Lisa Ann Walter Lands Hulu Stand-Up Special Deal as ‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Takes Center Stage
- Rachel
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Lisa Ann Walter, the scene-stealing firecracker from ABC’s Emmy-winning sitcom Abbott Elementary, is finally grabbing the mic for herself—and this time, she is not playing second fiddle to anyone. Hulu has officially inked a deal with Walter for her long-awaited debut stand-up comedy special, set to premiere in 2026. Yes, you read that right. After two decades of touring stages across the country, Walter is taking her well-earned moment in the spotlight. And we’re here for it.
The untitled comedy special was taped at the Helium Comedy Club in Philadelphia, a fitting tribute to Abbott Elementary’s Philly roots. Adding more firepower, Walter didn’t just headline the show—she directed it. That’s right, she is the talent in front of and behind the camera, proving once again that she is no one-trick pony.
The special will stream on Hulu and on Hulu through Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S., while international viewers can catch it on Disney+. The project comes from Art and Industry and boasts a powerhouse executive production team including Walter herself, her Abbott Elementary co-star and Broadway royalty Sheryl Lee Ralph, along with Michelle Caputo and Shannon Hartman.
Walter plays Melissa Schemmenti, the chain-smoking, no-nonsense South Philly teacher who has quickly become a fan favorite on Abbott Elementary, now in its fifth season. But her comedic chops go way back. Walter co-created and starred in several sitcoms including My Wildest Dreams, Life’s Work, and Dance Your Ass Off. Movie fans may remember her from hits like The Parent Trap, Bruce Almighty, and Shall We Dance, among others.
Outside of the spotlight, Walter is an author and fierce advocate. Her memoir The Best Thing About My Ass Is That It’s Behind
Me hit the bestseller list, and she currently serves on the board of organizations like the Entertainment Community Fund and the ERA Coalition. Oh, and she just so happens to be the first Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles. No big deal.
With a career that’s always balanced biting humor with sharp perspective, Walter’s stand-up debut is shaping up to be more than just laughs—it’s a full-circle moment. If her past work is any indication, expect this special to bring the same energy we love from Melissa Schemmenti, but with even more unfiltered heat.
Stay tuned. The queen of keeping it real is just getting started, and Hulu is smart enough to let her run the show.