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How 'Abbott Elementary' Took Over an Abandoned LA Mall for Ambitious Season 5 Twist

Abbott Elementary filmed a three-episode arc at the soon-to-be-demolished Westfield Topanga mall, reflecting real educator challenges with school relocations, inspired by a 2025 wildfire event.

Summary by The Wrap
Note: This story contains spoilers from “Abbott Elementary” Season 5, Episode 9. When “Abbott Elementary” production designer Michael Whetstone first heard that executive producers Quinta Brunson, Patrick Schumacker and Justin Halpern wanted to transform an abandoned mall into a makeshift school while Abbott underwent repairs, his mind immediately went to Palisades High School, which found a new home in a retired Sears after the Los Angeles wild…

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Deadline broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
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