Abbott Elementary (2021-) (Abbott) is charming, chaotic, and colourful. It has everything a mockumentary series needs: running gags, one-liners, vibrant characters, and stellar holiday specials packed into 20 minute episodes across four seasons. The series focuses on an underfunded and underappreciated career path as it follows a handful of teachers in West Philadelphia who navigate their lives with humour and a whole lot of heart. It’s the ultimate comfort show.
Abbott centres around a diverse cast of characters: unprofessional — yet capable — principal, Ava Coleman (Janelle James), young teachers like Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson), who make mistakes despite trying their best. Then there are the seasoned professionals, such as Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and finally, the distinguished janitor Mr. Johnson (William Stanford Davis).
Despite where these staff members are in their careers and how different they are from each other, what unites them all is their love for the students. From the regular school day to after-hours programs, these educators give just about everything they have to make sure the public school system does not fail the next generation.
The appreciation for teachers is evident throughout, and it helps that the series’ creator — Quinta Brunson — was inspired to create the show based on her mother’s career as an educator.
The sitcom represents the many challenges of working in a public school system, from an obstinate district to overly-invested parents. While there are over-exaggerations of conflicts in the plot for comedic effect, such as a parent-teacher brawl in season four, viewers have to keep in mind that it is fiction. Despite the aims of Abbott intending to portray the teaching experience fully, it ultimately comes from a script.
Conversely, the show excels at remaining socially and culturally relevant by highlighting themes and issues of identity, maintaining boundaries, family dynamics, and the sacrifices that come with being an educator.
Abbott Elementary is silly and whimsical, but it’s also honest about the struggles educators face, whether that be considering retirement or having to get new rugs for their classrooms. The series provides an insight to the reality of being a teacher — no matter how dedicated you are, things can still go wrong, but there are always people that can help.
Hilarious high jinks ensue, but the show makes sure to highlight quiet moments too. There are battles with bureaucracy which coincide with reassuring conversations between co-workers. The series impressively balances both the professional and personal lives of the characters.
With the show’s fifth season coming soon, Abbott has not lost its spark. Its integrity remains intact with each new season, but additions of new conflicts and resolutions make sure that no season falls short. The central theme of working in education and how to be a good educator intermingles with sub-plots which not only make for an enjoyable viewing experience, but also give the characters — main and recurring — more personality.
Abbott does what a sitcom ought to do. It makes viewers laugh, maybe even cry, and ensures that a common, yet underrated path in life is celebrated. Abbott, in its own quirky way, is a love letter to public education.
If you haven’t seen Abbott Elementary I implore you to give it a chance, especially those of you aspiring to become teachers. It’s the essential guide for teaching in this decade. Don’t just take my word for it, the series’ critical acclaim speaks for itself with 30 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and four wins.
So, toss those books to the side and turn on the TV instead, because you may learn something from Abbott Elementary.
