created by Quinta Brunson, 2021-present
Abbott Elementary is by far the most beloved show of this year. It was recommended to me by a million people and is up for a whole slew of awards this season. However, I thought I would offer some insight into what makes everyone fall in love with it.
Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary sitcom in the style of a few extremely popular shows (The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family, to name a few). This particular series centers on the teachers at Abbott Elementary School, an under-funded school in Philadelphia. Although not given the best resources, the teachers are passionate about their jobs and the kids they teach, and do their best to give them the best education possible.
As with any good sitcom, the greatest part of this series is the characters, specifically the teachers. The main character is Janine Teagues, played by the show’s creator, Quinta Brunson. She is a Leslie Knope-type character in that she is incredibly enthusiastic and optimistic, but she is written with, in my opinion, more dimension. This makes her feel more like a real person than a character. She loves her job and the kids she teaches, but isn’t blinded by her optimism. She is an intelligent and strong individual, which makes her more sympathetic and allows everyone to root for her.
The other teachers are all a little more stubborn and pessimistic than Janine, and Janine teaches them all to have a little more hope and happiness in their career. Janine also learns from these other teachers, since she is a new teacher and learns how to navigate her career from the more seasoned teachers at the school. There is also the principal, Ms. Coleman, who offers comedic relief to an already hilarious show, and always adds more fun to a scene. The different attitudes of each staff member make for great dialogue that consists of amazing jokes, despite seeming like normal conversation.
The series’s aesthetic is adorable and wholesome. It is shown on ABC, so is destined to be wholesome, but this series takes it a step further by being centered around an elementary school. Despite the series starring adults, it doesn’t need inappropriate behavior or dirty jokes to be funny. Although I appreciate inappropriate humor as much as the next person, it is still very impressive when a series can be so funny and still completely appropriate for kids. To me, the tone and aesthetic aligns the most with Parks and Rec. The cheery attitude of the main character, along with the reluctant enthusiasm from the rest of the staff, makes for a light and happy tone, and the bright colors of the set design add even more to the positivity of the series. I feel happy at the end of every episode.
The series is definitely rewatchable. It is definitely as high in quality as the most popular shows of its kind. In the same way that a person will rewatch The Office eight times in a row, I’m sure many people will start Abbott Elementary over as soon as it is finished. I highly recommend this series to fans of the sitcom, and anyone that enjoys a happy comedy. I look forward to many more seasons in the coming years!
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