Can’t miss it! Abbott Elementary is everywhere. This hilarious mockumentary sitcom is taking the world by storm. Created by Quinta Brunson for ABC, it follows a group of dedicated teachers in an underfunded Philadelphia school.
This hilarious mockumentary, featuring surprise appearances by celebrities, is a critical darling! It racked up 15 Emmy nominations and even won Outstanding Lead Actress for Quinta Brunson. Plus, Abbott Elementary took home 3 Golden Globes in 2023, including Best Comedy Series and awards for Brunson and Tyler James Williams’ acting. It might only have a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but for me, it’s a perfect 100!
The celebrity guests stars on the show have been pretty iconic like; Bradley Copper, Taraji P Henson, Ayo Edebiri, Andre ‘Iggy’ Iguodala, Vincent Staples, Leslie Odom Jr., Lana Condor, Cree Summers, Sabrina Wu and several others.
It’s gold. It’s hilarious while highlighting a serious issue, lack of funding for US schools, without beating you over the head with it. The writers here wield subtlety well, and they have finesse. You can tell this show has black writers, things have nuance here.
a fan
PLOT: Williard R Abbott Elementary School is a predominantly Black Philadelphia public school where a documentary crew is recording the lives of teachers working in underfunded, mismanaged schools. Conditions at the school are harsh and so most teachers quit after their second year. Optimistic second-grade teacher, Janine is determined to help her students despite the circumstances. She works with awkward, good-intentioned history teacher, Jacob, experienced, no-nonsense kindergarten teacher, Barbara, and experienced second-grade teacher Melissa, Barbara’s close friend who has questionable connections. They are joined by new school principal Ava who is tone-deaf, unqualified and uninvested recent substitute, Gregory who was rejected after applying for the position of principal.
CAST: Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, Sheryl Lee Ralph and William Stratford Davis.
If you have seen it, then you must know how great it is, but if you haven’t, here are five episodes to watch if you want to get into the show.
1. Season Three, Episode Four: “Smoking”
Written by Jordan Temple
Synopsis; After a student is caught smoking, the staff come together to revamp the outdated drug policy, Janine tries to prep the new substitute teacher for her class, but finds it challenging to give up her former role.
My Thoughts: The episode was funny from the beginning to the end and every actor embodied their characters so well as usual. The guest stars were Sabrina Brier, a popular face on TikTok as Jessca and Casey Fry, who is popular on Youtube as Timothy. I am appreciative of the fact that Quinta; my fellow short queen and her team are giving room for talented people who blow up on social media on the show.
2. Season One, Episode One: “Pilot”
Written by Quinta Brunson
My Thoughts: This is the first episode where the viewers are introduced to the characters and to what the show will be like. One of the indicators that a series will be nice is from the first episode and this one was fantastic.
3. Seasons One-Three, Every Episode with Zach Fox
My Thoughts: Zachary Fox who is an American stand up comedian, rapper, writer, actor, illustrator and internet personality, that plays Tariq; Janine’s witty, up-to-no-good ex boyfriend. He was meant to be a one- off character but he is now a recurring character, playing the role with so much finesse. He is just a character you can’t help but love while watching the show.
4. Season Three, Episode One-Two: “Career Day”
Written by Quinta Brunson
Synopsis; When Janine proposes an idea of a career day for the school, a trio of district representatives take notice of the ambition and they offer her a job alongside them. The teachers panic when Ava becomes competent at her job. Four months later, Janine returns to Abbott for the career day she organised, much to her uncomfortable re-encounter with Gregory. Meanwhile, Gary plans a proposal to Melissa, despite her insistence on not getting married. Guest stars; Jalen Hurts, Brandon Graham and Jalson Kelce, members of the Philadelphia Eagles.
My Thoughts: The season started with Janine not being a teacher and I don’t know how I feel about her new job and coworkers, but her growth in various areas is something to look forward to. Ava also tried to be good at her job, and I honestly don’t know which one is worse; good boss Ava or bad boss Ava?
5. Season Two, Episode Twenty-One: “Mom”
Written by Ava Coleman
Synopsis; Janine’s plan for a memorial day weekend solo trip is derailed when her mother shows up unannounced asking for help. Gregory notices his colleagues are great at small talk and realises he needs to brush up on his people skills.
My Thoughts: We finally meet Janine’s infamous mom and she is Taraji P Henson!!!! Meeting her mom explains quite a lot about Janine’s character. One thing amidst other things I admire about the show is that beside the fact that it is a Black workplace comedy show, they still discuss topics like trauma, relationships, history, among other great topics. Here we can see how Janinie’s mom personality influenced Janine even in the smallest ways. I hope we get to see more of her character.
Abbott Elementary’s third season is almost done and it has also been renewed for a fourth season, so there are so many episodes for you to catch up on. I only wish for many more milestones for the show. It is available on Hulu.
Check out the show today and be part of the cool team!!!
euphoria 
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