In the mood for comedy? How about a new feel-good show? The new ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary is just the thing for you!
Abbott Elementary is a sitcom about elementary school teachers in the Philadelphia public school system. The show follows the mockumentary and workplace-style sitcoms of The Office and Parks and Recreation.
The show brings a few familiar faces to network television. Tyler James Williams, the newest substitute teacher and aspiring principal Greg, is no stranger to network television as the former star of the hit family sitcom Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009). Melissa, a surly yet kind-hearted teacher, is played by Lisa Ann Walter, best known for her role as Chessy from The Parent Trap (1998). Janelle James, a writer, comedian, and actress livens the show with her take on the hilariously incompetent boss for her character Ava.
Abbott Elementary also showcases the talents of new up-and-coming stars, most notably, the creator and star of the show, Quinta Brunson. As a former content creator at Buzzfeed, Brunson’s humor has easily transitioned from the Internet stage to network television. Brunson created the show with inspiration from her own mother, who has taught in the Philadelphia public school system for several years and inspiring teachers who made an immense impact on her own life. Brunson’s character, Janine, is a young teacher with no more than a few years under her teaching belt navigating the education system and contributing to the community she grew up in.
As a fan of comedy, it feels like we’ve been waiting far too long for Abbott Elementary. There are only so many times you can rewatch The Office, Parks and Recreation, or even Community. What makes Abbott Elementary so special is that it takes the elements of the aforementioned shows comedy fans love so much and incorporates them into a show that addresses real issues that teachers, and often unexplored demographic in television, face.
It resonates even more in the age of the Coronavirus pandemic because issues in education are at the forefront of our social consciousness, and this show offers an insight into some of the experiences that many educators have. Despite covering complex social issues connected to teaching and inner-city child development, the show manages to be extremely lighthearted and hilarious. Ever since the pandemic, we’ve seen a cutback on entertainment production and the content produced, so little of it is humorous or cheerful, so it’s refreshing to see a show like this one.
Abbott Elementary has a lot of potential. It seems like the kind of show that could run on for several more seasons. It has already cultivated a dedicated fanbase online who, without a doubt, would tune in as long as the show continues to be on air. In addition, we’ve come to love many of the troped from prior shows live on with a refreshing take on Abbott Elementary including the pining coworkers that fall in love, the hilariously incompetent boss, and the ragtag group of friends that become a found family.
The chemistry and talent of Janine and Greg are reminiscent of The Office’s Jim and Pam or Parks and Rec’s Leslie and Ben, and many fans can’t wait to see how these characters develop in the future. The actors have great chemistry, and their characters are so obviously meant to be together, but watching the slow burn of their relationship develop will make it all the more interesting to watch.
Janelle James is also a refreshing comedic talent, especially as the incompetent boss reminiscent of Steve Carell’s Michael Scott in The Office. One thing about Abbott Elementary’s take on the incompetent boss is that Ava has redeeming qualities and moments that demonstrate that just because she is bad at her job doesn’t translate to incompetence in her personal life. While it may be an unfair comparison as The Office is an older show with jokes that haven’t stood the test of time, it’s much more enjoyable to see a character who knows when to play around and take things seriously.
Abbott Elementary wouldn’t be the same without its diverse range of characters. The ragtag group of misfits of previous sitcoms is evident in this show. Still, it translates exceptionally well in the setting of public education because they all come together for a common purpose of educating and supporting the next generation of young Philadelphians.
Quinta Brunson has brought a fresh perspective to network comedy that has been empty for some time. Her originality and exceptional humor brought many, including myself, to start watching Abbott Elementary, and with time I know it will be what makes us continue to watch for seasons to come.
Featured Image by Francessca Conde