Top 10 Reasons You Should Be Watching Abbott Elementary
#10: The Engaging Premise
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“Abbott Elementary” was created by Quinta Brunson, who also plays the central protagonist, second-grade teacher Janine Teagues. The mockumentary-style show follows the staff at the predominantly Black titular public school in Philadelphia. They balance navigating the bureaucracy of the educational system, teaching the next generation, and dealing with their own lives – all while talking to a camera crew. We follow their day-to-day as they do so, which may sound mundane at first. But the truth is that their relatively ordinary lives and jobs are full of incredibly captivating responsibilities and challenges. There’s never a dull moment at Abbott Elementary School, which explains why critics and audiences alike have been raving about the series since it premiered!
#9: It Has Immense Potential
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The show only premiered in 2021, so it’s still in its infancy. Yet despite the relatively small sample size, it already feels like lightning in a bottle. Each episode stays true to the show’s essence while also bringing new narrative elements to the fore, which is no small feat. While many programs quickly grow stale, there seems to be no shortage of important stories to tell here. We can easily see “Abbott Elementary” running for years without ever getting old, which is a rarity. We only hope that one day, there’ll be seasons on end to rewatch!
#8: The Great Relationships
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There’s no doubt that the people who make up a workplace – and how they get along with one another – are what give it life. Naturally, the bonds between the characters in this sitcom act in the same capacity. And we’re not just talking about romance, though there’s definitely some interesting pieces at play on that front. It’s also about the professional rapports and friendships that begin to blossom. The relationships among the staff are layered and always developing. From chemistry between co-workers to the dynamics at play between different generations of educators, there’s a lot of great material to unpack.
#7: The Young Kids
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Having Abbott be an elementary school is bold insofar as it’s an uncommon choice. Thankfully, something truly special emerges when you feature younger cohorts. And the decision to do so was a very deliberate one. Quinta Brunson has spoken about how this allowed them to either bring the kids into focus or have them act in a more secondary capacity. While the students aren't the focus of the show, they're still a big part of it. They infuse it with an energy that’s simply unmatched, and act as the perfect complement to the series by keeping the teachers on their toes! Brunson called the setting an “untapped playground,” and boy is it fun to watch what she does with it!
#6: Quinta Brunson Was Inspired by Her Own Life
Brunson’s early years gave her everything she needed to make “Abbott Elementary” amazing. She grew up with a mother who was a teacher, which gave her an inside look at the job and its many challenges. As for how the creator and star came up with the name of the school where the show takes place? That came from her own life too. In the sixth grade, she had an exceptional teacher named Ms. Abbott. The educator was always there for the kids in her classroom, going above and beyond for them. Clearly, her efforts paid off! The way Brunson roots the show in reality makes it authentic, which in turn enriches the viewing experience in immeasurable ways.
#5: The Compelling Characters
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Every single staff member at Abbott Elementary is an invaluable part of the team. It starts with Janine, who’s determined to make things better, and does her best to stay optimistic no matter what. And she’s surrounded by iconic colleagues. Just look at Barbara, who has a wealth of experience, or Melissa, who always tells it like it is. There’s also Jacob, who means well but is slightly awkward, and Gregory, the substitute who’s figuring himself out. Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention Principal Ava, who isn’t exactly qualified, but is hilarious and chaotic. The characters are real, complex, relatable, and just plain funny. They all bring something unique – and irreplaceable – to the table. We can’t imagine a better group to root for!
#4: It's Hilarious & Uplifting
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It's safe to say that sometimes, when things are feeling especially bleak, we all just need something fun to watch. “Abbott Elementary” is the perfect show to put on in those – or any other – instances. Granted, the characters deal with many obstacles, and finding solutions isn’t always simple. But there's an infectious humor and positivity that runs throughout the episodes. We guarantee you'll feel energized after each viewing, and will find yourself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. This feel-good masterpiece seamlessly blends comedy with heart, and is sure to make your day better. If that’s not worth an A+, we’re not sure what is.
#3: It's Reminiscent of "The Office" Without Copying It
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If you've been looking for something to fill the Michael Scott-shaped hole in your heart, consider your search complete. As you now know, "Abbott Elementary" is a mockumentary-style workplace comedy. That sounds familiar, right? It has the humor, the talking heads, and those iconic camera glances. Yet it'll never seem like you're watching a derivative carbon copy of "The Office" – or any other show. While it channels those hilarious tropes and narrative devices, the series has its own identity. So you can find the comfort you get from your favorite sitcoms while also feeling like you're in new – and exciting – territory. “Abbott” honors its predecessors and offers up something unique at the same time. In other words, it’s a recipe for success.
#2: The Representation
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Speaking of "The Office" and other similar workplace comedies, "Abbott Elementary" has one crucial thing that most of them lack: representation. The series depicts fully realized people of color, specifically Black people, as the central protagonists. They're not sidekicks. Instead, they drive the story with depth, emotion, and humor. The fact that Janine, a Black woman, is at the center of the story? That’s not something we see often in mainstream media. As such, the show’s landscape feels true to life. This sort of positive visibility has arguably been missing from the comedy space for a long time, and we're glad the gap is finally starting to be filled.
#1: It Tackles Important Issues
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By showcasing a public school with mainly Black staff and students, the series is able to take on a whole host of topical problems. “Abbott” sheds light on many difficult realities in a digestible – and engaging – manner. For instance, it humanizes the class divide by demonstrating what actually happens when schools are underfunded. It also isn’t afraid to explore topics like the role of technology in the classroom. Importantly, the show handles each issue with care and nuance. And through these storylines, it also emphasizes the lengths teachers go to in order to provide for their students. So while you’ll undoubtedly be laughing, you’ll also gain a better understanding of – and appreciation for – what it means to be an educator.
