"Abbott Elementary" Star Tyler James Williams Explained Why He Doesn't Want To See His Character End Up With Quinta Brunson's Character

BuzzFeed
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Tyler James Williams is about to crush the dreams of a lot of Abbott Elementary fans, but he has a good reason, I promise!

Jonathan Majors on the red carpet wearing a glimmering blue suit with a patterned shirt and white shoes
Gilbert Flores / Variety via Getty Images

Since the show's inception, people have been pining for Tyler's character Gregory Eddie to end up with Qunita Brunson's character Janine Teagues.

Walt Disney Studios / ://Twitter: @joelygabs

Everyone shipping their relationship experienced "will they, won't they" moments throughout the seasons. The real emotional test came when Gregory and Janine finally kissed, but ultimately decided to stay friends.

Verzuz / Twitter: @jelevision

Well, Tyler recently stopped by the Jennifer Hudson Show to explain why he'd prefer those characters remain friends despite the public outcry for them to evolve into something more romantic.

Two people sitting in chairs on a talk show set, engaging in conversation
Fox

"I hate to say it," Tyler told Jennifer. "Everybody's always mad at me for this, but I don't necessarily want to see them together."

Two actors on a TV set, man holding an award, woman next to him, both smiling, in a school hallway setting
Gilles Mingasson / ABC via Getty Images

"I don't think we see displays of platonic love between two people often. I think it's really easy to go right to 'they have feelings for each other, therefore they should be together.'"

Two people walking through a textured, organic tunnel-like exhibit, expressing curiosity
Eric Liebowitz / ABC via Getty Images

Tyler added that he watches a lot of TV and movies and has read a ton of scripts. Friendships like theirs typically lead to romance, so it would interest him more if their relationship didn't turn into a typical trope.

A man sitting in a talk show environment, wearing a green and white sweater with a diagonal pattern
Fox

"I like this dynamic of them exploring withholding that and just actively loving each other where they are. That, I'd like to see more of."

Two actors in character are shaking hands in an office set
Gilles Mingasson / ABC via Getty Images

"TV allows people to see things that could be their lives for the first time. I think seeing a healthy friendship, that is deeply caring about one another in a work atmosphere, needs to be shown more than a relationship."

Two people having a friendly conversation in a hall with an American flag in the background
Ser Baffo / ABC via Getty Images

Although I am one of the fans who would love to see them together, I agree with a lot of the points he made. I'm also a fan of plot twists and storylines that do not follow a common trend. So, seeing Gregory and Janine pursue a deeper friendship instead of romance might actually be refreshing.

Screenshot from a TV show featuring a woman expressing surprise with the caption "WHO WOULDA THOUGHT?"
ABC

But other die-hard shippers had other thoughts:

ABC / Twitter: @justthatbre

Saucy Santana/Instagram / Twitter: @mrsalexsmith___

Netflix / Twitter: @xvgvault

Warner Bros. / Twitter: @IssaNotRaee

Twitter: @RosyShepherdess

Tell us how you feel about Tyler's statements in the comments! And for more, check out his interview with Jennifer Hudson below: