Key Facts
Matt Cornett, best known for his role as E.J. Caswell in Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, has transitioned to a romantic lead in Prime Video's new series Every Year After. The show, set in Barry's Bay, premiered in 2026 and has already been renewed for a second season. Cornett stars alongside Sadie Soverall, playing Sam Florek, the first love of her character Percy.
From East High to Barry's Bay
Cornett's career began with guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Southland, Criminal Minds, The Middle, and Life in Pieces. In 2016, he won a Young Artist Award for his recurring role on the Nickelodeon sitcom Bella and the Bulldogs. However, his breakout came with Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, where he acted alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, and Sofia Wylie. He also played an alien named A-Lan in the third installment of Disney's Zombies franchise.
Seeking Challenging Roles
Despite his success with Disney, Cornett expressed a desire for more emotionally demanding roles. In a 2026 interview with Grumpy Magazine, he said, "I've done a lot of stuff with Disney, and they're so great, goofy, fun, silly, and so awesome. But I've never really gotten to do something where I had to tap into an emotional level of myself and Sam. I really am excited for people to see that different side of my abilities."
What's Next for Matt Cornett?
Every Year After has been renewed for Season 2, which will be based on Carley Fortune's book One Golden Summer. This season will explore the love story of Sam's older brother, Charlie. Before returning to Barry's Bay, Cornett will star in the summer comedy Bad Counselors, playing a frat boy who, after committing a crime, pretends to be a Christian camp counselor to fulfill community service. The film will have a limited theatrical release from July 22 to July 27, 2026.
Impact and Reader Takeaways
Cornett's career trajectory highlights a shift from family-friendly Disney roles to more mature, emotionally complex characters. His performance in Every Year After demonstrates his range as an actor, and the show's early renewal indicates strong audience reception. For fans of romantic dramas, this series is a must-watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Matt Cornett?
Matt Cornett is an actor known for his breakout role as E.J. Caswell in Disney's High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. He now stars as Sam Florek in Prime Video's Every Year After.
What is Every Year After about?
Every Year After is a Prime Video series set in Barry's Bay, following the love story between Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) and Percy (Sadie Soverall). The show has been renewed for a second season.
What other projects has Matt Cornett been in?
Cornett has appeared in Zombies 3, Nickelodeon's Bella and the Bulldogs, and guest roles on Criminal Minds and The Middle. He also stars in the upcoming film Bad Counselors.
When does Bad Counselors release?
Bad Counselors will have a limited theatrical release from July 22 to July 27, 2026.