the students into a mock rebellion against new uniform rules, while the teachers gear up for a long-awaited concert outing.[80] |
| 37 | 3 | An Oath to Rusty | Katie Locke O'Brien | Shelly Gossman & Brendan Jennings | September 2, 2021 | Victor copes with romantic disappointment by diving into an unconventional hobby, as Jack grapples with his own relational setbacks.[81][77] |
| 38 | 4 | Tons of Rue | Katie Locke O'Brien | John Blickstead & Trey Kollmer | September 2, 2021 | The A.P. Bio class arranges a reunion with Jack's estranged father, prompting Jack to scrutinize his dad's supposed life changes.[82] |
| 39 | 5 | The Perfect Date from Hell | Oz Rodriguez | Charlie McCrackin & David Neher | September 2, 2021 | Jack investigates suspicions about his neighbor's celebrity status, while Principal Durbin attempts a covert operation at school.[83][84] |
| 40 | 6 | Love, for Lack of a Better Term | Heath Cullens | Jess Lacher, Brendan Jennings & Clayton English | September 2, 2021 | The faculty dives into a heated school competition, testing alliances and rivalries in unexpected ways.[85][86] |
| 41 | 7 | Malachi | Heath Cullens | J. Michael Feldman, Debbie Jhoon & Brendan Jennings | September 2, 2021 | Jack encounters rivalry from Shayla's old acquaintance, complicating their budding connection amid school events.[87] |
| 42 | 8 | The Harvard Pen | Oz Rodriguez | Hadiyah Robinson & Clayton English (teleplay); Brendan Jennings (story) | October 21, 2021 | Jack's cherished possession goes missing, igniting a school-wide frenzy as Durbin prepares for a high-stakes evaluation.[88][89] |