If you’ve been watching Abbott Elementary, you know the drill. It’s usually the teachers—Janine, Gregory, Barbara, and the rest—trying to save the school from literal collapse. But Season 4 introduced someone who actually fixes things.
Enter Matthew Law as O’Shon.
He didn’t just walk into the school with a box of new computers; he basically walked into our hearts. Honestly, he’s one of the most refreshing additions to the show in years. He’s the district IT rep, sure, but he’s also the guy who manages to make the chaotic Ava Coleman lose her cool. That alone is an Emmy-worthy achievement.
Who Exactly Is Matthew Law?
Most people recognize him from his role as Kareem Richardson in Tyler Perry’s The Oval. Or maybe you saw him as Captain Porter in Ahsoka. He’s got range. Like, "piloting a starship one day and fixing a router the next" kind of range.
Law is a Seattle guy through and through. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, attended Ballard High School, and eventually found his way to Temple University and Loyola Marymount. It’s kinda poetic that he’s now starring in a show set in Philadelphia after actually living there during his college years.
He’s not just an actor, though. He’s a filmmaker and an activist. He wrote and directed True, a stage show that dives deep into Black men’s mental health. When you watch him play O’Shon, you can see that grounded energy. He isn’t just playing a "handsome IT guy" trope; he’s bringing a real, human stillness to a very loud show.
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Why O’Shon Is the Secret Weapon of Season 4
Let’s talk about the dynamic. Abbott Elementary thrives on high-energy conflict. Janine is anxious. Ava is... well, Ava. Then O’Shon walks in. He’s calm. He’s direct. He doesn’t flinch when Ava tries to intimidate him with her usual brand of nonsense.
In the episode "Class Pet," we see him for the first time. The school gets computers from a shady golf course developer, and O’Shon is the one tasked with setting them up. It would have been easy to make him a background character. Instead, the chemistry between him and Janelle James (Ava) was instant.
He’s the first person to actually challenge Ava in a way she respects. He doesn’t argue with her; he just sees right through her.
The Gregory Connection
One of the best moments for O’Shon wasn't even about romance. It was about Gregory Eddie.
As we saw in the episode "Strike," Gregory is a bit of a loner. He has Janine and Jacob, but he doesn't really have a "bro." O’Shon notices Gregory's legendary trash-can basketball skills and invites him to a pick-up game. It’s a small detail, but it’s huge for Gregory’s character development.
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Honestly, we need more of this. It’s rare to see a show focus on healthy, low-stakes male friendships that just... exist.
What to Expect for O'Shon in Season 5
Is he sticking around? Yes.
Set photos and reports from 2025 confirm that Matthew Law is returning for Abbott Elementary Season 5. Fans have been speculating about where his relationship with Ava is going. Are they the new "It Couple"? Probably not in the traditional sense. Ava doesn't do "traditional."
But seeing her navigate a real relationship with someone as emotionally intelligent as O’Shon is going to be hilarious and probably a little bit heartwarming. We might even see him coaching a rec league team at Abbott, which would bring even more of that "district guy" energy to the school grounds.
Breaking Down the Matthew Law Career Path
If you're new to his work, here’s a quick look at where else you’ve seen him:
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- The Oval (BET): He played Kareem Richardson for over 100 episodes. That’s where he really honed his ability to handle fast-paced, high-stakes drama.
- Ahsoka (Disney+): Playing Captain Porter allowed him to flex his sci-fi muscles.
- Based on a True Story (Peacock): He joined the cast for Season 2, playing Nick.
- This Is Me... Now (Jennifer Lopez): He had a role as "The Cynic" in JLo’s musical film.
He’s also busy with a new Netflix series called Nemesis, where he stars alongside Y’Lan Noel. The man is booked and busy.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with Matthew Law and his role in the Abbott-verse, here is what you should do:
- Watch Season 4, Episode 11 ("Strike"): This is the definitive O'Shon episode if you want to see his chemistry with the rest of the cast beyond just Ava.
- Follow His Filmmaking: Law is a vocal advocate for mental health and storytelling. Check out his "True Story" series of short films to see his work behind the camera.
- Keep an eye on Season 5: The show is leaning into the "District" side of things more, which means O’Shon (and hopefully more IT-related chaos) is here to stay.
The brilliance of O’Shon is that he’s the "normal" guy in a world of eccentrics. He provides the perfect foil for Ava’s ego and a much-needed friend for Gregory’s social awkwardness. Matthew Law has managed to take a recurring role and make it feel essential to the fabric of the show.
Next Steps for Your Abbott Obsession:
Keep an eye out for the upcoming Season 5 "Ballgame" episode, which is rumored to feature O'Shon prominently alongside the main cast. You should also look for his directorial work if you're interested in how he's shaping stories for Black men in Hollywood today. Law is proving that whether it's Star Wars or a public school in Philly, he's a presence that's hard to ignore.